Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Jan. 12, 2024:
Werner's Chief Legal Officer named company president
Werner Enterprises (CCJ Top 250, No. 13) has appointed Chief Legal Officer Nathan Meisgeier company president.
Meisgeier, who will continue in his role of Chief Legal Officer, was recommended to the post by Werner Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Derek Leathers and unanimously approved by the company’s board of directors effective Jan. 5.
Nathan Meisgeier
[Related: Prime Inc. names new president]
“Since being promoted to Werner’s General Counsel in 2016, Nathan has been a transformative leader across the enterprise, currently acting as Chief of Staff and bringing a remarkable level of integrity and strategic vision to our company," said Leathers. "Nathan is a company-first servant leader, naturally connecting with all Werner associates – professional drivers, maintenance associates, and office personnel. Nathan exemplifies the culture that makes Werner a great place to work."
Meisgeier joined Werner in 2005. Most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Meisgeier has been a key member of Werner’s executive team since 2016. Prior to Werner, from 1998 to 2005, he was with Kansas City-based legal firm Stinson, Mag & Fizzell. Meisgeier graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School and holds degrees in Accounting and Economics from the University of Nebraska.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected by Derek and appointed by Werner’s Board of Directors to be our company’s next president,” said Meisgeier. “In my 18 years with this great company, I have learned invaluable lessons from many current and former Werner leaders, including both Derek and CL Werner himself. I am fortunate to be a part of the best and one of the most experienced leadership teams in transportation, and I look forward to helping the Werner team write the next chapters in this company’s storied history.”
Leathers added that Meisgeier's vision will be key in bringing Werner’s DRIVE strategy to bear, "as Werner continues to lead from the front," he said. "Nathan has a reputation as a top legal mind within the transportation industry, serving as the Chair of the American Trucking Associations’ Legal Reform Advisory Committee, in addition to holding many other leadership positions within the industry. Nathan also has earned the respect of transportation CEOs and political leaders across the country. I am excited to continue leading this organization with Nathan serving alongside me as Werner’s President. This change is a testament to the overall depth and strength of Werner’s entire leadership team.”
PGT set to open two new locations by summer
PGT Trucking's new Laredo, TX, terminal under construction.
PGT Trucking (CCJ Top 250, No. 87) expects to open two new operations facilities by mid-2024.
The company broke ground on facilities in Laredo, Texas, and Ghent, Kentucky, in 2023 and both facilities are set to open by summer.
The 7.73-acre logistics center in Laredo is located within the Pinnacle Industry Center.
"Our contractors have completed approximately 75% of the yard paving, and exterior concrete wall panels using the 'Hi-Tech Tilt' system have been poured and will be erected soon," said Laurence Cox, PGT Trucking's vice president of sustainability. "We expect to have all the steel superstructure installed before the end of the month and the building completely under roof by the first week in February."
The custom Laredo facility will include a full-service operations center, modern driver amenities and a truck maintenance shop, providing a regional base for more than 70 local drivers.
The 10.6-acre Ghent property is located within a 10-mile radius of some of PGT's largest customers.
"The site has been leveled, and developers have laid the limestone and gravel bases, installing storm drains and various electrical conduits on the property," added Cox. "The sitework is anticipated to be complete by the end of January. A prefab building has been ordered for the project and is expected to be delivered by the end of February. We are on track to be in operation before the end of March."
The new Ghent operation will bring additional jobs to the area, including opportunities for support personnel and commercial truck drivers.
"As we open these additional terminals and office locations, we're not just adding points on the map; we're creating hubs of innovation, collaboration and unparalleled customer service," said Cox. "This strategic expansion is more than a physical presence; it's a commitment to fostering stronger connections, delivering efficiency and anticipating the needs of our customers."
