“My grandson just loves to help park all the


semis when they come in on Friday,” Duering said.


Duering participated in the convoy the


first year when he was still able to drive, and he recalled that year a planned meal fell through. He offered to make sure food was served the next time, and for his efforts he was asked to be coordinator. “Te guy that was in charge in Omaha said


‘I want you to be the coordinator for this,’ “ Duering said. “I’ve been going ever since.” In addition to setting up the related events,


Duering interacts with the highway patrol and police to ensure the escort, advises the drivers on road conditions and provides other vital information. He also visits convoys in other states, while welcoming representatives of those convoys to Nebraska, which allows the parties to compare notes. “Tey come to my convoy, I go down


there,” Duering said. “We represent the state of Nebraska. We do not step on each other’s toes.” During his tenure, the convoy has turned


into more than just a 50-mile drive on Saturday. It is now more or less a three-day event. “In the 12 years I have got probably got


30-some drivers, they want to come out here Tursday night,” Duering said. “We have a little meal. I invite some of the sponsors out. We just have a nice get together.” Following the Friday night softball game


and cookout, the convoy leaves at 10 a.m. on Saturday, traveling north on Highway 281 and Interstate 80. Te athletes ride with the drivers (as long as the driver’s company grants permission) which serves to create long-lasting relationships that extend far beyond the convoy finish line. Tere are trophies for best company fleet,


best looking truck, longest distance traveled to take part and lead truck, among others. “We have a lot of fun,” Duering said. “Even


after they leave here, when the drivers leave on Saturday, some of them give the athletes their phone numbers. Tey send them birthday cards. … Stuff like that.” Duering recalled one driver who realized


an athlete’s family was in the market for a grill. Te driver not only bought it, he went to the family’s home to set it up, and then continued to stay in touch. “Tat driver has been with this athlete ever


since,” Duering said. Convoy participation has ranged from 13


trucks the first year to 45, and funds raised have ranged from $9,000 to $16,000. Duering has a standing bet with one of the athletes that when the truck count reaches 50 the athlete can shave Duering’s head. Te athlete has no problem reminding


Duering of that, he said, as each year’s count increases. Te driver-athlete interaction is one of the


most special things about the Nebraska leg of the World’s Largest Convoy, Duering said. When Schneiderhan, the founder, paid a visit to the Nebraska convoy, he pointed that out, Duering said. “Once you come to it you’ll be back next


year,” Duering said. “It is so fun to play with the athletes on the softball field. You’ve got to see it to believe it.” NT


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NEBRASKA TRUCKER — ISSUE 3, 2015 — www.nebtrucking.com


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