Trucking Cares Foundation Supports Nebraska Wildfire Relief

Washington - Today, the American Trucking Associations' Trucking Cares Foundation donated $2,500 to the Nebraska Trucking Association to support the delivery of wildfire relief in the Cornhusker State.

"The devastating wildfires that have torn through western Nebraska have caused widespread property damage and disruption to daily lives, particularly for farmers and ranchers. But in the wake of this disaster, we have seen countless examples of neighbors stepping up to help," said TCF Chairman Greg Owen, head coach of Ability Tri-Modal. "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."

"Having TCF join our relief effort is huge," said NTA President and CEO, Kent Grisham. "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."

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.

With more than 35,000 cattle displaced and countless acres lost, demand is high for feed and supplies. Trucks are needed to transport it all, but the soaring cost of fuel is hampering the response.

To help, the Nebraska Trucking Association launched the Nebraska Trucking Heroes Stipend through its charitable arm, the Nebraska Trucking Cares Fund. Truckers, farmers, and ranchers who assist with transporting emergency relief supplies can receive aid to offset the high cost of fuel.

The stipend offers $0.50 per mile, up to 500 miles per trip, for truckers helping with wildfire relief in western Nebraska. To learn more about the Nebraska Trucking Heroes Wildfire Relief Fund, or to donate, visit https://nebtrucking.com.