NEW HAMBURG, Ont. — Vernon Erb has stepped down as president of The Erb Group of Companies, paving the way for his eldest son Wendell to assume the position, the company has announced.

Vernon will remain as chairman of the board for Erb Enterprises. Wendell takes the reins from his father after serving as general manager of the company sinc e1999. He began his trucking career with Erb in 1980 at the age of 21.

Wendell started as a cross-border driver and then moved into the office as the company’s first international dispatcher. Wendell Erb has been with the company as it grew from five trucks to more than 200 and went on to assume roles including vice-president of international operations.

The company credits Wendell’s guidance for implementing modern best practices and emphasizing the carrier’s goal of “profitability through superior service.” Wendell’s an Erb board member and also serves on the Ontario Trucking Association and Canadian Trucking Alliance boards.

“I am very positive about the future,” said Wendell Erb. “We have the best customers, best employees and we have many opportunities presenting themselves. My father has built a great company and I know with the loyalty and dedication of our employees and customers, it will continue to shine.”