Nebraska Trucker Issue 5 2019 featuring NTA's New Health Plan

Volume 81 Number 5 | 2019

$3.95 Value

The Official Magazine of Nebraska Trucking Association

History Made:
NTA Launches

Health Plan

p7

WERNER’S DRIVER
SIMULATORS BOOST
WORKFORCE P13
ROHDE TRUCKING P16
MID STATES UTILITY P21
NTA’S FALL CONFERENCE P24
IMPORTANCE OF TRUCKING
IN NEBRASKA P9



NEBRASKA TRUCKER 2019-2020
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
VOLUME 81, NUMBER 5 • 2019 All events are now listed on the home page of nebtrucking.com. Join us to
network, learn and contribute to your Nebraska trucking industry.
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE......................... 4
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER.................................. 5 December 12 | Omaha
NTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ..................... 5 WINTER DRIVING
STATE OF NEBRASKA APPROVES BY DAVE MCLAUGHLIN
NTA HEALTHCARE PLAN............................ 7
IMPORTANCE OF TRUCKING LUNCH & LEARN BY THE
IN NEBRASKA............................................ 9 NTA SAFETY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
NTA’S DRIVER APPRECIATION................... 12 Speaker Dave McLaughlin will discuss driver habits to avoid, tips to
FOR WERNER, SIMULATORS reduce collision potential and why training is important for adverse
ARE A “PROVEN CONCEPT”..................... 13 conditions.
ROHDE TRUCKING.................................. 16
MIDSTATES UTILITY’S January 9 | Grand Island
MARK GOLDEN....................................... 21 ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION
NTA 2019 FALL CONFERENCE................. 24
DRIVERS OF THE MONTH........................ 30 LUNCH & LEARN BY THE
NTA NEW MEMBERS............................... 30 NTA SAFETY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
Trucking accident reconstruction, testing and analysis, plus truck safety
testing and research.

February 13-14 | Omaha
SAFETY SUMMIT 2020

TWO-DAY CONFERENCE BY THE
NTA SAFETY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
Get ready for the 2020 Safety Summit presented by the NTA’s Safety
Management Council. The two-day event brings safety managers, fleet
owners, maintenance managers and other key leaders from Nebraska and
surrounding states. This year’s theme: For the Love of Safety. Speakers
will cover the latest from OSHA, CVSA and FMCSA. We’ll get insight and
motivation while learning the latest from trucking and logistics vendors
who will join the Summit held at Metro Community College, Fort Campus

February 14 | Omaha
NTA HOLIDAY PARTY

A SPECIAL NIGHT OF FUN, CHARITY AND A BIT
OF ROMANCE
Fresh berries in a chocolate fountain, a special dinner, charity auction
and entertainment by Fun Dueling Pianos. We’re building a great night for
couples, singles and working-on-its.

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 3

PRESIDENT’S Nebraska Trucker is owned by Truck Services, Inc. and is pub-
PERSPECTIVE lished bimonthly by Matthews Publishing Group. For additional
copies, to order reprints and individual articles or to become a
Historic Changes Underway
subscriber, contact April Tilden at 402.476.8502 ext. 105.
Whirlwind. That’s best I can describe the past few months publisher
with your Nebraska Trucking Association. In addition to
organizing our great Fall Conference event and honoring all the Jennifer Matthews-Drake
trucking professionals with annual awards, we were all tapping Matthews Published Group, LLC
our toes in anticipation of a historic ruling by the Nebraska [email protected]
Department of Insurance. That decision allowed the Nebraska Trucking Association Health
Benefits Alliance to offer an Association Healthcare Plan. No other trucking association in creative director
the nation has embarked on this type of benefit for its members. Fran Sherman
The idea was born from feedback and empathy for our friends in the trucking
community. The scales are weighed against those entrepreneurs who take risks and are [email protected]
building businesses. NTA members count on their association to be a voice with our state art director
government, and to provide education on everything from safety to rules compliance. Our
members also count on us for solutions to a tall mountain of challenges and we’re so proud Doug Benjamin
to have climbed the steep cliff of health insurance. [email protected]
By banding together, NTA members are gaining access to larger group premiums, larger
group choices, and large group protections against rate spikes from year to year. Those graphic designer
rate spikes alone have prompted many companies to stop offering a healthcare benefit Barbara Negron
altogether. Added to that is a whole host of ancillary programs, from dental and vision all [email protected]
the way to wellness discount programs. photographers
Looking forward, I encourage everyone to check out nebtrucking.com/benefits. There’s Thomas Grady
a treasure of discounts and services that add tremendous value to your NTA membership.
Please watch for upcoming events and join us. Another strength of NTA is getting Kaylie Sirek
trucking professionals together to network, educate and share best practices. The trucking contributing writers
industry has plenty of challenges, but together, as an Association, we can meet them
head on. Steve Brawner
Dan Calabrese
Kent Grisham Renee Miller
President & CEO Jennifer Barnett Reed
Nebraska Trucking Association John Schultz
[email protected]
Todd Traub

www.nebtrucking.com
President & CEO
Kent Grisham

[email protected]
Director Safety & Training Services

Barb Aude
[email protected]
Finance & Accounting Coordinator

Becky Tejral
[email protected]

Executive Assistant
April Tilden

[email protected]
Director Operations & Communication

David Zelnio
[email protected]

4 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019 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
Lincoln, NE 68501
Phone 402.476.8504
nebtrucking.com

nebtrucking.com

CHAIRMAN’S
LETTER

Nebraska Trucking Executive Committee Happy to Be Here

CHAIRMAN: I am so honored to take the gavel as your Chairman
CRYSTAL ANDERSON of the Board. The idea that I, beginning my career in
transportation as a driver, moving through the ranks with
CHAIR ELECT: the mentoring of other NTA Members to a Director of
BRENT FALGIONE Logistics and now a partner in a small trucking company,
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN: can rise to this position, is a testament to all the NTA
SCOTT ROMANS members, the NTA board and staff who have partnered with me and welcomed me to
PREVIOUS CHAIRMAN: this important position.

BOB WINTER My predecessors in the past did an amazing job of steering the NTA. We have
TREASURER: been able to realize a transformation as an association, which now enjoys major
TIM ASCHOFF membership growth, a new association healthcare plan and more cutting-edge events
SECRETARY: than we have ever held.
TIM MCCORMICK
STATE VP TO THE ATA: We are an organization founded to promote, protect and support our Nebraska
ERICH HELGE trucking industry. The NTA provides leadership and programs that result in a great
ALTERNATE STATE VP TO THE ATA: levels of interaction between industry professionals. I strongly urge everyone to grow
LESA DIXSON in this knowledge and these relationships by attending our events and volunteering
DIRECTORS AT LARGE: and mentoring whenever possible.
TERRY MCMULLEN
BOB WYNNE As I take the seat as the new chair, I plan to support the NTA mission and to
ERIC DOWNING continue its legacy with great spirit and enthusiasm like the people before me.

AL HILL Our 2020 planning is well underway. The key to our collective success is for
you to come and support through attendance and sponsorships to help us build a
BOARD OF DIRECTORS sustainable, growing and thriving organization.

Don Adams Tom Koenigs Thank you for your support, trust and confidence.
Dean Aden * Jean Kurtenbach *
Trevor Aden Crystal Anderson
Steve Aherns Heidi Loop Nebraska Trucking Association’s Chairman of the Board and
George Akerson * Mike Maloney
Crystal Anderson Jamie Maus Owner Donald D. Anderson, Jr. Trucking
Tim Aschoff Terry McMullen
Blaine Batten ATRI’s Top Ten Survey Results in Nebraksa
Dennis Bauder Ron Mencl
David Billings Lee Merritt The State of Nebraska was the No. 1 responder to the American Transportation
Joanie M. Bogers Lloyd Mettenbrink * Research Institute 2019 State Top Industry Issues survey. As the No. 1 state, we
Kurt Brown Trey Mytty received a report from 82 Nebraska Motor Carriers on Nebraska’s Top Issues. 1.
Butch Brown * Scott Olson Driver Shortage 2. Driver Retention 3. Driver Compensation 4. Detention/Delay at
Bob Clark * Tonn Ostergard * Customer Facilities 5. Hours-of-Service 6. Transportation Infrastructure/Congestion/
Eldon Dokter * Dave Parker * Funding 7. CSA 8. ELD 9. Automated Truck Technology 10. Driver Training
Eric Downing Jack Peetz * Standards 10. (tie) Economy.
Dwight Dunsworth * Dick Pierson *
Dave Erlandson Tom Pirnie * Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 5
Brent Falgione Gene Quandt
Ross Faubel Dick Reiser *
Corby Flagle Greg Reitmeier *
Hugh Fugleberg * Heath Richards
Michael Galvin Norm Riffel
Norman Geiken Scott Romans
Rick Gomel Ronald Romans *
Tom Hastings John Sahling
Mark Hauptmann Roger Schmidt
Erich Helge Russell Stough
Mike Herre * Danny Tompkins **
Nick Vuko
Albert Hill Dave Walde
Phillip Holliday Sarah Wellman
Curt Werner
Dan Hurt Jerry Wessel
Don Kaiser Bob Winter *
Larry Kersten Bob Wynne
Jerry Kilthau Rallen R. Zietner
Chris Klotz *

• PAST CHAIRMAN
• • PAST CHAIRMAN TWICE

nebtrucking.com

INTRODUCING THE NEW

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STATE OF NEBRASKA APPROVES
NTA HEALTHCARE PLAN

After more than a year of committee health insurance. The Nebraska Trucking Association
meetings, planning, negotiating and “The trucking industry has been Health Plan is ACA compliant plan with
paperwork, the Nebraska Department open enrollment underway through
of Insurance recently approved the operating under a heavy weight of health nebtrucking.com/benefits.
formation of the Nebraska Trucking care uncertainty,” said Kent Grisham,
Association Health Benefits Alliance. president and CEO of the Nebraska NTA member, MBA Agency, has
NTA members can now show strength Trucking Association. “Historically, established a statewide network of agents
in numbers allowing for a better associations were formed to fight for its who will visit NTA members and assist
circumstance with premiums and terms of members. By organizing in numbers, we with sign-ups, answering every question
can lift each other up. along the way.

“The trucking industry has been operating under a heavy weight of health care
uncertainty. Historically, associations were formed to fight for its members. By
organizing in numbers, we can lift each other up.”
— Kent Grisham, NTA President and CEO

CONTINUED 

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 7

How the NTA Health Plan Benefits You

8 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019 nebtrucking.com

nebtrucking.com Importance of

Trucking in

Nebraska

BY TODD TRAUB

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Trucking in Nebraska advances the state, and its impact is felt
in all sectors of the Cornhusker economy.

Trucking accounts for 1 of every 12 jobs in Nebraska,
supporting 62,970 individuals.

According to May 2018, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
figures, total industry wages in Nebraska exceeded $3 billion and
the average industry salary was $42,512. Drivers held 30,860
jobs with a mean average salary of $34,660.

“As an industry, sometimes we get lost in the numbers,” said
Kent Grisham, NTA president and CEO. “I think one of the
best ways to appreciate just how powerful our industry is to the
state is when you visit with drivers who talk about their families.
When flooding hit our small towns, empty shelves in those small
town groceries shows exactly the value trucking holds to
our communities.”

CONTINUED 

Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 9

A whopping 73 percent of total Contact Us for All
manufactured goods in the state, 144,641 Your Truck Tire Needs
tons a day, is transported by trucks, and 48
percent of Nebraska’s communities depend Frem25o4nt7•W40223.7rd53D.2r979
exclusively on trucks to move their goods.
Grand Island •C3o0u8g.a3r82D.r8167
While trucking goods drives commerce, 3334 W
Cornhusker carriers also contribute
directly. Nebraska trucking paid $334 Lex2in8g1t0onH•e3a0rt8l.a3n2d4.D48r81
million in federal and state roadway taxes
in 2016. It also paid 47 percent of all taxes Linc7o8ln0•0 4N0o2r.4th645.76800
owed by Nebraska motorists despite the
fact trucks only represented 9 percent of Norfolk • 4S0H2w.3y798.41494
the vehicle miles traveled. 2200

A typical, five-axle tractor-trailer paid Omaha7•724802F.3S3t1.1999
$5,809 in state highway user fees and taxes
and $8,906 at the federal level in 2018. Om2a2h0a9•B5S312.432th9.S2t641

On the 94,988 miles of public roads in BAUERBUILT.COM
Nebraska, trucks drove 1.9 billion miles,
compared to 20.7 billion miles driven by 24-HR ERS TIRE SERVICE
all motorists.
800-2C6A8LL-5114
To help reduce the number of car-
truck accidents. Nebraska, with a 2016 nebtrucking.com
fatal crash rate of 2.10 per 100 million
vehicle miles traveled (compared to the
national rate of 1.34) has been doing its

10 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019

part. Drivers are skilled professionals and According to American Trucking a number almost unchanged from the
NTA members stress safety first through Associations data, trucks transported previous year.
zero tolerance of drug and alcohol use, 10.77 billion tons of freight in 2017,
improved driver training, investment in representing 70.2 percent of the nation’s Viewed through the prism of
advanced safety technologies. total domestic tonnage shipped. Not only Nebraska, it is easy to see the important
do the trucks keep the economy moving, role the trucking and transportation
The Nebraska Trucking Association trucking contributes directly to the industry plays. Not only is trucking a
has been an advocate since 1940 and economy, employing 7.7 million people major employer in the state, it is also a
remains proud to be a voice for the in industry related jobs in 2017, with 3.5 good neighbor thanks to its partnerships
business interests of member companies million truck drivers employed in 2018, and programs committed to safety and
and the individual drivers, dispatchers, community service.
accountants, mechanics, loading dock
workers, technicians and administrators
who keep one of Nebraska’s most vibrant
and vital industries moving, so the state
can keep moving too.

It’s no secret that the trucking industry
is a pillar and an important indicator of
economic strength in the United States.

When trucks are moving, it usually
means the economy is too.

Not to mention the fact that Americans
and American businesses are also able
to access the essential products – food,
medicine, electronics and household items
– on which they rely daily.

SAVE ON MEMBER BENEFIT:
PREPASS
FREE!FIRST MONTH

nebtrucking.com prepass.com/NE • 866-228-1424

Promo Code: NTA

Offer good for first time PrePass customers for the
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application approval. Qualified applicants will receive one
month of service at no up-front cost. At the end of the
trial period, service will automatically renew at regular
PrePass rates. Customers may cancel service at any time.

Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 11

HARRY CAMPBELL, FROM CRETE CARRIER, HAS 37 YEARS OF COMMERCIAL DRIVING. HE’S LOGGED 3.1 DRIVER OF THE MONTH FOR GO EXPRESS IS JOHN PUTNEY FROM GREATER OMAHA EXPRESS HAS HAULED
MILLION MILLES. HE OVER THE ROAD DRIVER IS PROFESSIONAL AND EMBRACES HIS WORK WITHOUT FREIGHT OVER 1.5 MILLION MILES DURING HIS NINE YEARS OF COMMERCIAL DRIVING.  HIS NOMINATOR
COMPLAINT. HIS NOMINATOR NATALIE COLE SAID HARRY TAKES A LOT OF PRIDE IN SAFETY AND OVERALL LINDA MCCOLLUM SAID HER COMPANY “WON THE LOTTERY” WHEN JOHN CAME TO WORK THERE.  HE’S
PERFORMANCE. HARRY HAS VOLUNTEERED TO HAUL THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA BANK TRAILER TO AWAY DEPENDABLE, SAFE AND ENGAGED AT WORK. JOHN HAS PARTICIPATED IN THE NEBRASKA TRUCK DRIVING
FOOTBALL GAMES. HE AND HIS WIFE BONNIE ARE ENJOYING THEIR GRANDKIDS. AS AN ORDAINED PASTOR, CHAMPIONSHIPS DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS.  HE NEVER MISSES A SAFETY MEETING AND STAYS UP ON
HARRY ALSO LOVED WORKING WITH HIS CHURCH’S YOUTH GROUP. INDUSTRY REGULATIONS.  JOHN DONATED A KIDNEY TO A STRANGER IN 2017 BECAUSE HE THOUGHT IT WAS
THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

NTA staff members Barb Aude, Inta Watson and Dave Zelnio kicked off Driver Appreciation Week Sept. 10 by visiting the Hebron and
Waverly scales delivering a sincere thank you along with fresh cookies, Twizzlers and Rice Krispie treats.

The trucking profession is going from greasy wrenches to high-tech computers and analysis. Trucking and logistics is diving deep in to
artificial intelligence as well. Trucking will probably change more in the next 5-10 years than we will ever see in our lifetimes. Automation and
electrification will dominate the industry for the next several years. There’s opportunity in long-haul and shorter routes. Studies by ATRI said
the average length of haul for dry van truckloads has declined almost continuously since 2000 falling by 296 miles or 37 percent.

12 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019 nebtrucking.com

PHOTOS: COURTESY WERNER ENTERPRISES

For Werner Enterprises,

Simulators A Proven Concept

BY STEVE BRAWNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Werner Enterprises drivers this year provide feedback. will crack in front of them, and the word
have gotten behind a wheel more than The graphics quality is on par with the “Crash” will appear in huge red letters on
12,000 times to practice potentially the screen.
challenging situations, but each time there’s latest video games, but this is all business.
been zero chance of an accident. The simulators are programmed with The accident can be a little startling.
dozens of realistic scenarios that prepare Werner wanted to make the
The Omaha-based carrier began drivers for likely challenges they’ll face training realistic.
piloting the use of driver simulators more on the road, and those scenarios can be
than five years ago and now operates them customized. One scenario takes a driver “This is one avenue to where we can
at almost all of its 15 terminals. It also has through basic in-town driving challenges, simulate a crash, we can simulate the
three mobile units. including stop signs, red lights, turns onto consequence, we can simulate the increased
tight one-lane streets, and backing into heartbeat after an accident. … We can
“We started in Omaha and just slowly customer locations. Another takes a driver simulate a tire that blows on the trailer or
worked our way through what simulation through mountain winter weather. Drivers a tire that blows on the tractor, and we can
training does, how we can best utilize it as are encouraged to stop at a safe haven if simulate what that sort of feels like in these
a company, and then we slowly built from it is snowing too hard. Another scenario simulators, so it allows you to tease some
there once we realized that it was a great trains drivers to respond to low bridges. of that consequence into the scenario. And
way to put drivers in difficult scenarios Drivers who pass a sign indicating a low that’s useful for a lot of people in how they
that didn’t involve a possibility of injury or bridge ahead must take the next exit, stop learn,” Cassidy said.
cost to the company,” said Adam Cassidy, at a safe haven and find an alternative
Corporate Safety Manager. route. If they miss the sign, they’ll hit the “With that said, though, it’s one of our
bridge. They’ll experience feedback from training opportunities at the company. It’s
The simulators surround drivers in the seat and steering wheel, the windshield not all of our training opportunities at the
an immersive environment with three company. Obviously, we try to train our
screens. The steering wheel and seat
CONTINUED 
nebtrucking.com
Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 13

ARE YOU READY FOR THE CLEARINGHOUSE? drivers in every way possible, and this is
one very good tool that we have.”
On Jan. 6 2020, FMCSA’s Drug & Alcohol
Clearinghouse terms will be implemented. Beginning drivers typically will
experience three scenarios in classes that
Will you be ready? last 45 minutes to an hour, depending on
Give us a call and we’ll help you navigate the process. class size. By the time most drivers have
been with Werner a couple of years, they
• Experienced and capable staff will have trained in a simulator several
• National database of collection sites times using different scenarios. Drivers
• Random selection and maintenance services, on-line are able to train in a snowy, cold mountain
setting, practicing several different tactics
308.632.7411 to safely operate commercial motor
www.wpcidrugfree.com equipment in challenging surroundings,
without ever leaving the comfort of a
Coverages: Truck Insurance...It’s What We Do 70 degree training environment. Trainers
Physical Damage can choose a scenario based on a driver’s
Not everyone can drive a truck. It takes skill, experience, and needs and region of operation. A driver
Auto Liability commitment. The same is true for providing truck insurance. that primarily hauls freight in Florida
Cargo won’t need to practice driving through
Serving truckers for over eighty years, the staff at Joe Morten & Son, mountains and snow, unless he or she is
General Liability Inc. has the expertise to provide not just insurance, but solutions. We moving to a new account. Drivers going
Umbrella get to know our customers’ unique challenges and work with them to into an unfamiliar situation can train
meet their needs. We have seven office locations and serve over 40 beforehand. And drivers often ask for
Workers Compensation states. Put us to the test and contact us today! simulator training.

Occupational Accident Corporate Office Regional Office “If we have a driver requesting training,
And many more 1309 West 29th Street 1719 South Locust Street we move mountains to make sure that they
South Sioux City, NE 68776 Grand Island, NE 68801 get it,” Cassidy said.

402.494.4251 800.365.2280 Since Werner first began using
simulators, graphics have improved and
the software has become much more
flexible and easier to customize. Cassidy
said he could program a billboard
to display himself as a hypothetical
presidential candidate.

From the beginning, Werner emphasized
standardization because it didn’t want
the simulation to be treated as a video
game. Instructors were trained to give the
same basic experience to each driver, with
modifications tailored to the driver’s need.
Consistency was the key.

“The simulation is one piece of good
training,” he said. “It also comes with
counseling, and it comes with discussions
between the driver and the instructor. It’s
one piece of the training that we want to
provide. It should never be substituting the
entire training.”

It’s a tool, so instructors don’t
necessarily tie student drivers’ performance
in the simulators to whether they advance
and eventually become drivers.

“We certainly don’t want to create

14 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019 nebtrucking.com

a training environment that’s punitive developed as Werner’s, and the company
because you don’t learn well when it’s plans to continue expanding its program.
punitive,” Cassidy said. “If you feel that The cost for the simulators pales in
your job is on the line while you’re in the comparison to the cost of the accidents
simulator, you’re going to be stressed out Werner trains to prevent. Moreover, the
about doing it, and you’re not going to pay simulators show drivers and prospective
as close of attention to what we want you drivers the extent of Werner’s commitment
to pay attention to.” to them.

Werner operates three mobile simulators “It’s a proven concept to us, so when you
based in the Northeast, Southeast and see Werner, you will see the simulation program
West. These train drivers who work out of across our terminal network, and we’ll continue
customer locations and don’t often stop at to ensure our drivers get that training just
one of the fleet’s terminals. In each case, because we believe so much in it,” he said.
two simulators travel in mobile office-
like environments on 42-foot gooseneck Technicians you trust
trailers. The instructors drive the trucks.
Two are million-mile drivers with Werner PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
without an accident. The third should
reach that distinction within a year or two. For more than 40 years, we have built our reputation by keeping
Their experience adds credibility with the you on the road. Having your truck inspected by our highly trained
drivers they train. technicians will give you the confidence your deliveries will be
made on schedule and you will be home on time.
“There’s some respect that adds to The key to keeping you rolling is preventing problems before they
that training because the drivers know point inspection of your truck. Stop by or call one of our locations
that those guys are actual Werner drivers to schedule your preventive maintenance today!
who’ve gone through special training to
be instructors, and then they get out of To find your nearest location visit:
their tractor, which is a Werner tractor,” www.truckcentercompanies.com
Cassidy said. “It looks just like the rest of
the Werner tractors in our fleet, and then Parts and service open 7 days • Total parts inventory over $12,000,000 • Body shops
they start to instruct. So there’s some level Parts delivery • Order parts online • Service for all makes and models • Fully certified technicians
of respect there that goes in the training
from our drivers to those instructors that
probably adds some value to that training.”

Transporting the mobile simulators has
been perhaps the most challenging part of
the program. Between the two simulators
in each of the mobile units, the trailers are
transporting more than 15 computers and
several other sensitive pieces of equipment,
and the expectation is that they work,
every time, even after traveling hundreds
of miles.

The simulators’ primary purpose
is driver training, but a secondary
purpose is public relations. One
customer asks Werner to provide a mobile
simulator each time it has a family day.
Community colleges ask Werner to
bring them to career fairs. Werner
obliges whenever it can do so without
affecting training.

Cassidy said he doesn’t know of
another carrier with simulator training as

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 15

Carrier Member Spotlight

JODY AND BILL ROHDE

Rohde Trucking
A Company Where Drivers are Part of the Family

BY STEVE BRAWNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

How much does Bill Rohde value his customers. A lot of our customers here, a insurance, which Rohde said is the first
drivers? Enough to bring them together lot of them are local people from town or question prospective drivers ask about.
each year from across the country to out here. It just turns out to be something It tries to get drivers home when they
Rohde Trucking’s Homer headquarters for that everybody looks forward to all year.” want to get home. About 90 percent of
a steak fry and group photo. the company’s trucks are Peterbilt 389s
Rohde said the company’s success is while the rest are Kenworth W900s.
The company hosts the annual part for partly due to the way it treats its employee Rohde values truck quality over fuel
drivers and customers. For this year’s event drivers. Rohde Trucking provides health efficiency, believing it helps him attract
in September, it sprung for 200 steaks, 40 drivers and limit turnover. The company
pork chops, beer and soda pops, but the “I think probably the sells the trucks every three to five years,
real expense was successfully getting all number one thing we pride which means drivers are in newer
but three of the company’s 32 drivers to equipment and the company is getting
the event. ourselves in is we’re a better resale value. When it’s time to
family company, and we update, he lets the drivers choose the color
“It’s good for our drivers’ morale like to consider our drivers and some of the other qualities.
to get them all together,” said Rohde and their families as part of
(pronounced “Roady”), the company’s our family”. —Bill Rohde Rohde recalled that at a company
founder and president. “They talk on the Christmas part a couple of years ago, the
phone a lot, I know, between them all, but 30 or so drivers had about 585 years of
when they’re face to face, they can all get a collective driving experience, though not
chance to sit down and visit and meet our

16 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019 nebtrucking.com

all for him. Once of his drivers, Roger took over the operation in 1975 at age 22 for the trucks by hauling grain and rocks
Kruse, age 80, a local driver from Homer, while married with a young son and began for local farmers and businesses. AS other
has been with the company 12 years. expanding it. He bought some land and farms grew and bought their own semis,
His truck number is 795 because he was rented some more until it had grown to he began working with local elevators and
79-and-a-half when he started driving it. 2,500 acres. also hauled for Sioux City-based American
Popcorn, which grew a lot of its product in
In fact, Rohde said the company has That farm directly led to trucking. After western Nebraska. That helped him add a
never run an ad seeking drivers, some of he had farmed a couple of years, he bought truck or two.
whom have been with the company for his first semi and then bought another one.
20 years. These were used for hauling fertilizer in He expanded his trucking operation
the spring and summer and for hauling slowly, but eventually it eclipsed the farm.
“I think probably the number one grain in the fall. Most farmers didn’t have
thing we pride ourselves in is we’re a semis at the time, so in the offseason he “Farming has its ups and downs like
family company, and we like to consider supplemented his income and helped pay any business,” he said. “The trucking
our drivers and their families as part of
our family,” he said. “One of my favorite CONTINUED 
sayings is ‘we’re all one big happy family
here,’ and basically that’s true. And I think Our Focus Is
you could ask any of my drivers that, and Your Business
they would say that same thing.”
Allied Oil & Supply, Inc. has over 60 years of experience with working with the Transport,
Rohde came to trucking from the farm. Consumer, and Industrial Industries. Some of the areas we specialize in include.
He started driving silage trucks at age 14
along with his other cousins for his uncles’ Products Equipment Services Industrial Services
cattle feed operation. While the youngsters ◆ Engine Oils ◆ ALI Certified Lift Inspections ◆ Tank Cleaning
drove the trucks, the uncles would chop ◆ Anti-Freeze ◆ Equipment Installation ◆ Oil Filtering
standing corn for their farm’s 4,000 head ◆ Diesel Exhaust Fluid ◆ Planned Maintenance Programs ◆ Oily Water Removal
of cattle. The six uncles on his mom’s ◆ Hydraulic Oils ◆ Water/Oil Separator Cleaning
side were probably the largest employers ◆ and More. ◆ Oil Analysis
in Dakota County. He remembers his
first ride in their semi, a 1961 or 1962 Omaha, NE Kansas City, MO Sioux Falls, SD Minnesota
Emeryville International cabover. He was (402) 344-4343 (816) 474-8040 (605) 332-3352 (402) 344-4343
12 or 13 at the time.
Des Moines, IA Joplin, MO Wichita, KS Cedar Rapids, IA
“I got to honk the horn, and for any (515) 262-9381 (417) 623-4771 (316) 616-6300 (402) 344-4343
young boy, that’s his dream is to grab
that horn rope and let that air horn go,”
he said.

Rohde, 66, grew up on a farm himself
in Homer in northeast Nebraska, where he
still lives. His father, Bill, owned a 300-
acre corn and soybean operation. Rohde

He remembers
his first ride
in their semi,
a 1961 or 1962
Emeryville

International cabover.
He was 12 or 13
at the time.

2209 S. 24th St. Omaha, NE, 68108 | (402) 344-4343 | www.AlliedOil.com

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 17

things was a way to diversify and carry would be used to produce heparin, a blood trailers and a couple of grain trailers.
me through those lean years on the farm. I thinner. By then, the company had grown That equipment is shared between a family
always said it was trucking that supported to 14 trucks and was still hauling grain, of three companies – Rohde Trucking,
my farming habit.” rocks and cardboard boxes. T-Rone Transport and H.M.H Logistics.
Rohde has an ownership stake in only two
Rohde continued growing the business. Rohde didn’t build the company of them.
In the late 1980s to early 19902, he started alone. He said wife Jody “was there every
a dry van operation hauling mainly for day for 30 years.” She did payroll, billing The third, T-Rone Transport is owned
Smurfit-Stone Container, which made and government reporting. The company by Rohde’s daughter, Carrie, and son-
cardboard boxes for Kellogg’s in Omaha. has since hired two administrators along in-law, Ty Vanschoiack (pronounced
Rohde was operating six or eight trucks with one full-time mechanic and one part- “vanskwake”). They joined Rohde
and hauling eight or 10 loads a day for time mechanic. Trucking in 2012 and in 2016 bought
Kellogg’s. In 2008, he began hauling pork M.J.W., Inc., changing the name to T-Rone,
rendering products in liquid tankers that The operation has 32 power units Inc. The company hauls liquid products
along with about 24 tankers, 12 dry van across all 48 states, including soybean oil,
grape juice, orange juice, cream, wine and
HUB International Transportation chocolate – all in food-grade tankers.
Insurance Services, Inc.
The operation introduced the family to
Customized trucking insurance solutions, national a niche market in kosher foods. A rabbi
coverage, local operations and dedicated people blesses each tanker as it is bought. He
are what set HUB International apart. examines every kosher load, which is most
of them, along with the bills of lading and
Je Dillon, Senior Account Executive makes sure the tanks are specially washed
[email protected] to kosher standards.
(888) 365-0923
“It’s very involved. This was all new
hubtransportation.com to us three years ago, but it’s been quite a
learning curve,” Rohde said.

Mike Weinrich, who owned the company,
along with his wife, Jean, still comes to the
office three days each week. “He still helps
us, and, without his help this thing would
have never worked, beleive me,” Rohde said.
“If Ty would have bought this business and
he just walked away, I don’t think that this
thing would have succeeded because this is
so separate from anything else that we have
ever done in our lives.”

Rohde continues, “Ty is very quick to

“If you looked up “trucking
executive” in the dictionary,
I think that you would find

his name,” Vanschoiack
said of Rohde. “He is top-
notch, honest and hard-
working. About any good
quality that you can have
with somebody, he’s got.”

18 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019 nebtrucking.com

learn and has, in a very short period of time, Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 19
make the food-grade business seem effortless.
He has the ability to dispatch 32 trucks daily
in such an efficient manner. It would impress
the most seasoned trucking companies.

Vanschoiack said that he didn’t know
anything about trucking when he joined the
operation. Rohde has helped fill in the blanks
regarding running the business, treating
employees like family and maintaining
equipment that attracts good drivers.

“If you looked up “trucking executive”
in the dictionary, I think that you would
find his name,” Vanschoiack said of Rohde.
“He is top-notch, honest and hard-
working. About any good quality that you
can have with somebody, he’s got.”

About a year ago, the two families
added another jointly owned company,
H.M.H. Logistics, a dry van and tanker
carrier. The company was formed so it
could hire young, local drivers who had
plenty of experience driving on the farm
but not enough hours driving over-the-
road to be insurable.

H.M.H. Logistics is insured with a
higher-risk carrier and the two drivers are
paid less than other drivers, but it’s given
them a chance to get started in the industry.

“They worked for their fathers,
basically, on the farm and are unable to
show where they’ve had over-the-road
experience,” Rohde said. “But, believe me,
they are good people. We trust them and
we wouldn’t put them on otherwise.”

Rohde still farms about 1,000 acres
of corn and soybeans. He and Jody have
one grandson via their son, Brandt, while
the Vanschoiacks are raising their two
daughters and one grandson just down the
street from them. The youngest, Haryson,
loves to drive the tractor with Rohde and
hopes to be a farmer someday. In fact, one
of the reasons that Rohde continues to
farm is so that Haryson can work his way
into the business.

“I’m going to stay in as long as I can
until he gets started,” Rohde said. He’s
seven years old now, so I’ve got to stay
with it a few more years.”

At 66, Rohde stays on the move. He
still drives a truck some, though he doesn’t

CONTINUED 

nebtrucking.com

spend nights away from home. He has

been a pilot for about 40 years and owns

a Cessna 172 single engine four-seater. Just

as with truck driving and farming, his love

for flying started with his uncles. A couple

of them flew in World War II and they had

their own plane on the farm and would

invite him along for flights.

“I’ve got a runway on our farm here. I

fly every change that I can get,” he said. “If

I’ve had a stressful day, I’ll jump in that and

fly around and look at my corps for half an

hour and it feels like taking a week off.”

A perpetual man in motion, Rodhe

started riding his first Harley Davidson

when he was 16. He and Jody ride it

together and he has attended every Sturgis

Motorcycle Rally since 1985. The annual

event in Sturgis, South Dakota this year

Empower Empower attracted about a half a million people. The
Rohdes made the trip by motorcycle when
they were younger, but now drive with the
tEomhyeoplpuor wdrieverrs to hyeolpur driversTHEROHDEFAMILY:TY,JODY,BILLANDCARRIE Harley in the back of a pickup truck.
“My loves are these… my family, my

farm, my airplane and my Harley, in that
order,” Rohde said.
EtomhyehohlpupuumrSomtSdartTaawrnrTifanvOffieecOfrikPscriknPigynogur hdurimvStearTarnsfOfickPingHuman trafficking incidents are on the rise, wHituhmmaornetthraanffi4c9k,0i0n0gciansecsidbeeinntgs are on the rise, with more than 49,000 cases being
STOP traffickingProject, 2017) Truck drivers are in a unique position to help because they frequent
to help humanrHcPeorupomomjremtacentdo,nt2tor0tatr1haf7fefif)ciNTckakrtiuininocggnkaipdlnHlraciucivdmeesearnsndtuaTsrreaeaftfroiicnekthaoinenguirnHthjiooqetblui,rnesiesupeocov,hewsriaitttsihhotemrnupotcacProkseorthostm1htej0oeamlpcnpyetos4b,a,n92errs,e00ct.rs10a(aSt0u7foaf)scuireaTcerskrctaeuehisns:ce,Pbgkayoenpdlifanrdlrreagiigsqcveauesersdnstuatareteitooinntsha. euirnjioqbu,esupcohsiatsiotrnutcok
reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline overretphoerpteadstto10thyeaNras.ti(oSnoualrcHeu: mPoalnarTisrafficking Hotline over the past 10 years. (Source: Polaris
help because they frequent
stops, rest areas, and gas stations.

common trafficking places due to their job, such as truck stops, rJe.sJt.aKreallse,ra’sndNgEaWs sHtautmionasn. Trafficking J. J. Keller’s NEW Human Trafficking
$$OONN33nnll9yE9yE5W5W $ON3nl9yE5WhpAt2HJtor.or44w0aouJwa1tg.fmfhrrhitr7Ktdieehaouce)eecnamo:.mkhonelsnNTligoet444swaenirsnafnwtmriyuglfirt’lztosrrhitoihactretdoeehpraoesuukNfesctftDonafl:mfmhpaoniaiEcdsracecahtocigetWakvlrknisrennifnyeiimHinysigvostdirHnkgzrtsnuuoheardeagsrtuafmsurfrputdtfoiasmmcfhiperfiaainknicaervatnaiiktocnernnsroniigperTigindssgtrrtakgTriinaehannarfsnfdteaffeaoiitifcclrsffykukijcaiowinnnkrbhgiegiq,neasuonHgnuendoActphtwlhionaaesserirettoiri-souveecn,rkwttsohittoehhpepmlsap,osrDbterhee1sVo444tc0wtDahayrrhitutradeehPeoeusnescora:ameponosr4sogetsat,gi9nhnfnam(yr,dSie0naztohory0eadmasuup0tftfmgfhrrpaiIcecceanrataqekosnsrcsi:puiinslesgtPruetkgrsinoaaandsbfttltfaeioieocrclsfyiikno:nsiwsmngP.hgrmreoeanjnpoednoctr,ted
Awareness for Drivers training Awareness for Drivers training
program will teach your drivers
J. J. Kelleprr’soNgEraWmHwumillatneaTrcahffyicokuinrgdrivers

n4esrsefsopornDdtrahipvepeyrrossuprstipraateeicnlytiwnit’ghsetpnarkoinggrapmlacwe ill teach • 1t7h-eMyisnuuspteecVtidit’esotaking place
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DVD Program Includes: • TDraViDnePrroGguraidmeIncludes:
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✔

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✔ respond appropriately when they
suspect it’s taking place

J. J. Keller and your State Trucking oroemr ea4mil0Taao24ti-ilo0l4Tadr7o2dteT6-ienol4o-rd8@r,7dc5eo6nae0nelo-rrl48@,bdArc5etnparexe0ureltirl4mlc.b,1Aake0tctpiarn9xJa.urJgit.iKlllc.e.l1lclakear0oAtaintnm9dpyiogulrrd.StcaitleoeTraumnckitng@4n0e2obr-4etm7ruTMa64icl-0Ta8ko2t5i-ionl4d0r7dge64en.-rc8@,eoc5nxa0meltl4b.A1etprx0urti9lc.1ak0tin9g.com
AssJo.cJi.aKtieolnlearreanpdartynoeursr iSntacotemTprluiacnkcien.g Association are partners in compliance.
PACss2o03c7ia8t4ion are partners in compliance.
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PC 203784 PC 203784

20 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019 nebtrucking.com

Allied Member Spotlight

MidStates Utility’s Mark Golden

BY TODD TRAUB

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mark Golden never had much background I found it very easy
to talk to folks and soon found
of a problem finding a job. a need for mobile service that
worked primarily on site for fleet
But when he came to Mid- accounts. I would go do a job and
make sales calls on the way back
States Utility he found a home. to the shop until I made enough
relationships to stay in demand
Golden is director of enough to hardly be in the shop
at all.”
operations at the Omaha
When an outside sales/
branch of the Nebraska-based, estimates writer announced
retirement, Golden put in for
semi trailer supply, service and the position and got it, then he
moved from there to mobile
dealership company. In his 13 service manager, though he still
handled sales and estimates.
years with Mid-State he has
“That led me into the service
worked his way up to his current manager role overseeing the
entire service department,” he
position, selecting and grooming said. “This is where I also found
my love of team building and
his team that heads the internal positive reinforcement. From that
spot I was asked to do my current role as
and mobile service departments. operations director.”
He may have had limited expectations
Not bad for a guy who started when he arrived at Mid-States, but his
steady professional growth made him
in the shop as a tech. But then, realize he was at a collaborative place that
encouraged employees to expand their
Golden hadn’t previously shown skill sets and reach their potential.
“It says a lot, it shows that they are
a tendency to settle down in any an outstanding owner group that wants
success for everyone in the company,”
one job. Golden said.
In the hectic world of the trucking and
“I had done many things and transportation industry, Golden, like so
many of his peers, has trouble describing a
just could not find a home so to GOLDEN typical day on the job.
speak,” Golden said. “I was a “You never know what one day will
bring. Trucking is an amazing, diverse
corrections officer, a volunteer industry in itself,” Golden said. “Part of
what I love about this job is every day
firefighter/EMT, a salesperson at many After trying his hand at a variety of is different for the most part. I have an
outstanding team that has worked very
places. I was always happy and involved professions, Golden took up his friend hard right next to me. That allows me to
be involved with customer visits, charities,
in my jobs, however I never really felt at on the offer, and started as a shop tech at
CONTINUED 
home anywhere.” Mid-States in 2006.

He didn’t necessarily have expectations “This is where my entire outlook on

for Mid-States Utility either. He only life started to change, when I realized who

took the job on the recommendation of a I was as an adult,” Golden said. “I found

friend. And because he needed the job. myself again fortunate to be surrounded

“By total chance! I needed a job and by outstanding people that were willing to

my friend said ‘I could probably get you teach me and never once restricted me to a

hired on at my place,’ “ Golden said. box. I know now that is what Mid-States

“Honestly I figured it was just going to be Utility is all about. Back then, I thought I

another job. I planned on doing it until was just lucky.”

something else happened.” Golden began to expand his skill

Golden was born in Whiting, Iowa, and set and within two years was working

raised in Red Oak, Iowa, living the life of to grow the company’s mobile service

an “average, small-town kid” whose elders department from its humble beginnings as

taught him the work ethic that has gotten one, part-time truck. Today, Golden said,

him where he is today. the department has four, 25-foot, outfitted

“I have been fortunate to be Peterbilt trucks operating around the clock

surrounded with great people in my life to and a team of 25-30.

guide me down the paths that I needed to “I guess it started by me volunteering

take,” he said. “I started out as a mechanic to take our mobile truck out to do work

and that is how I ended up working in the on the road when nobody else in the shop

trucking industry.” would,” Golden said. “With my sales

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 21

etcetera. My vision has on the job, it usually has
something to do with delays
always been to give my team and lengthy processes.

the same opportunities that I “I’m a get-it-done kind of
guy,” he said.
was given.”
Doing things has never
“Team” is the operative been a problem for Golden
in building his diverse career
word for the Mid-States portfolio or in his eclectic
choice of hobbies.
operations manager. His
He’s a guitar player, restores
company bio describes his classic cars and enjoys the
outdoors, which includes
passion for team building and maintaining a Koi pond.
Married 18 years, he also
mutual support that helps mentioned the fact that he and his wife have
two cats.
people to grow in their careers. What Golden didn’t mention—but what
the company’s Facebook page does—is that
“When you say ‘my team’ he has his own social media page called “Bar
Cat” in which his cat “prepares” cocktails
I am considering everyone from Golden’s home bar.
Golden can’t single out one favorite
from the guy sweeping the ZACH FRITZ, MARK GOLDEN AND JENNIFER BLUM OF MIDSTATES UTILITY moment from his enjoyable time at Mid-
parking lot to my highest States, but he knows his life took a sharp and
positive turn when went to work in the shop.
managers,” Golden said. “I think it who I am today without my team standing “There are so many things that I could
go into over the past 13 years here at Mid-
is important that everyone feels needed and behind me when I fell down or thought of States it is hard to narrow it down to one,”
Golden said. “The day that I was awarded
knows that they too can grow here. I look giving up,” Golden said. “That is the magic my current role by our owners is right at the
top of the list.”
for honest people with a desire to learn, set of a true team and I am so fortunate to have

and reach goals. I want like-minded people been able to experience this.”

that believe in the company as a whole and Now that he knows what longevity at a

are proud of everyone’s success as well as company is like, Golden has the experience

their own. to reflect on changes in the industry and

“When a decision needs to be made we singled out technology as the biggest driver

come together as a team to make those of change in the industry.

decisions so that everyone has a chance to “My team and I are very excited to

put in their input.” get involved in more technology training,

While his definition of “team” tends to sending our mechanics to schools to become

encompass the whole company, Golden certified by vendors,” he said. “We would like

acknowledges the value and support of the to participate in competitions with

group he works with daily. our techs.”

“My team is my rock. I would not be If there are any frustrations for Golden

22 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019 “My team is my rock. I
would not be

who I am today without
my team standing

behind me when I fell
down or thought

of giving up. That is the
magic of a true team
and I am so fortunate
to have been able to

experience this.”
— Mark Golden

nebtrucking.com

NTA’s 2019 Fall Conference
Trucking professionals honored during
Nebraska Trucking Association Fall Awards

THE NTA WOMEN’S COUNCIL LAUNCH EVENT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS AS THE GROUP MORE THAN DOUBLED IN MEMBERSHIP AND GREAT FRIENDSHIPS WERE BORN.

Trucking professionals honored during Anderson Trucking, took the helm as the new ones we get come from referrals
Nebraska Trucking Association Fall Awards executive chair from Scott Romans who from our drivers.” The company owns 50
NEBRASKA Tears flowed as guests at officially handed over the gavel of leadership. trucks and works with owner operators and
the Nebraska Trucking Association Fall Later, she zoomed through the golf course broker trucks. They haul bulk commodities
Conference listened to the story of Golden introducing herself to NTA members along for agriculture, crushed stone and ice control
Deeds Award Winner Scott Gronewoller, of the way. salt. “Our drivers are our biggest asset,” she
Midwest Express, who tackled the effects of said. “We watch out for each other and make
a stroke with steely determination walking a Lindsay Dunham, diesel technician from sure things are safe.” NSG Transport, a 17-
mile every day to a local store to face shelves Truck Center Companies in York, was on year NTA member company, has 60 drivers
all in an effort to improve his dexterity. Scott hand during the NTA Women’s Council and operates out of Gothenburg. Drivers
returned to work and to volunteering at NTA Reception Wednesday. Lindsay’s example as move through Gothenburg each week and go
events in record time. a diesel tech and Army vet is used by the home on weekends. “The NTA has helped a
newly-formed Women’s Council to inspire lot with information during the last couple
Brett Kleier had to step away from the young women to enter the trucking and of years, especially as we’ve trained a new
podium during the Awards Breakfast to logistics industry. safety director. Barb Aude has a lot of great
accept the honor as Safety Director of the information for us.”
Year. Brett works with the Sunrise Express The pride of Gothenburg, NSG Transport,
team of drivers to ensure safe operations. walked away with the coveted crystal truck The NTA Fall Conference was packed
He’s also devoted extensive time working recognizing them as the 2019 Fleet Safety with activities including a truck show,
on various councils with the Nebraska Grand Champion. “We’re proud of our safety skeet shoot, golf outing and Dueling
Trucking Association. record,” said NSG Transport co-owner Coleen Pianos entertainment.
Geiken. “We’ve found some very good drivers
Crystal Anderson, co-owner of Donald who stay with us for the long haul. A lot of CONTINUED 

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 23

2019 Fall Conference Six hundred seventy drivers were Driving Award for more than 30 years.
Award Winners: recognized during the President’s Safe Driving The Nebraska Trucking Association is the
Awards. Of those, William Larson of Hunt
Woman of Distinction: Transportation, received extra honors for provider of effective information, services and
Linda Ingram-Jasa, having accomplished the President’s Safety advocacy to Nebraska trucking companies
and affiliated businesses.
Jasa Transit & Ingram Tank Wash
Blair James E. Ryan 1 1 DIESEL TECHNICIAN LINDSAY DURHAM HELPS THE WOMEN

Golden Deeds: COUNCIL PROMOTE THE INDUSTRY TO YOUNG LADIES
Scott Gronewoller, Midwest Express CONSIDERING CAREER CHOICES.

Dispatcher of the Year: 2 INTA WATSON, TRUCK SERVICES INC., AND KRIS HUNZEKER,
Karen Clement, Midwest Express
NEBRASKA STATE PATROL, ENJOY THE NIGHT.
Technician of the Year:
Don Gillham, Midwest Express 3 WERNER ENTERPRISES DRIVER TIM DEAN TOOK THE HONORS AS
THE 2019 DRIVER OF THE YEAR.  TIM EARNED THE SAFE DRIVER
Maintenance Supervisor of the Year:
Rick Otto, Sunrise Express CLUB FOR 11 CONSECUTIVE YEARS, THE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

Professional Service Award: AWARD, WESSEL AWARD.  HE’S WON THE NEBRASKA TRUCK DRIVING
Steve Beahm, Sunrise Express
CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 9 YEARS AND WAS TWICE NAMED GRAND CHAMP. 
Safety Director of the Year:
Brett Kleier, Sunrise Express TIM ALSO HAS WORKED ON THE ATA & WERNER ROAD TEAM AND HAS

Contract Carrier Group: ATTENDED MANY SAFETY AND CAREER FAIRS.
Zeitner & Sons
4 SCOTT GRONEWOLLER WAS HONORED WITH THE GOLDEN DEEDS
Heavy Hauler Group: AWARD. GRONEWOLLER TACKLED THE EFFECTS OF A STROKE
Hunt Transportation, Inc.
WITH STEELY DETERMINATION WALKING A MILE EVERY DAY TO A LOCAL
Less-Than-Truckload Carriers:
I-Go Van and Storage 2 STORE TO FACE SHELVES ALL IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE HIS DEXTERITY.

Tank Truck Bulk Carrier Group: SCOTT RETURNED TO WORK AND TO VOLUNTEERING AT NTA EVENTS IN
Triple C Transportation
RECORD TIME.
Truckload Carriers:
Williams Transportation 5 FOR AN ECONOMIST, ERNIE GOSS WAS QUITE THE CHARACTER

Truckload Carriers: DOING A DEEP DIVE ON ECONOMIC ISSUES WHILE KEEPING HIS
Nebraska Coast TALK LIGHT WITH HUMOR..

Private Carrier: 5b KAYLA JONES, TRUCK SERVICES INC. ENJOYS TIME WITH THE NTA
Valmont Industries
WOMEN’S COUNCIL

5b
3

5
4

24 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019 nebtrucking.com

6

7 9 6 SCOTT GRONEWOLLER WITH HIS FAMILY AT HOME AND AT WORK.
8 9
7 TRUCKERS PASSING THROUGH YORK CAN CONNECT WITH CHAPLAIN

LARRY WRIGHTSMAN OF THE TRUCKERS CHAPEL LOCATED AT THE
YORK PETRO TRUCK STOP. LARRY LED THE PRAYER BEFORE THE BANQUET.

8 MACK TRUCK SPONSORED THE ANNUAL BANQUET AND THE

AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION SENT RANDY GUILLOT, VICE
CHAIRMAN, TO SPEAK ON THE STATE OF THE INDUSTRY.

9 FINE WINE AND SHINY TRUCKS WELCOMED GUESTS TO THE YORK

SOUTH LOT DURING A BEAUTIFUL SEPTEMBER NIGHT.

CONTINUED 

9

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 25

10

11 14 10 2019 TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR DON GILLHAM, GRAND ISLAND
12 15
EXPRESS, HAS BEEN EMPLOYED IN HIS ROLE FOR 6  YEARS WITH
13 16 A FLEET OF 52 TRUCKS, 150 TRAILERS, FIVE SERVICE BAYS AND A MOBILE
SERVICE TRUCK. 
26 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019
11 WERNER ENTERPRISES DRIVER TIM DEAN TOOK THE HONORS AS THE

2019 DRIVER OF THE YEAR.  TIM EARNED THE SAFE DRIVER CLUB FOR
11 CONSECUTIVE YEARS, THE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD, WESSEL
AWARD.  HE’S WON THE NEBRASKA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 9
YEARS AND WAS TWICE NAMED GRAND CHAMP.  TIM ALSO HAS WORKED
ON THE ATA & WERNER ROAD TEAM AND HAS ATTENDED MANY SAFETY
AND CAREER FAIRS.

12 HEATH RICHARDS AWARDS SAFETY DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR TO

BRETT KLEIER

13 2019 DISPATCHER OF THE YEAR GOES TO KAREN CLEMENT OF

MIDWEST EXPRESS. SHE HAS BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR 20 YEARS
FOR MIDWEST EXPRESS INC., EXPERIENCING ZERO HOURS OF SERVICE
VIOLATIONS AND 1 PERCENT UNEXCUSED LATE DELIVERIES

14 BRETT KLEIER, SUNRISE EXPRESS, WAS NAMED THE 2019 SAFETY

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

15 TRIPLE C TRANSPORTATION WAS HONORED WITH A PLAQUE FOR THE

GREAT WEST SAFETY AWARD FOR THE TANK TRUCK BULK CARRIER
GROUP. CHERYL DILLON, OPERATIONS MANAGER, WAS ON HAND TO
ACCEPT THE AWARD.

16 CHERYL ANDERSON ACCEPTS THE GAVEL OF LEADERSHIP FROM

SCOTT ROMANS, OUTGOING NTA CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.

nebtrucking.com

17

20

18 17 NSG TRANSPORT OF GOTHENBURG, NEB. WAS DEEMED THE WINNER
19
nebtrucking.com OF THE 2019 FLEET SAFETY AWARD.

18 FRESH BACK FROM WINNING THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF
STEP VAN DRIVERS, ADAM STROUP OF FEDEX RECEIVED A WARM

WELCOME FROM HIS NEBRASKA NEIGHBORS.

19 STEVE BEAHM, SUNRISE EXPRESS, WAS NAMED THE 2019

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AWARD HONOREE. BEAHM RECENTLY
CELEBRATED 25 YEARS IN HIS CURRENT ROLE AND 43 YEARS INVOLVED IN
SAFETY. HIS EXPERIENCE AS A DRIVER, SAFETY MANAGER AND VP PUTS
HIM IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO RESOLVE MOST OF THE CHALLENGE HIS
COMPANY FACES DAILY.

20 DIANA GARCIA, MIDDLE, WONDERS HOW SHE GOT PLACED ON A

TEAM WITH LUCAS MOWREY, LEFT, AND RAUL SORIA.

21 TINA GAINES, FEDEX COURIER, LINES UP A GIANT SHOT.

22 DEREK PHILLIPS OF CRETE CARRIER RELIES ON HIS GOOD LUCK
DRIVER COVER TO HIT PAR.

21
22

Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 27

PRESENTING SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS nebtrucking.com
GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

28 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019

Along the Route

News & tips from Nebraska Trucker advertisers

WINTER PREP TIPS

As the seasons change, so does truck Check for any air leaks in your air consider adding a winter fuel additive to
maintenance. Winter weather makes the brake system. your maintenance routine if you’re headed
roads hazardous for hauling freight, and toward colder climates.
contributes to equipment damage and system When water and moisture build in your
failures, too. Here’s how to prep your rig for air brake system in the dead of winter, it Check your tire pressure daily.
the winter months ahead. will almost certainly freeze and turn to ice.
This can damage valves, air dryers and other When the temperature drops, so
Have your batteries tested by a components. Also, check and drain your air does the air pressure in tires. Check
certified technician? tanks daily to help keep water, contaminants your tire pressure before every trip to
and corrosion at bay. ensure they’re properly inflated and to get
Dead batteries are one of the most the best footprint and traction on
common causes of winter breakdowns. Invest in a new fuel filter. the roads.
Testing your batteries will indicate whether
or not they can keep up with the high When temperatures fall, the paraffin wax In the event you need emergency roadside
demand of your electrical system during the in diesel fuel can thicken so much it clogs assistance, call 1-800-824-SHOP and
colder months. fuel filters and solidifies to where it no longer RoadSquad will be there whenever, wherever
flows. Invest in a new fuel filter now and you break down.

Growth is evident at Truck Center We’ve also added trailers to our product employees that are willing to be their best and
Companies. We’re expanding into new line. Truck Center Companies is now the work for a company that gives back to them
territories, updating facilities, offering new exclusive dealer for Stoughton Trailers in for their efforts.
product lines to customers and increasing Nebraska and Iowa along with SideDump’r
our workforce. trailers available for the construction market. Investing in our workforce is a constant
with Truck Center Companies, as is giving
Recently, we’ve added two more locations As we continue to grow, we’re sure to hold back to the community.  We were able to raise
in Kansas. These additions help us expand onto the ideals that have made us what we $450,000 in our 25th year of fundraising
our service and sales network further into the are today. We strive to provide Elite Support for Make-A-Wish. This amount brought our
Midwest. Soon these facilities will be updated and take care of our customers every day.  lifetime total to over $3milliion raised for the
to TCC standards. With that in mind, we continue to look for organization. What a great year!

nebtrucking.com Issue 5, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 29

WELCOME NEW NTA MEMBERS DIGITAL MAGAZINE ADVERTISER RESOURCE INDEX
NOW AVAILABLE! Allied Oil & Tire..............................................17
New members in July 1 – Oct 15, 2019
You may view Nebraska Trucker — American Transportation Research
Abbott Trucking, Inc. complete with sound effects — online Institute (ATRI)...................Inside back cover
Able Transport Solutions within a week of distribution. Another
awesome feature of this great new Bauer Built Tire.............................................10
Ace Trucking LLC technology is that websites in the
Awards Unlimited digital magazine are “live.” So, viewers Brehmer Manufacturing Inc.......................18
Bank of America Merrill Lynch | Bank may click on a site featuring in an
of America, N.A. ad and be transported directly to an Great West Casualty Co.............. Back cover
advertiser’s website. This is just one
BBW Express more service that we’re happy to offer HELP, Inc., Provider of PrePass..................12
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska on behalf of our NT advertisers.
Cedar Farms Inc dba VollmerTrucking HUB International Insurance......................18
CHECK IT OUT:
Coast to Coast Transport Service WWW.NEBTRUCKING.COM Interstate PowerSystems..............................8
Cooperative Producers Inc
Courtney Williams J.J. Keller.......................................................20
D & T Truck Transporters, Inc
Joe Morten & Son Insurance.....................14
DesignWear Inc DBA Shirts 101
DIAMOND LIME, LLC PrePass..........................................................11

DMDL Transportation, LLC RDO Truck Centers............Inside front cover
DriverTech
TA/Petro............................................................6
Dvorak Law Group, LLC
Fast Eddy's Hot Shot Transport Taylor & Martin..............................................19

Flatland Enterprises In. Truck Center Companies..............................15
GLD trucking LLC
Western Pathology Consultants, Inc.
Grizzly Enterprises LLC (WPCI).............................................................14
Gross Seed Company, Inc.
HAR Transportation Inc. This edition of Nebraska Trucker was made
possible with the support of these corporate
Hyundai Translead advertisers. They support the trucking
INSPRO Insurance, Inc. - La Vista industry by enabling Nebraska Trucking
Association to provide this publication to
Jan Bently its members, prospective members, elected
JBJ Transportation LLC officials and the business community at
JEH Specialized Transport large. They deserve your consideration and
Johanson Transportation Service patronage when making your corporate
purchasing decisions. Thank you!
Lease Genie
Live Hydration Spa PLEASE VISIT NEBTRUCKING.COM
Lockton Companies TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF
Mark Oldenkamp Trucking Inc. NEBRASKA TRUCKER WITH LIVE
Marlin Ebbers Trucking Inc LINKS TO ADVERTISERS’ WEBSITES.

MBA Agency nebtrucking.com
Netradyne

Norder Agri-Supply Inc
Shay Garvin
SiDump'r

Thernes Trucking LLC
Truck Paper

Truckers Accounting Service, Inc.
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Whirlwind Heartland, LLC

30 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 5, 2019

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.

Photo: NASA

800.228.8602 Knowledge is Power

gwccnet.com Not All Trucking Companies Are Alike

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Great West Casualty Company – No matter where the road takes you, you will
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