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.