The founder of one of the nation’s largest trucking companies is handing off his Executive Chairman duties.
On June 4, Werner Enterprises announced that the company’s first truck driver and founder CL Werner had retired as Executive Chairman, effective May 31.
“All I ever wanted to do was drive a truck,” said Werner. “As the first driver for our company, I know first-hand that professional drivers are, and have always been, the backbone of our country. America is witnessing that now more than ever. I’ve been proud to have created such a company. But my intent was nothing more than being able to drive a truck, provide exceptional service, meet good people, and hope I could convince the best of them to come to work for me…and it worked. There comes a moment when you know it’s just time to move on. I’m in good health, and Werner has never been in a better position than it is today. So now is the time. I have the utmost confidence in Derek and his leadership team to continue to take Werner to the next level and beyond.”
Werner recommended Derek Leathers, the current Chief Executive Officer and President of Werner Enterprises, to be named as Chairman of the board.
Werner will continue to serve as Chairman of the board of directors through May 2021.
CL started Werner Enterprises with one truck in 1956. The company has grown into one of the largest truckload carriers in the country.
The 2015 video below features CL Werner driving a semi and detailing how he founded the company.
