OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Werner
Enterprises (NASDAQ:WERN), a premier truckload transportation and
logistics provider, is pleased to announce its acquisition of the
American Institute of Trucking (AIT) and Roadmaster Drivers School.
These investments help further Werner’s commitment to securing the
success of the next generation of professional drivers for the entire
trucking industry.
“Trucking is the backbone of our nation’s economy, and our future
depends on making sure we have the best professional drivers in place to
deliver this freight,” said Derek Leathers, Werner president and COO.
“This was a long-term strategic investment to ensure a stable flow of
highly trained student truck drivers in a time when the entire industry
is facing a significant driver shortage.”
As a forward-thinking leader in the transportation industry, Werner saw
an opportunity with school partners that would benefit the trucking
industry as a whole. Working with both AIT and Roadmaster for many
years, Werner has witnessed the solid management and quality output
these companies produce in the commercial truck driver training field,
in addition to common business goals.
Werner completed its acquisition of AIT in August 2013, and the
Roadmaster acquisition was completed in May 2014 for undisclosed
amounts. AIT, based in Phoenix, Arizona, has three southwest U.S. school
locations. Roadmaster, based in Tampa, Florida, has 13 school locations
throughout the U.S. The acquisition announcements were delayed to allow
for a full-system integration and to ensure that student employer of
choice remained a priority, as Werner is committed to ensuring students
maintain the ability to choose their preferred carrier to work for after
graduation. The experienced and respected AIT and Roadmaster management
teams both have remained unchanged following these acquisitions. Before
and after the acquisitions, the percentage of graduates from these
schools placed with Werner has remained relatively consistent.
“The industry as a whole needs diversity, flexibility and a good pool of
quality individuals to hire from,” said John Kearney Sr., president and
CEO of Roadmaster. “One key effect with this acquisition is it provides
us with the financial security needed to invest and expand so we can
continue to provide the entire industry with safe and road-ready
professional drivers.”
AIT and Roadmaster continue to serve as two of the industry’s largest
and top-ranked driving schools.
“Werner has been one of AIT’s key partners for many years,” said Chuck
Wirth, president of AIT. “We couldn’t be more pleased to be a part of an
organization that is a leader in the industry.”
Werner Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1956 and is a premier
transportation and logistics company, with coverage throughout North
America, Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and Australia. Werner
maintains its global headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska and maintains
offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Australia.
Werner is among the five largest truckload carriers in the United
States, with a diversified portfolio of transportation services that
includes dedicated van, temperature-controlled and flatbed;
medium-to-long-haul, regional and local van; and expedited services.
Werner's Value Added Services portfolio includes freight management,
truck brokerage, intermodal and international services. International
services are provided through Werner’s domestic and global subsidiary
companies and include ocean, air and ground transportation; freight
forwarding; and customs brokerage.
Werner Enterprises, Inc.’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global
Select MarketSM under the symbol “WERN”. For further
information about Werner, visit the company’s website at www.werner.com.
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Source: Werner Enterprises, Inc.