LINCOLN – Whenever Nebraskans face tough times, the trucking industry is there to help.
Right now, as wildfires leave unprecedented destruction across western Nebraska, the
Nebraska Trucking Association (NTA) and its members are taking action, alongside the
Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Cattlemen. 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 and 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.”
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.
Visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s disaster resources page
(nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources) to view the current list of relief needs and register to
help provide essential support. To find out how to qualify and apply for the stipend, visit
nebtrucking.com/about/nebraska-trucking-foundation/nebraska-trucking-cares-fund/
Grisham said, “Homes, farms, and ranches have been destroyed, and at least one life has
been lost in this terrible ordeal. But like it has always been, the trucking community
responds with grit and determination to get the cargo delivered. We’re glad to have the
Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund to help, and we hope everyone in the trucking community
will join forces with us either by offering trucks, trailers, and drivers, or by contributing to
the fund so we can keep it going.”
Even if you are not a trucker, you can still make a difference. The Nebraska Trucking Cares
Fund has launched a fundraising campaign, the Nebraska Trucking Heroes Wildfires Relief
Fund. Every dollar raised will support truckers helping Nebraskans affected by these
historic wildfires.
Donate today at nebtrucking.com/about/nebraska-trucking-foundation/nebraska-trucking-cares-fund/
