Werner Enterprises Monday Oct. 5 announced its acquisition during the past two years of two leading truck driver training schools.
One of Werner’s military-themed trucksIt acquired the American Institute of Trucking, which is based in Phoenix and has three locations in the Southwest, and Roadmaster Drivers School, which has headquarters in Tampa and 13 locations around the U.S.
According to a statement it issued, Werner (ranked 11th on the 2015 Top 250 list compiled by “Commercial Carrier Journal”) acquired AIT in 2013 and Roadmaster in 2014, but just now announced the purchases “to allow for a full-system integration and to ensure that student employer of choice remained a priority.” Purchase prices of the two companies were not announced.
Werner, which is based in Omaha, said the percentage of graduates of the two schools hired by Werner has “remained relatively consistent” before and after the purchases.
“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.”
John Kearney Sr., president and CEO of Roadmaster, said Werner’s purchase provides his school “with the financial security needed to invest and expand” and provide the industry with properly trained drivers.
