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drivers.” Herre said about 9 of every 10 driver applicants don’t meet the standards FCC has, and the company takes a pass on them. “I’d like to grow each year, but the way you


do it is very important,” he said. “Although we did buy a lot of new equipment over the past two years, over the next couple of years we will slow that down a bit.” During his years of working with the


Nebraska Trucking Association, Herre said his respect for his fellow owners – who are competitors on the road but colleagues in the association – has grown. “I think it’s very important we do have


the Nebraska Trucking Association to fight for us at the state level and also contribute through to national groups like the American Trucking Associations and Truckload Carriers Association,” he said. “I think when we get together, we know what we can talk about and can’t talk about. Nobody wants to share financials… [but] if we don’t like a piece of legislation, we should all band together and talk about it.” Regulation, of course, is going to be a core


topic anytime two or more truckers gather together and talk shop, and Herre feels that’s the place where collaboration serves the industry best. “EPA mandates on engine emission


controls have been very costly to our industry,” he said by way of example. “It has driven the cost of truck equipment higher in recent years. Before these changes, we would normally see annual increases in new truck equipment costs between 2 and 3 percent. In one year the cost shot up nearly 10 percent. And once the price of a new vehicle goes up, it will never go lower unless you sacrifice the quality of your truck specifiations.” Association President Larry Johnson said


Herre’s contribution to the Association and its foundation have been welcome. “Just last September he accepted a position


back on the executive committee as our alternate vice president, representing Nebraska to the ATA,” said Johnson. “He’s always a forward thinker – he thinks things out and helps guide the association on big-picture issues.”


While we’re on the subject of forward


thinking: With the 50-year benchmark coming up soon, it’s a fair question to ask if Herre has a timetable for handing over the reins… but Karen is quick to express her opinion. “Mike will never retire,” she says brightly. For his part, Herre is remaining open to


the possibility. “Te only reason I could do that – and


hopefully Karen will join me on this – is because of our staff,” he said. “We have worked hard, been blessed to grow a good quality staff, and that allows us to be out a little bit more.” But then, there’s that undeniable pull that


trucking exerts over the folks who’ve made it their lives. “It would be very difficult for us to totally


back away,” Herre admitted. “We like the industry, we like to get up in the morning with a purpose in mind, and we love what we do. And we like to be engaged with our people and our customers.” “Te day’s not here yet. Yeah, it’s closer, but


hopefully not soon.” nt


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NEBRASKA TRUCKER — ISSUE 2, 2014 — www.nebtrucking.com


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