Nebraska Trucker Issue 5 2018 -- Hannah & Wylee Anderson, W.L. Anderson Livestock & Grain LLC

Volume 80 Number 5 | 2018

$3.95 Value

The Official Magazine of the Nebraska Trucking Association

Wylee & Hannah
Anderson

W.L. Anderson Livestock
& Grain, LLC

PLATOONING Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 1

2018 FALL
MANAGEMENT
CONFERENCE

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

nebtrucking.com

Check out our new RDOTRUCKCENTER.COM
location coming soon at
13924 Valley Ridge Drive in Omaha!

OMAHA, NE LINCOLN, NE LEXINGTON, NE NORFOLK, NE

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2 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018 nebtrucking.com

NEBRASKA TRUCKER

CONTENTS

VOLUME 80, NUMBER 5 • 2018

FEATURES

On the Cover: 14

WYLEE ANDERSON’S BUSINESS

& HOBBY ARE THE SAME: TRUCKS

An inside look at the family behind W.L. Anderson

Livestock & Grain, LLC

BY STEVE BRAWNER

PLATOONING - IS IT THE NEXT 7
BIG THING IN TRUCKING?

BY STEVE BRAWNER

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA 11

Professional truck drivers clamor to deliver loads
of wreaths for a worthy cause

BY TODD TRAUB

CALL ON WASHINGTON 23

BY NTA STAFF

2018 NTA FALL MANAGEMENT 20
CONFERENCE

NEW SECTION: OUT & ABOUT 24

Nebraska Trucking Association leaders and staff
share stories of their travels and experiences
around the state when attending special events
and to touring members’ facilities.

BY NTA STAFF

DEPARTMENTS

Chairman’s Letter: by Scott Romans...................................................... 5
President’s Perspective: by Kent Grisham............................................ 6
NTA Board of Directors............................................................................ 6
Along the Route....................................................................................... 25
Coming Attractions................................................................................. 26
Advertiser Resource Index................................................................... 26

IMAGES OF WYLEE & HANNAH ANDERSON Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 3
ON COVER AND WYLEE ANDERSON ON
THIS PAGE BY THOMAS GRADY.

nebtrucking.com

4 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018 nebtrucking.com

Nebraska Trucker is owned by Truck Services, Inc., and is CHAIRMAN’S
published bimonthly by Matthews Publishing Group. For LETTER
additional copies, to order reprints of individual articles
or to become a subscriber, contact Sheila O’Connor at Greetings from Omaha!
402.476.8504 ext. 105.
As Chairman of the NTA, it’s important for me to
publisher remember that I lead an organization built on some unique
Jennifer Matthews-Drake diversities. There is a wide variety of motor carriers that
Matthews Published Group, LLC make up our membership. Truckload, and LTLs. Big
[email protected] carriers, to small fleets and even owner-operators. And
of course, there is every kind of trailer configuration
art director represented in our membership; far too many to list here.
Douglas J. Benjamin But we add to our diversities by linking arms with our allied members.
[email protected] They range from A, for Accounting Services, to W, for Worker’s Compensation
associate art director companies, with everything in between. I’m sure someday we will have something
in the Ys and Zs.
C. Waynette Traub Those allied members invest a great deal of money, time and talent into our
[email protected] Association.
As I think about the next 10 months or so of my term as Chairman, it is my
photographers sincere hope that we can paint a great picture of unity growing from all our
Kristian Anderson diversities. You’ll often hear me refer to my company as a Mom and Pop operation.
Of course, my “Pop,” a former chairman of the NTA as well, is still very much a
Thomas Grady part of our company. You might assume that my company would have very little in
Callie Tuck Knapp common with a major, publicly-traded carrier like Werner Enterprises. But you’d be
wrong.
Kaylie Sirek There are many more issues and concerns that unite us all, compared to what
contributing writers divides us, whether we are a motor carrier or an allied member. We all worry
about our growing tax bills and burdensome regulations. Changes to worker’s
Steve Brawner compensation laws, health insurance regulations, environmental concerns, and even
Renee Miller the price of fuels all push and pull on the bottom line of our businesses.
Jennifer Barnett Reed It’s because of issues like these that we have the Nebraska Trucking Association.
Derek Rayment We gather under that common banner to advocate for our industry, promote safety
John Schultz and good citizenship to our members, and to show the rest of the world why we, as
Angela Thomas a united industry, are a vital part of their lives.
Todd Traub So, let’s make our theme for 2019 be one simple word – unity. And on behalf of
everyone on the leadership team of the NTA, I hope that your holidays are blessed
www.nebtrucking.com and joyful.
President
Until next time,
Kent Grisham Scott Romans
[email protected]
Business and Human Resources Manager Romans Motor Freight
Chairman, Nebraska Trucking Association
Angela Ryba
[email protected] Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 5

Executive Assistant
April Tilden

[email protected]

Nebraska Trucking Association is a statewide trade
association for commercial truck and bus operators and
affiliated businesses. It is a not-for-profit association
governed by a board of directors elected annually.
Nebraska Trucking is an affiliate of the American Trucking
Association (ATA). ATA serves and represents the trucking
industry on a national level, influencing federal and state
government actions, advancing positive trucking industry
image, providing education programs and industry
research, and promoting highway safety and security.

For more information, contact
Nebraska Trucking Association:

1701 K Street
P.O. Box 81010
Lincoln, NE 68501
Phone 402.476.8504 Fax: 402.476.8570
nebtrucking.com

nebtrucking.com

PRESIDENT’S Nebraska Trucking Association
PERSPECTIVE Executive Committee 2017-18

On Thanksgiving and Unity CHAIRMAN
SCOTT ROMANS
Once again, I find myself thankful for the opportunity Romans Motor Freight
to represent the trucking industry in Nebraska as NTA’s
President. I’m thankful that our NTA is strong and among VICE CHAIR
the best trucking associations in the country, as shown by CRYSTAL ANDERSON
recent surveys distributed by the ATA. I’m thankful because Donald D. Anderson, Jr. Trucking
you, our members, keep us so. And I’m thankful that our
great state is one that embraces our industry and recognizes how essential trucking is TREASURER
to the health and security of every Nebraskan. BRENT FALGIONE
Greater Omaha Express LLC
I’m also thankful to have recently had the opportunity to attend the ATA’s
Management Conference and Exhibition. Nebraska was very well represented at CORPORATE SECRETARY
this premier event for trucking companies and the people who lead them. Crete TIM ASCHOFF
Carrier Corporation’s chairman and CEO, Tonn Ostergard, led a panel discussion on
infrastructure. The panel discussed the ever-increasing costs inflicted on truckers by Crete Carrier Corporation
our congested and deteriorating roads and highways and how those costs stand to
surpass anything related to an increase in the fuel tax. Ostergard reminded us that, AT-LARGE DIRECTORS
“The fuel tax is not a tax – it is an investment.” Werner Enterprises was awarded a TIM MCCORMICK
Mike Russel Trucking Image Award for its success in fostering pride in the industry
and supporting its employees. I visited with several other Nebraska trucking leaders Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc.
at the meeting, making it clear that we are a state that matters. TERRY MCMULLEN

Of course, we cannot forget our native Nebraskan and “favorite son” Chris Spear, AIT Worldwide Logistics
President of the ATA. Spear issued a call to collaboration and unity in our industry BOB WINTER
long before the first votes in the election were counted. He announced a new Inde- Distribution Inc.
pendent Contractors Ambassadors Program. As he said, “For those who chose this BOB WYNNE
profession, you need a voice.” Working together, Spear pledged to help the industry
succeed in addressing opening driving opportunities to young drivers, fixing the Wynne Transportation Services, Inc.
federal meal and rest break preemption issue, leading on safety and productivity of
autonomous vehicles, and securing an infrastructure plan. Tall orders, one and all. STATE VICE PRESIDENT TO ATA
But I am confident that Chris has the “Go Big Red!” spirit to lead his team to victory. ERICH HELGE

Yep. I was thankful to be on hand for all of that. And I’m anxious to continue the Seward Motor Freight Inc.
work, with each and every one of you, to keep trucking in Nebraska safe, strong and
profitable. ALTERNATIVE STATE VICE PRESIDENT TO ATA
TREVOR AIDEN
Regards,
Kent Grisham Brown Transfer Company LLC
President & CEO
Nebraska Trucking Association PAST CHAIR
[email protected] MARY DAVIE
Flatbed Express
6 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Don Adams Chris Klotz *
Dean Aden * Tom Koenigs
Trevor Aden Jean Kurtenbach *
Steve Aherns Heidi Loop
George Akerson * Mike Maloley
Crystal Anderson Jamie Maus
Tim Aschoff Terry McMullen
Blaine Batten Ron Mencl
Dennis Bauder Lloyd Mettenbrink *
David Billings Trey Mytty
Joanie M. Bogers Scott Olson
Kurt Brown Tonn Ostergard *
Butch Brown * Dave Parker *
Bob Clark * Jack Peetz *
Eldon Dokter * Dick Pierson *
Eric Downing Tom Pirnie *
Dwight Dunsworth * Gene Quandt
Dave Erlandson Dick Reiser *
Brent Falgione Greg Reitmeier *
Ross Faubel Norm Riffel
Corby Flagle Scott Romans
Hugh Fugleberg * Ronald Romans *
Michael Galvin John Sahling
Norman Geiken Roger Schmidt
Rick Gomel Russell Stough
Tom Hastings Danny Tompkins **
Mark Hauptman
Erich Helge Nick Vuko
Mike Herre * Dave Walde
Curt Werner
Albert Hill Jerry Wessel
Phillip Holliday Bob Winter *
Brian Wood
Dan Hurt Bob Wynne
Don Kaiser Rallen R. Zeitner
Larry Kersten
Jerry Kilthau

* PAST CHAIRMAN
** PAST CHAIRMAN TWICE

nebtrucking.com

Platooning - Is It the
Next Big Thing in Trucking?

BY STEVE BRAWNER Efficiency will assist Peloton with real world ing distance in a platoon is 50-80 feet, with
Contributing Writer testing involving four trucks, two of which will benefits found at distances of 100 feet or more.
be platooning at any one time. According to Following distances of closer than 40 feet have
Platooning – the fuel-saving technology Mike Roeth, NACFE executive director, the not been advantageous because of turbulence,
that allows one truck to follow closely behind tests involve fuel economy and other factors, he said.
another safely – could become available as a such as the percent of time spent platooning
commercial product during the first half of and when the trucks disconnect. The company’s Network Operations Cloud
2019. approves each platoon, allowing them only
Peleton says the trailing truck will enjoy 10 in safe conditions. The system measures the
That’s a projection offered by Steve Boyd, percent fuel savings, while the lead truck’s sav- weight of the trucks and assigns the heaviest
co-founder and vice president of external ings will be 4.5 percent, for an average overall truck to the front. It also can notify drivers of
affairs for Peloton, a leader in the platooning savings of about 7 percent. Boyd said Peloton potential platooning opportunities based on
segment. expects a one-year payback for each truck. locations and expected routes.

The company, which was started in 2013, Roeth said NACFE estimates an aver- Peloton is working with three of the four
is performing closed-course and on-road age overall fuel economy savings of about 4 major truck manufacturers – the exception
operational testing of its PlatoonPro product. percent, or about $2,000 per truck per year, in being Daimler Trucks North America, which
The company has begun operations in Texas real-world situations. That’s assuming a truck is developing its own system. Derek Rotz,
working with manufacturers, suppliers and is in a platooning configuration 75 percent of Daimler’s director of advanced engineering,
fleets. It has interest from some of the coun- the time running 110,000 miles per year and said the company has been conducting braking
try’s largest and most recognizable fleets, getting seven miles per gallon while burning tests, including emergency braking and “safety
which it will name during the first half of 2019. fuel costing $3.50 a gallon. Upfront costs critical scenarios,” at its proving grounds in
The first generation will pair two trucks at a should be affordable because the trucks must Oregon and on a closed track in Texas. Rotz
time, but three-truck configurations could be already be equipped with automatic braking said the company has been testing safety and
deployable. and advanced cruise control.
Continues 
The North American Council for Freight Peloton’s Boyd said the typical follow-

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 7

fuel efficiency at distances closer than 100 feet. gains were “not as high as expected.” He said so and already work together or at least know
“While some improved fuel efficiency is a it “might not be the holy grail we initially each other. Those arrangements could begin in
thought. Therefore, I am a little bit critical of 2020. The delay is a business process issue, not
possible advantage in utilizing a pairing sys- platooning today.” But he added that the com- a technology one. Over time, when there are
tem, safety is the key consideration,” he said in pany is continuing to test the technology.  more systems in the marketplace, there could
a statement sent to Nebraska Trucker. be broader ad hoc platooning involving small
Boyd said the initial deployments of fleets and owner-operators pairing with each
According to the Oct. 8 Transport Topics, other on the fly.

With the technology largely developed, many NACFE’s Roeth said the technology is a
of the major obstacles remaining are legal and good option for large fleets with many trucks
regulatory. No changes to federal rules are and even for medium-sized fleets with trucks
needed, but some state laws make platooning moving in the same direction. Others, how-
either less effective or completely impossible. ever, might stand back and watch. Whether
individual drivers will ever want to pair with
at the recent IAA Commercial Vehicles show Peloton’s system will focus on intra-fleet a stranger on the road remains to be seen, but
in Hanover, Germany, Martin Daum, head operations. Future deployments will allow that’s an issue that can be determined later.
of Daimler AG’s trucks and buses division, more cross-fleet operations, starting with a few
said platooning tests showed fuel efficiency fleets that have expressed an interest in doing “You think about part of the reason why
truckers become truckers, right, is they want
to be on their own,” he said. “They want to be
independent and out on the road by them-
selves, and now you’re talking about linking
up and kind of dating one another for a while.
And then there’s the other just basic concerns
around is the driver capable, and what’s he like

bauerbuilt.com FREMONT, NE

8 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018 2547 W 23rd Dr
402-753-2979

GRAND ISLAND, NE

3334 W Cougar Dr
308-382-8167

LEXINGTON, NE

2810 Heartland Dr
308-324-4881

LINCOLN, NE

7800 N 56
402-464-7800

NORFOLK, NE

2200 S Highway 81
402-379-4494

OMAHA, NE

7728 F St
402-331-1999

nebtrucking.com

or she like and then what’s the equipment like? tooning is something that we have asked them follow at a “reasonable and prudent” distance.
Has it been maintained and all that?” not to do over the last 50 years in trucking, The rest do require a certain distance. Nebras-
and so there’s got to be a level of education and ka’s is 100 feet, but some states have distances
He said NACFE has interviewed drivers understanding as to when you can do this and as long as 500 feet.
who said the technology was sort of like earlier when you can’t do this,” he said.
driver assistive technologies such as cruise In 2018, Nebraska passed a sweeping
control and automatic transmission. At first Peloton’s Boyd said fleet drivers already autonomous vehicle law that opened the state
drivers felt less in control, but they adapted. work as teams, departing at about the same up for almost every kind of automation, except
times each day. Many package carriers, LTL for platooning. The state’s minimum following
Brake manufacturer Bendix has been fleets and even some truckload fleets have distance blocked any deployment of platoon-
working with Peloton to develop the tech- trucks traveling together. While drivers might ing. Kent Grisham, president of the Nebraska
nology. Fred Andersky, director of customer be dispatched with spacing between them, Trucking Association said, “Platooning is
solutions for Bendix’s controls group, also they end up driving in close proximity and definitely on our legislative radar for the up-
questions how often inter-fleet operations will taking lunch breaks and coffee breaks together. coming session. We’re prepared to support and
happen. He believes liability concerns will be assist with getting such a bill passed.” Adam
the primary roadblock. If there is an acci- “We find that this actually builds on Healy, Peleton’s external affairs manager, said
dent, who will be at fault? Also, the relatively existing teamwork that’s out there today and the company hopes to get the statutory clear-
small fuel savings gained from driving in the that not all truck drivers are lone wolf solo ance in 2019, and that “initial conversations
forward truck position may not be worth the operators,” he said. have been pretty good.” The company says
downsides of having to pair with another Nebraska would be a good state for platooning
truck. With the technology largely developed, operations, particularly I-80.
many of the major obstacles remaining are le-
Andersky said platooning will require an gal and regulatory. No changes to federal rules Another issue to be considered is how the
educational process for drivers who will be are needed, but some state laws make platoon- traveling public will react to seeing two semis
encouraged to follow closely behind another ing either less effective or completely impos-
truck. sible. According to Peleton, about half of the Continues 
states simply require commercial vehicles to
“What we are asking drivers to do in pla-

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 9

traveling so closely together. Roeth said the a vehicle-to-vehicle link that also connects the forward truck.”
industry doesn’t want passenger drivers calling the trucks’ collision avoidance systems. The On the road, drivers will communicate
law enforcement to report what they mistak- trailing truck brakes automatically a tenth of a
enly believe is a dangerous driving activity. second after the lead truck does. with each other via push-to-talk radio. Drivers
in the trailing vehicle will be able to see the
Platooned trucks communicate across a “I’ve actually driven the Peloton system, lead truck’s perspective through a look-ahead
5.9-gigahertz spectrum. That frequency was and I will admit it’s pretty impressive,” Bendix’s real-time video display.
chosen because it’s fast, robust, and localized, Andersky said. “You see the brake lights on
with signals traveling only short distances. the forward vehicle come on, and before I can The system limits platooning to safe driv-
Communications between trucks are all even get my foot to the brake pedal, the brakes ing conditions. All trucks must be equipped
point to point, with no network or cell towers are initiated, and I’m slowing to again match with collision avoidance systems and air disc
required. The two trucks communicate by speed and maintain following distance behind brakes. Bendix’s Andersky said fleets should
pay special attention to maintenance for trucks
HUB International Transportation that will be involved in platooning operations.
Insurance Services, Inc.
The technology is considered to be Level
Customized trucking insurance solutions, national 1 autonomous technology, where drivers with
coverage, local operations and dedicated people commercial driver’s licenses will be operating
are what set HUB International apart. both of the trucks with hands on the wheel.
The lead driver will have control of the accel-
Je Dillon, Senior Account Executive eration and braking, but the trailing driver will
[email protected] have full control of his or her steering wheel.
(888) 365-0923
Andersky noted that other manufacturers
hubtransportation.com are working on technology that could lead to
higher levels of autonomy.
With Joe Morten & Son, Inc. teamwork and service start, not end, with the issuance of
your insurance policy. Advantages you will receive when you insure with Great West One concern for all autonomous technolo-
Casualty Company through Joe Morten & Son, Inc. include: gy, including platooning, is hacking. Boyd said
Peloton authenticates each vehicle and mon-
• Custom Tailored Insurance Policies itors truck communications. Its system looks
• Proactive Safety Tools for unusual activity and then alerts the drivers
• Quick and Responsive Claims Service and dissolves the platoon if any is found. Driv-
• Knowledgeable, Service-Minded Agency Teams that are Relationship Driven ers are always in control. Moreover, he pointed
• And many more out that cybersecurity is an issue throughout
the trucking industry.
Corporate Office Regional Office
3311 Daniels Lane 1719 South Locust Street Boyd said efforts in Europe have received
South Sioux City, NE 68776 Grand Island, NE 68801 more government support. In 2016, trucks
from six European manufacturers successfully
402.494.4251 308.382.2280 completed the European Truck Platooning
Challenge, where they traveled in convoys
from different locations across the continent,
arriving in the Netherlands. However, he
believes the United States is in the lead because
companies here have been able to obtain more
state approvals faster.

Rather than platooning, wouldn’t longer
trailers accomplish the same thing? Boyd said
platooning allows fleets to carry more freight
over distances and then separate without
having to drop and unhook. Also, legal efforts
to increase trailer lengths and combinations
haven’t progressed much in recent years.

“Truck platooning is useful for large parts
of the country where there’s not been any
progress on expanding the kinds of rules on
loads,” he said.

10 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018 nebtrucking.com

Professional truck drivers clamor to deliver
loads of wreaths for a worthy cause

BY TODD TRAUB Honor Parade.” president of development at the Truckload
Contributing Writer Wreaths Across America has tradition- Carriers Association, where she worked
closely with Wreaths Across America.
As it turns out, you can’t have too ally placed wreaths on the second Saturday
many wreaths after all. of December, with the date moved to the The Big Picture
third Saturday in 2016. At press time, the
Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization was projected to lay 2 million The organization was essentially born
that began with a surplus of Christmas wreaths at 1,400 locations on Dec. 15, in 1992 when Harrington, Maine, wreath
wreaths in the early 1990s, has become a 2018 with 275 carriers participating (and maker Morrill Worcester wanted to find
nationwide movement that honors de- counting) to make this happen. a good use for a surplus of 5,000 holiday
ceased veterans each December. With a wreaths. As a young paper boy with the
healthy assist from the trucking industry Those included Nebraska’s Fort Bangor Daily News, Worcester had once
and organizations like the Nebraska Truck- McPherson National Cemetery near Max- won a contest which earned him a tour of
ing Association, Wreaths Across America well, the Omaha Veterans Cemetery and Washington, D.C., where he was especially
places wreaths on gravesites at Arlington The Bridgeport Cemetery. impressed by Arlington.
National Cemetery as well as a growing
number of cemeteries and memorials Additionally, Wreaths Across America That was where Worcester decided
across the country and overseas. announced it was placing wreaths on all to donate his overstock and, with help
9,387 headstones at Normandy American from former Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe
“It’s a huge endeavor,” said Deborah Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. and after receiving official permission, he
Sparks, Wreaths Across America head of transported the single load using a truck
strategic development. The Dec. 1 wreath laying in France donated from Blue Bird Ranch Inc. of
was to mark the first time Wreaths Across Jonesboro, Maine.
In 2017, the organization placed more America had sent its own wreaths, rather
than 1.5 million wreaths comprising more than those made locally, to foreign soil, a “They decided they were going to make
than 500 loads hauled by 240 different detail that had to be facilitated by guaran- that a family project every year,” Sparks
carriers. Meanwhile, the signature wreath tees from the United States Department of said of the Worcesters. And so it went,
laying at Arlington continues to be an Agriculture. Logistical support came from more or less quietly, until 2005, when a
annual event, with a convoy of trucks global supply chain management company photo of the wreaths in snow-covered
carrying the wreaths from their place of CEVA Logistics, United Airlines and Penn- Arlington became something of an internet
origin in Maine to the cemetery in what sylvania-based Metropolitan Trucking.
has come to be known as “The Veterans Continues 
“It’s the trucking industry that real-
ly supports it,” said Sparks, former vice

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 11

sensation. Suddenly, it seemed the rest of wreaths representing each military branch Now with ceremonies in all 50 states
the nation wanted to be involved. and for POW/MIAs. In 2006 the Civil and beyond, Wreaths Across America or-
Air Patrol and other civic organizations ganizes a week of events including veterans
“The media got behind it,” Sparks said. around the nation helped organize simul- tributes, statehouse ceremonies, and the
“They started writing articles. They want- taneous wreath layings at more than 150 weeklong parade from Maine to Arling-
ed to know who the family was.” locations. ton. Escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders
motorcycle organization, the parade makes
Cash began pouring in, the ranks of In 2007 the Worcester family, plus stops along the route to carry out the
volunteers grew, and one by one the states veterans and others who had helped with Wreaths Across America mission: Remem-
began to clamor for wreaths to place at the ceremonies at Arlington, formed the ber. Honor. Teach.
their own military cemeteries and memo- nonprofit 501(c) (3) Wreaths Across Amer-
rials. ica to expand the operation. Wreaths are delivered for distribution
at five cross docks in Maine; St. Louis;
Initially Worcester sent each state seven Richland, Mississippi; Phoenix and Fife,
Washington, with BNSF Railway taking
Technicians you trust some loads west. Each load contains about
6,000 wreaths, Sparks said.

“Literally we’ll do about 550 loads this
year within basically a three-week time
period,” she said.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE Acquiring Allies

For more than 40 years, we have built our reputation by keeping From the get-go, with Blue Bird’s one
you on the road. Having your truck inspected by our highly trained donated truck, Wreaths Across America
technicians will give you the confidence your deliveries will be and the trucking industry have worked
made on schedule and you will be home on time. hand-in-hand.
The key to keeping you rolling is preventing problems before they
take you off the road. We do this by performing a comprehensive 21 A significant volunteer participant has
point inspection of your truck. Stop by or call one of our locations been new American Trucking Associations
to schedule your preventive maintenance today! President Barry Pottle, CEO and president
of Pottle’s Transportation in Bangor and
To find your nearest location, visit former TCA chairman. Seeing the worth
www.truckcentercompanies.com of the wreath project that originated in
Parts and service open 7 days • Total parts inventory over $10,000,000 • Body shops his own state, Pottle involved his fam-
Parts delivery • Order parts online • Service for all makes and models • Fully certified technicians ily-owned company around 2007, and
12 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018 Pottle’s Transportation has been hauling
wreaths ever since.

Sparks’ first year at TCA coincided with
Pottle’s 2006-2007 tenure as chairman.
She began to hear about Wreaths Across
America and got an invitation from Pottle
offering to satisfy her curiosity about the
organization.

“Come out and help us unload,” he
said.

“I thought ‘Well, he’s one of our mem-
bers, let me get out there and see what it’s
about,’ ” Sparks said.

She met the Worcester family, learned
about the mission and “as we say, you kind
of get bit.”

Her involvement through the TCA

nebtrucking.com

would lead to an invitation from the As it turns out, Wreaths Across Amer- who might not have considered trucking as

Worcester family for Sparks to come on ica has provided the trucking industry an a career are getting a positive glimpse into

board. ancillary benefit of being a platform for what the business has to offer. Honoring

Pottle was instrumental in getting the community outreach. those who have made the supreme sacrifice

TCA and ATA involved in the program. Sparks described the sight of location is something everyone can rally around,

Sparks recalled Potter telling her his com- coordinators at local cemeteries, “little Sparks said.

pany’s role in the operation was getting garden club ladies,” clambering into the “I’m a firm believer that in the next

too big and asking her if he thought it was cabs of trucks to satisfy their curiosity, 20 years we’re going to see a new crop of

something the TCA would pick up. while others perhaps see the industry in a truck drivers coming because of the work

“I said ‘You know, I think we could,’ ” new light. of Wreaths Across America,” she said.

Sparks said. In this era of driver shortages, people

Sparks said Pottle is not known as a

big talker but can command a room when,

at association events, he speaks about Remember Honor Teach
Wreaths Across America. He never wore

his country’s uniform, so Pottle describes
Wreaths Across America as his chance to

oin Us in Our Mission toserve and give back,urging others to get
involved.
“It still gets motor carriers to jump ✦

on board and donate their trucks, their

HONOR TEACHdrivers, their fuel, their equipment,” Sparks
said.

A Good Fit

Obviously the organizational support

has powered Wreaths Across America’s

growth beyond the Arlington event. But

it has always been a no-brainer for many

individual drivers and trucking company
employees, Sparks said.

Join us on“We started to take into account how
A YEAR LONG MISSION.
many of our drivers and employees are vet-

December 16, 2017erans themselves who have served, or their
family members are veterans,” Sparks said.

Many companies budget for their

National WNraetaiothnsal Wreathsannual Wreaths Across America partici-

pation and donations of time and fuel are

Across AmAercircoasDs aAymerica Daycommonplace. Sparks said the National

Association of Independent Truckers do- #BeTheirWitness
nates to help the independent drivers with

fuel expenses.

At trade shows and conventions Sparks

said she and other Wreaths Across Amer-

ica representatives are warmly accosted

by truckers on the waiting list, wondering Donate via Combined

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nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 13

WYLEE ANDERSON’S
BUSINESS & HOBBY
ARE THE SAME:
TRUCKS

The Andersons: Ayslee, Hannah, Wylee and Myles nebtrucking.com
14 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018

nebtrucking.com BY STEVE BRAWNER
Contributing Writer

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS GRADY

Wylee Anderson owns 11 trucks, but he’s still a driver at heart, and he hasn’t for-
gotten how important drivers are to his company.

The owner of W.L. Anderson Livestock and Grain, LLC, makes sure his drivers
have new trucks or gliders, and he lets them outfit them with whatever custom

lights, visors, bumpers, and inside chrome they want.
Anderson, 38, said those extra expenses are worth it because they help with
retention at a time when finding and keeping drivers is one of trucking’s
biggest challenges.
“We just like to meet the needs of our drivers,” he said. “That’s
why the ones that need to be home on the weekends are usually
home on the weekends. We try to cater to the drivers probably
more than anybody because we like to keep them. Which any-
body should, but we kind of cater a little bit more.”
Brock Gadberry has been driving for the company for
almost three years. He said he had been there about a year
when Anderson started talking about buying him a new
truck. They looked at many different models before he
chose a 2014 W900 Kenworth glider he said was “com-
pletely decked out inside and out.”
“I’ve worked for about five different companies, and
this by far is the best one. … I’ve never really worked for
a big company,” Gadberry said. “I’ve always kind of stuck
to smaller trucking companies. First place that I’ve ever
actually had a boss that is probably more friend than he is
a boss.”
Gadberry said Anderson encourages drivers to clean and
polish their trucks. Letting the drivers take pride in their
equipment is a morale booster for him and others.
“I grew up in trucks, literally, and to find somebody that
kind of has the same kind of love for trucks in kind of that
old school way, you don’t find anybody like that anymore,”

Continues 

Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 15

Gadberry said. “Everybody else is, ‘We to do it and who can do it, so that’s who some guys hang around, and even some on
want to get eight miles to the gallon,’ we send to do it usually.” their days off come out to the shop while
which is all well and good for some people, I’m working on trucks just to hang out and
but I like that class, and I like to have a The diversified driving opportunities help. It’s kind of nice to have that camara-
little pride in my truck, and he allows me allow Anderson to match loads to drivers’ derie between us that we can all hang out
to do that.” needs. They also give drivers a chance to together even after work.”
break up the monotony of their daily rou-
While the 48-state carrier is known as tines. Gadberry does a lot of West Coast Ron Stuenkel is a 30-year-veteran who
W.L. Anderson Livestock and Grain, it’s driving and often stays on the road for two has driven with the company since July
actually much more diversified. With its 11 or three weeks, but hauling the oversized 2014. His route takes him through the
trucks, it still hauls grain and also two or I-beams offers a nice change of pace. Midwest and as far west as California. He
three loads of cattle per year, but it mostly says the company has a relaxed atmo-
does flatbed, dryvan and tanker hauls. “For me, it’s breaking it up and you’re sphere, and he appreciates Anderson’s com-
Products include steel, wood, machinery, getting to do different things,” he said. mitment to his trucks.
grain, feed ingredients – even burial vaults “You’re getting to kind of move around,
the day after Halloween, which Anderson do different things instead of just the same “He takes good care of the equipment,”
said the driver described as “kind of a old, ‘Oh, nope, hauling steel pipe this he said. “We can joke and have fun. He
spooky load.” Three drivers have routes week.’” makes sure that we’re home. He cares
that take them into the Northwest and about us as individuals. He cares about his
California. Other drivers need to be home All of Anderson’s drivers are company job, the business, but he cares about us as
every weekend, so they are assigned lanes drivers except for one owner-operator. All individuals as well, that we don’t have to
to Chicago and surrounding states. The of them have been with the company for a be, per se, married to the truck and I have
fleet also hauls 110-foot I-beams on stretch while. Anderson strives to help drivers feel to go, go, go.”
trailers. like they are almost part of the family.
He later added, “We cut up and we
“Some guys like doing the oversize,” he “Our office is in our house,” he said. have fun, and, yeah, we have a few beers
said. “Some don’t. But we know who likes “Our shop is right here, so when the guys on the weekends there at the shop and
come home, I usually go out and greet stuff like that.”
them … and sit and talk with them. And

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16 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018

Anderson grew up in the motor carrier wheels or a wheel on it,” Anderson said. the Dakotas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas
industry. His grandfather, Herman Ander- Anderson continued accompanying his and Nebraska. Some years he’d be al-
son, known to everyone as “Bus,” owned lowed to finish his classes early. He started
a trucking company with wife Bernice in dad on those trips, and as he grew older out driving a tractor, a grain cart and a
Kennebec, South Dakota. Everyone called was given a chance to take over the driver’s combine, but in his third year, while still a
her “Sis.” The company started with a seat. By age 15, he was hauling grain into high school student, he became a crew boss
couple of straight trucks and became the town. At age 16 in March 1996, he earned
first in the county to operate a diesel truck
in the late 1960s. Eventually it grew to “I never had an intention to go to college. I knew
three trucks that hauled cattle and grain. exactly what I wanted to do, and I dove into it at
This was in the days before grain hoppers, 16. That’s all I wanted to do.”
when the loads had to be shoveled. Most
of the hauls were short hauls, though when - Wylee Anderson
times were slow they would run flatbeds to
New York. his commercial driver’s license and started managing two combines, a tractor and
driving for harvest crews. Over a four-year grain cart, and two semis.
One of his drivers was Wylee Ander- period during his teen years, as soon as
son’s father, Lee. He owned his truck and school let out for the summer, he’d jump in “My senior year, I graduated on a
also farmed until the 1980s farm crisis a company pickup and head south to meet Saturday afternoon, and the harvest crew
and afterwards started a nursery business. a crew based in Aberdeen, South Dakota. showed up at my house with trucks, com-
The young Anderson would ride along There he would haul grain from fields in
with him during his hauls, sleeping in the Continues 
cabover’s “doghouse,” or the hump over
the engine.

“I went with him every chance I got. I
was fascinated with anything with steering

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nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 17

bines, everything loaded, and I went to my back. He then leased to an Iowa-based fleet They lived in Omaha a couple of years
graduation party, and the next morning I until 2007. In 2008, he formed his own but then seven years ago moved to a farm
was down the road,” he said. He said he company, W.L. Anderson Livestock and they had bought in Mead. They have two
did not get much sleep that night. Grain, LLC, with one truck. children: Myles, 8, and Ayslee, 5.

At that point, Anderson already knew Along the way, he moved to Mead in In 2011, Anderson was the subject of a
where his life would take him. He would 2005. He met Hannah Taylor, a Mead na- feature story by Nebraska Trucker. At the
spend it on the road. tive who had moved to Omaha. The same time the company owned one truck, one
young man who knew as a teenager that grain trailer and a cattle pod.
“I never had an intention to go to col- he wanted to drive trucks all his life was
lege,” he said. “I knew exactly what I want- equally decisive when it came to choosing But the company was about to enter
ed to do, and I dove into it at 16. That’s all a partner. a period of strong and steady growth.
I wanted to do.” Anderson bought his second truck in 2012
“It took me a while to convince her. and then a third in 2013. One of the trucks
After driving for the harvest crew, She didn’t want to have anything to do was used for hauling cattle, and two were
Anderson returned home to South Dakota with me for a couple of years, but I was used for hauling flatbed steel loads from
and briefly drove a dump truck hauling persistent,” he said. “I used to share a shop the Omaha area to Chicago. One summer
cement for work being done on the inter- with some guys in town, and they told me I he hauled jet fuel and diesel fuel. Moving
state. He then got a job driving for Charles was getting old and needed to settle down from cattle to steel was both a business
Baker Trucking out of Murdo, South Da- and get married. (One of them said), ‘Who and a family decision. The money was bet-
kota, hauling cattle, grain and flatbed. He do you see doing that with?’ And I said, ter because the fuel mileage was better, the
was hauling pigs on a dedicated run every ‘Well, Hannah Taylor.’ And he laughed so work was more consistent, and he didn’t
day from South Dakota to Fremont, Ne- hard he about fell off his chair. He said, have to pay for washouts. At the same
braska, in October 2001 when he bought ‘Well, that’ll never happen.’ So we made time, hauling flatbed loads allowed him to
his own truck and stayed in Fremont. He sure he was a groomsman in the wedding be home with his family more consistently.
hauled cattle for a company out of Sioux so he had a front-row seat to watch.”
City and then drove some reefer routes The flatbed loads started by Anderson
hauling meat to California and produce The two were married in August 2009. working as a subcontractor for nearby

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nebtrucking.com
18 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018

Eckley Trucking. At the time, the compa- wife,” he said. him on a dryvan load to Omaha.
ny’s president, Jay Eckley, had a load he While Anderson is now primarily a Livestock and grain are only small parts
couldn’t cover, and someone suggested
he call Anderson. Now Anderson’s fleet company owner, he’s still a driver at heart. of the fleet’s offerings, but Anderson has no
regularly hauls steel on routes to Chicago, He’s no longer hauling cattle 200,000 miles plans to change the company’s name. It’s
California and Oregon. per year, but he had driven 63,000 miles not worth the expense and trouble.
this year when interviewed in early No-
“The work ethic that he and his drivers vember. In the spring, he delivers chemicals Aside from his company and his family,
have, it sets them above everybody else to farm stores, and he tries to schedule a Anderson doesn’t have a lot of other
because they have a higher work ethic than haul once a year to California to get away interests. Eckley said that Anderson “likes
a lot of people,” Eckley said. “Not just from the office. In March, he underwent to work on trucks 24-7. He lives, eats
him but including his drivers, so they’ll go an eight-hour surgery to remove some and breathes trucks.” Anderson wouldn’t
above and beyond to make sure the job skin cancers. The procedure didn’t require disagree. When asked if he has a hobby, he
gets done.” chemotherapy or radiation, but it did limit replied, “Trucks.” He takes pride in his fleet
him to dispatching for a while. Before long, and has trouble parting with the trucks
The carrier has grown to 11 trucks, he was ready to get back on the road, and he has, so he tends to rebuild them. Three
nine trailers, and nine employees including he jokes that Hannah was ready for him to years ago, he bought himself a birthday
Anderson. That’s about where it will stay get there as well. gift: a 1974 white Freightliner cabover in
for a while. Finding and onboarding new Long Beach, California, that was just like
drivers is difficult, and Anderson doesn’t For the Andersons, trucking is a family the one his dad used to drive. It doesn’t get
want to have to have to find ways to keep affair. She does the payroll, pays the bills much use besides being driven around the
them busy when the economy slows. With and manages the accounts while working a farm and to truck shows, but his children
his diversified offerings, he believes he will full-time job from home as a financial ana- like it and so do their friends. Driving it, he
have plenty of business. lyst with Farm Credit Services of America. said, is “like a flashback to my childhood.”
The children are part of the business too.
“I’m kind of at a happy point where Myles rode with Anderson the last time he “I don’t have any hobbies really beside
if I get any bigger, then I’m going to need hauled cattle, while Ayslee accompanied the trucks,” he said. “I’m in the shop doing
more office help than just me and my stuff to them when I’m not working.”

dNUAiesPsicpbrS®oerUaN.UuvcsPiFnieTskaoSAxtialstrtd,smrsTmDeaiiarsnuavcevcoceycimoernlikeuuwvAgbidnnesiieirntig,t®rnsyhfsv,.oogmuiFicrusnpmueoiarctsmprnsal.sumpctbtardiooeeeovoimccrnne2rsieegaw8/aicliv%nunniasetepdnfahobovstutrrtnpoioemnprecu2gUsraceces.8tPiic,kicav%oSoielennmiNUvogsaPepe/n.nxeSudytctoiDatauo.alry

Put the new logistics to work for you. © 2012 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, the UPS brandmark, and the color brown
nebtrucking.com are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 19

NTA’s 2018 Fall
Management Conference

Truckers gather in York to learn, network and celebrate award winners

A“OwfatrhdeWYeinanr”eArsward Winners

Driver of the Year James E. Ryan Golden Deeds and Woman of Distinction
Larry Geveshausen Norm & Colleen Geiken
Midwest Motor Express, Omaha
Nebraska Salt and Grain, Gothenburg

Maintenance Supervisor Dispatcher Professional Service Award
Randy Kunze Angela Werner Caleb Williams
Orthman Logistics, Lexington
Grand Island Express, Grand Island Williams Transportation, Gretna
20 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018 nebtrucking.com

Safety Director Technician
Heath Richards Thomas Holtz
Hunt Transportation Inc., Omaha Grand Island Express, Grand Island

Fleet Safety Plaque Winners

Household Goods Movers
I-Go Van and Storage Co.

(not pictured)

Fleet Safety Grand Champion Ag Commodities
Dena Toovey Dan Adams

Schulz Transportation Services, Inc. Platinum Xpress, Inc.

Tank Truck-Bulk Carriers Truckload Carriers Continues 
Cheryl Dillion Donovan Brand

Triple C Transportation LLC, Omaha Nebraska Coast, Inc. Council Bluffs

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 21

NTA’S 2017 FALL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Fleet Safety Certificates President's Safe Trap Shoot Winners
Driving Awards
Contract Carriers First place first flight:
680 drivers were recognized this year. Of TJ Novak, RDO Truck Centers
• Chief Carriers Inc., Grand Island those, one has driven for 32 years, one
• Zeitner & Sons, Inc., Omaha for 31 years, one for 30 years, two for 25 Second place:
years, nine for 20 years, five for 15 years, Justin Okeson, RDO Truck Centers
Heavy Haulers 17 for ten years, 39 for five years and 176
first-year honorees. Congratulations to TJ Novak, RDO Truck Centers
• Hunt Transportation Inc., Omaha these drivers!

Less-than-Truckload 30+ Years:

• ABF Freight, Fort Smith, AR • Kenneth Nebe 32 years, Wynne Trans-
• Midwest Motor Express, Omaha port Service, Inc., Omaha

Truckload Carriers • Gary L. Vanatta 31 years, Hunt Trans-
portation, Omaha
• Williams Transportation, Inc., Gretna
• Grand Island Express, Grand Island • Ed Hoffman 30 years, I-Go Van &
• Crete Carrier Corporation, Lincoln Storage, Omaha
• Seward Motor Freight, Inc, Fremont
• Fremont Contract Carriers, Fremont 25 years:
• Midwest Express, Inc, Grand Island
• Hill Brothers Transportation, Inc., • Eric Bauman, Grand Island Express,
Grand Island
Omaha
• Hal Page, Hunt Transportation Inc,
Intermodal Carrier Omaha

• Transportation Specialists Ltd., Omaha

Management Conference Pin Prizes:
Golf Tournement Champions
Hole #1 Any shot over the water: Derek Phillips
 Dave William, Mid States Utility Hole #3 Closest third shot: Ryan McAlexander
Trailer Sales, Inc.; Paul Moore, Hole #7 Longest Putt: Heath Richards
Nationwide Transportation, Inc.;
Curt Morehouse, W.N. Morehouse Hole #10 Closest second shot: Jarek McCracken
Truck Line, Inc. & Deana Hole #16 Closest first shot: Derek Phillips
Morehouse, W.N. Morehouse Hole #18 Longest Putt: Dick Reiser
Truck Line, Inc.

Brad Burnett, Great West Casualty  nebtrucking.com
Company; Scott Robinson, Great

West Casualty Company and Erich
Helge, Seward Motor Freight

22 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018

CALL ON WASHINGTON

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 BY NTA STAFF We met with Congressman Jeff Forten-
CONFERENCE SPONSORS berry, Senator Deb Fischer, Congress-
The Nebraska Trucking Association man Don Bacon, Representative Arian
EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS held its annual Call on Washington Sep- Smith and Brett Fetterly, from Senator
tember 4-5, 2018. The goal of this event Ben Sasse’s office. Topics covered includ-
Allied Oil & Tire Company is to bring Nebraska Trucking members, ed Autonomous Vehicles, the Federal
AON Risk Solutions lobbyists and staff face-to-face with Aviation Administration Authorization
Bauer Built Tire our federal delegation to discuss issues Act’s preemption, the need for long-
Choice Transport, LLC important to the trucking industry, your term solutions to the Highway Trust
Nebraska Trucking Association and the Fund, Tax Reform Priorities, Regulatory
Cornhusker International Trucks, Inc. American Trucking Associations. There Reform, Trade and Redundant Back-
Cummins Central Power is no substitute for a personal meeting ground Checks and Workforce Develop-
to communicate the trucking industry’s ment – in response to the current driver
Goldenrod Printing & Mail, LLC priorities. shortage and an aging workforce.
Great West Casualty We started our visit with the Nebraska
Great Western Bank Breakfast; this 70-year-old tradition al- For more information on an upcom-
lows constituents to spend time with the ing Call on Washington, legislative or
Ideal Protein of America entire Nebraska Delegation, and hear lobbying efforts, please contact Kent at
Iowa 80 Group about what’s happening on Capitol Hill. the NTA offices.
Started by Senator Hugh Butler in 1943,
Jim Hawk Truck-Trailer Sales, Inc. this breakfast is one of Nebraska’s great
Joe Morten & Son, Inc. traditions that bring the people and
HELP, Inc. / PrePass their representatives together.

Metropolitan Community College  Jack Peetz, Peetz
MHC Kenworth of Omaha and Company; Sarah
Wellman, Werner
Nebraska Truck Center – Grand Island Enterprises; Kent
Northland Insurance Grisham, Nebraska
Trucking Association;
Nationwide E&S/Specialty Dick Reiser, Nebraska
Stern Oil Company Trucking Association;
and Ken Walker, Custom
Truck Center Companies Diesel Driver Training

SILVER SPONSORS  Sarah Wellman, Ken Walker, Dick Reiser,
Senator Deb Fischer, Kent Grisham and Jack Peetz
BMO Transportation Finance Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 23
Cornhusker International Trucks, Inc.
Engles, Ketcham, Olson and Keith, P.C.

Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc.
Grand Island Express, Inc.

HUB International Transportation
Insurance Services

IAT Group dba Whilshire Insurance
Mannings Truck Brokerage, Inc.

Mid States Utility Trailer Sales, Inc.
Midwest Motor Express, Inc.
Midwest Peterbilt Group
RDO Truck Center
RSM US LLP
SBT, Inc.
Sahling Kenworth – York
Shoemaker’s Travel Centers
Silverstone Group
Stirk CNG
Volvo Trucks of Omaha, Inc.

nebtrucking.com

OUT&About!

BY NTA STAFF the colors settled and the last goal kicked,
the effort raised more than $10,532 all of
With this issue of Nebraska Trucker, which was donated to the University of
we begin a new feature that we are calling Nebraska Foundation for use by the cancer
“Out & About!” As leaders and staff center.
members from the Nebraska Trucking
Association travel around the state, we are PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMY TILLEY
often invited to special events and to tour
our members’ facilities. We thought it was  Back (left to right): Amy Tilley,
high-time we shared a few of those expe- Digger Hawkins, Doug Grajczyk,
riences with everyone. Keep us informed! Chet McCabe & Dr. Ken Cowan
We would love to attend your event and Front: Reegan Hawkins, Brayden
share your good news as we go “out and Hawkins, Tilly Metz
about.”

One such story spans a couple of sea- An exciting event took place on Oct. Bricker continue to grow the company that
sons from 2018. We were invited by Chet 11 in Sioux City, Iowa. NTA Mem- was founded by their parent’s, Jim and
McCabe, of Midwest Peterbilt Group, to ber Mid-States Utility Trailer Sales and Jackie Keizer. The Keizer Companies em-
join in a very special event at Omaha’s Uni- Keizer Refrigeration held a grand opening ploy more than 160 staff members in their
versity of Nebraska Medical Center Buffett celebration of its new 55,000 square foot four locations with customers in Nebraska,
Cancer Center. The company’s longtime facility along Harbor Drive just off I-29 in Iowa and South Dakota.
service manager, Larry Tilley, had recently Sioux City. NTA President Kent Grisham
lost his cancer battle. So, the company lent was on hand, along with a packed-house PHOTO COURTESY OF KEIZER COMPANIES
support to a unique fundraising effort by of supporters. The brother and sister
Larry’s daughter, Amy. Along with an army leadership team of Shane Keizer and Stacy
of volunteers, Amy staged a 3-versus-3
soccer tournament with the added touch
of lots and lots of color! Amy Tilley says
they used every color possible to represent
every color of ribbon people wear to draw
attention to various kinds of cancer. Once

Larry & Amy Tilley nebtrucking.com
24 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018

Along the Route

Recent events and news from Nebraska Trucker advertisers

FUEL ADDITIVES your fuel will burn faster, which can help • Alignments - Before hitting the road, see
improve those early morning cold engine that axles are pointing in the right direc-
Shop shelves are full of different fuel starts. tion to prevent wear and tear on tires and
additives, but what exactly do they do? other parts.
The most commonly used additives are Whether your goal is to combat fuel
designed to decrease cold-weather fuel gelling or boost your cetane rating, an Proper maintenance coupled with in-
gelling, but additives are used year-round additive may be beneficial for your truck. bay inspections on a preventative schedule
to improve fuel efficiency, enhance lubricity Stop into a TA Truck Service near you to has major cost benefits. Plus a proactive
and help combat bacteria that thrive in fuel shop our selection of cold weather addi- approach will keep the care of the other ar-
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Adding a winter fuel additive to your • Air Brakes - Be proactive in making sure To be eligible to participate in Along the
maintenance routine is the easiest way to that all the components are greased and Route, your company must be a current
prevent fuel gelling. Winter fuel additives that the pads are DOT legal thickness. advertiser with an ad in the edition in which
can help prevent paraffin wax crystals the text and image are included. This is a
from plugging your fuel filters at low tem- • Suspension and Steering - Components benefit awarded exclusively to our wonder-
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boost your fuel’s cetane rating, enhancing
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nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 25

2018-2019 CALENDAR OF EVENTS ADVERTISER RESOURCE INDEX

Dec. 13 September Allied Oil & Tire..............................................16
ATRI.....................................inside back cover
SMC Lunch and Learn, First Responder 101, Embassy Suites, Bauer Built Tire...............................................8
12520 Westport Pkwy, Omaha Great West Casualty Co.............. Back cover
HELP, Inc., Provider of PrePass..................17
Jan.14-15 January HUB International Insurance......................10
Interstate PowerSystems..............................9
SMC Safety Summit, ‘Work Place Safety,’ Embassy Suites, J. J. Keller & Associates.............................18
12520 Westport Pkwy, Omaha Joe Morton & Son Insurance.....................10
Nebraska Trucker.........................................26
Feb. 14 February RDO Truck Centers............Inside front cover
SMC Lunch and Learn, Lincoln TA/Petro............................................................4
Truck Center Companies..............................12
March UPS..................................................................16
Wreaths Across America............................13
March 14 SMC Lunch and Learn, Embassy Suites, 12520 Westport Pkwy,
Omaha

April 11 April
SMC DOT Level One, Lincoln. Register here

May 9 May
SMC Volunteer Scale Checks, Waverly EB and WB Scales

DNIGOIWTAAL VMAAILGAABZLIEN!E

You may view Nebraska Trucker The Official Magazine of the Nebraska Trucking Association This edition of Nebraska Trucker was made
— complete with sound effects — possible with the support of these corporate
online within a week of distribution. A&CllioeSdnOtreil a&vdTeireHPheiilnlisposn advertisers. They support the trucking
Another awesome feature of this industry by enabling Nebraska Trucking
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in the digital magazine are “live.” So, DEMAND AN END its members, prospective members, elected
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in an ad and be transported directly large. They deserve your consideration and
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offer on behalf of our NT advertisers
PLEASE VISIT NEBTRUCKING.COM
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Issue 3, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 1 NEBRASKA TRUCKER WITH LIVE
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CHECK IT OUT: WWW.NEBTRUCKING.COM
nebtrucking.com
26 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018

Sometimes People
Must Come Together
for a Mission

THANK YOU

Since 1954, the American Transportation Research Institute and its
predecessor have been the trucking industry’s source for scientific data and
analysis on the many high priority issues facing freight transportation today.
The people and companies listed here are our core contributors, annual
donors who have come together in this mission to help the industry as a
whole. If you or your company has not contributed in the past, now is the
time to step up and do your part.
Step up and leave your footprint for the good of the industry.
Visit www.atri-online.org to explore your giving opportunities.

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2018 - Nebraska Trucker 27

Photo: NASA

800.228.8602 Values Drive Performance

gwccnet.com Shared Values Can Lead to Organizational Excellence

We understand you are in business to make a profit. Our Value-Driven®
Company modules can help you reduce losses and increase profits by focusing on
influencing employee behavior, changing culture, improving communication, and
managing risk successfully.

We believe it is everyone’s job to do what they can to prevent losses. We have
developed a variety of training tools to help get all employees involved in safety. From
seminars and webinars to Self-Service e-Tools and FAQs, we have solutions to fit your
operations.

We see “Critical Crashes” as a risk to your company. Our Value-Driven® Driving
program focuses on helping drivers do what they can to prevent these types of accidents:
rear-end, loss of control, lane change, and run under. All of our driver training programs are
FREE to our insureds and can be accessed 24/7 on Great West’s Online Learning Library.

GREAT WEST CASUALTY COMPANY – No matter where the road takes you, you
will discover that at Great West, The Difference is Service®.

28 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2018 nebtrucking.com