Werner Enterprises makes money in second quarter

Werner Enterprises Inc said its operating revenues rose 6% to $362.3 million and its net income climbed 20% to $19.9 million in second-quarter 2003.

“Our freight demand for second quarter ranged from flat to slightly better compared to the same period a year ago,” said Clarence “C L” Werner, chairman and chief executive officer.

He said the Omaha NE-based truckload transportation company has increased its revenue per total mile by 3.5% compared with second-quarter 2002, and has improved its operating margin from 8% of revenues to 8.7%.

The company said it is also continuing to test new truck engines, in particular Caterpillar ACERT engines and Detroit Diesel EGR engines. It has not made any final decisions on its engine purchases for 2004, thought it will take delivery of approximately 325 model-year-2004 trucks with Caterpillar ACERT engines in the third quarter.