LINCOLN, Neb. and WASHINGTON D.C. — With wildfires leaving an unprecedented wake of destruction across Nebraska, trucking organizations are stepping up to the plate to help.
The Nebraska Trucking Association (NTA) and its members, along with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Cattlemen and the American Trucking Associations’ Trucking Care Foundation (TCF) are contributing to relief efforts.
With more than 35,000 cattle displaced and thousands of acres lost, there is a big need for feed and supplies and
for trucks to transport it all.
“Many truckers have voiced a willingness to help, but they too are facing unprecedented challenges with skyrocketing fuel prices and other cost concerns,” said Kent Grisham, president, CEO of the NTA. “But I am so proud of the NTA members who have stepped forward with a plan to support these trucking heroes, in the aftermath of the worst wildfires in the state’s history.”
Making a Difference
To help, the NTA is offering a Nebraska Trucking Heroes Stipend through its charitable arm, the Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund, overseen by the NTA Women’s Council. Truckers, farmers and ranchers who help transport emergency relief supplies can get support to offset the high cost of fuel. The stipend offers $0.50 per mile, up to 500 miles per trip, for truckers transporting relief commodities and supplies into the disaster areas. The Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund has pledged up to $5,000 to start. Click here to donate.
American Trucking Associations (ATA)
On April 3, the ATA Trucking Cares Foundation donated $2500 to the NTA to support its initiative.
“The devastating wildfires that have torn through western Nebraska have caused widespread property damage and disruption to daily lives, particularly for farmers and ranchers,” said Greg Owen, TCF chairman, head coach of Ability Tri-Modal. “But in the wake of this disaster, we have seen countless examples of neighbors stepping up to help. In times of need, truckers are a lifeline, delivering critical relief supplies where they are needed most. With the trucking industry being squeezed by high diesel prices, we are proud to join the Nebraska Trucking Association’s efforts to help defray truckers’ costs and enable communities to get back on their feet quickly.”
Thousands of Acres Lost, Livestock and Wildlife Injured or Killed
Wildfires ignited in western Nebraska last month and ripped across the plains, burning hundreds of thousands of acres in their path. Fueled by strong winds, the fires affected large swaths of ranch and pasture lands, destroyed homes, barns and fences and injured or killed livestock and wildlife.
“Having TCF join our relief effort is huge,” Grisham said. “With that donation, along with the support coming in from individuals and companies, we are now able to double our initial commitment to our Trucking Heroes Wildfire Relief Fund. We are seeing trucks roll to the devastated areas from throughout the region, some of them making many roundtrips. Rebuilding our legendary grazing territory in the sandhills of Nebraska will be a long-haul effort for everyone, but I know our trucks will keep rolling for as long as it takes, like always.”
To learn more about the Nebraska Trucking Heroes Wildfire Relief Fund, or to donate, click here.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
