Werner Enterprises

Founded in 1956, Werner Enterprises has been a premier transportation and logistics company for more than a half a century. The company, which provides services blanketing the United States, Canada, Mexico and even China, maintains its global headquarters in America’s heartland in Omaha, Neb.

Werner is among the five largest truckload carriers in the United States, with a portfolio of transportation services that includes medium-to-long-haul, regional and local van capacity, temperature-controlled, flatbed, dedicated and expedited. Werner’s portfolio includes freight management, truck brokerage, intermodal, load/mode and network optimization and freight forwarding. Internationally, Werner provides freight forwarding and U. S. Customs Brokerage services.

Running a business with international size and scope is serious business and needs serious leaders. That’s why Werner Enterprises has put an emphasis on veteran employees, which comprise 20 percent of its workforce. The company’s Operation: Freedom initiative is designed to allow veterans to maximize use of their educational benefits earned in military service while providing the company with a steady stream of reliable and responsible transporters. G.I. Jobs asked Roseana Smith, Werner’s manager of government hiring programs, what it takes to GET HIRED^TM at this Top Military-Friendly Employer^SM.

GIJ: What issues/surprises do you find that military transitioners/veterans need to be aware of when entering the civilian workforce?

RS: Not everything is as routine or disciplined in the civilian world. Flexibility and patience are the key components.

GIJ: What advantages do military personnel have over their peers of the same age and education level?

RS: They have a proven history and long success rate of discipline and commitment to see the task through to completion.

GIJ: What are the most common mistakes you see on military/veteran résumés?

RS: For non-driving positions, it would be helpful to have a résumé outlining military experience in military terms as well as a parallel résumé that describes the functions of the military experience in corporate terms.

GIJ: Is relocating essential to promote within your company?

RS: It doesn’t matter where our terminals are located; we have driving opportunities across the United States.

GIJ: What types of positions does your company recruit military for?

RS: Our primary focus has been on truck drivers, but we are interested in hiring veterans for many other positions, including mechanics and fleet managers. See www.werner.com for a complete listing of opportunities.

GIJ: Can a new hire stay in this position for an entire career or do you require new hires to “move up or move out” like the military does?

RS: Once a driver completes student training, he/she becomes a solo driver and may remain a solo driver as long as the driver wishes.

GIJ: What is the average starting pay for this position?

RS: First year, drivers average $37,306, but could equal nearly $50,000 if a veteran is able to draw on VA Educational Benefits. Driver trainers can make anywhere between $65,000 to over $100,000.

GIJ: Describe the benefits of this position (healthcare, retirement, vacation, etc.)?

RS: During the paid orientation, Werner provides transportation, lodging and most meals for the student. Once he/she completes orientation, the driver’s benefits include: paid vacation; health, dental, vision, term life and disability insurance plans, 401(k), stock purchase plan, driver referral bonus, rider and pet policy, and tuition reimbursement.

GIJ: Do employees need to pay for any of their benefits?

RS: Employees pay for a portion of their health insurance and the company has matching policies for the 401(k) and stock purchase plans.

GIJ: Are there any other special incentive benefits that might interest military new hires (i.e. tuition reimbursement, relocation allowance, company car, etc.)?

RS: Veterans who join our professional truck driver apprenticeship program can draw on their G.I. Bill while driving with us during the first year of employment. This can add $9,675 of tax-free money on top of their Werner pay. Additionally, if the student pays for his/her tuition to a truck driving school, Werner will reimburse the student up to $6,000.

GIJ: Describe the typical career progression for someone in this position?

RS: Our newly-appointed driver remains a student for two months. Once complete, the driver has the option to drive solo or drive with a partner, also known as a team driver. After mastering their trade, the driver has the option to become a driver trainer, owner-operator or seek a corporate position.

GIJ: Do you look for any specific educational requirements (i.e. bachelor’s degree/associate’s/ security clearance) for this position?

RS: Both our student and experienced drivers must have a Class A CDL prior to hire. Additionally, drivers should have verifiable tractor-trailer experience or have graduated from a tractor-trailer driving school.

GIJ: What type of educational experience do you look for in military candidates?

RS: If a veteran has specialized training and experience driving comparable equipment to a tractor-trailer, we may be able to waive other educational requirements.

GIJ: What do prior military hires bring to your company that you like?

RS: Veterans are mission minded, independent thinkers yet committed to the team, disciplined, excellent for on-time delivery, and demonstrate loyalty leading to longevity. Veterans tend to stick with our training programs. They have the discipline and work ethic to succeed in our industry.

GIJ: How many military veterans work in your company and what percentage of the total workforce does this comprise?

RS: About 2,800 veterans are employed at Werner, which comprises 20 percent of our workforce.

Smith’s Advice: