Werner Enterprises Says Profit Rose 11 Percent

By Stacie Hamel, Omaha World-Herald, Neb.

Apr. 18–Werner Enterprises Inc., an Omaha trucking company, reported an 11 percent increase in net income for the first quarter over the same period in 2005.

Werner said it had profits of $22 million, or 27 cents per share, for the quarter. For the same period in 2005, the company’s profit was $19.9 million, or 25 cents per share.

Revenue for the quarter was $491.9 million, an 8 percent increase over revenue of $455.3 million in the third quarter of 2005.

The company said the results reflected slightly lighter freight demand in January and February.

High fuel prices took less of a toll during the first quarter than the company expected because its trucks managed better fuel economy than predicted, Werner said Monday. For second quarter, however, the company expects that high fuel prices could cost from 3 cents to 5 cents per share.

The company reported that driver recruitment and retention continues to be difficult, and qualified truck drivers are in short supply.

Problems for truck drivers, the company said, are lack of time at home, age of equipment and productivity within the federal hours-of-service rules.

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