If you are a truck driver, you have probably noticed that every company that is trying to attract you says the same thing, “We are the best trucking company for drivers!” So, how do you filter through all the claims and find the companies that truly focus on their drivers? Simple, look at where they put their money and their strategic plans.
As you research transportation companies, it is important to look beyond the cents per mile when choosing an employer. It’s important that the company is financially stable, you want to be able to be paid well and certainly on time. And you don’t want to be caught off guard if the company you drive for goes under, leaving you suddenly unemployed. Financially stable companies generally can easily identify their competitive advantages and where they focus resources. If their goals are clear and you see that they are investing back into their company, it’s a good sign that they are going to be around for the long haul. Even better, find a company that also displays social and environmental responsibility. For example, Werner Enterprises can easily and definitively give you five solid reasons why they are the best company for truck drivers, in fact, they’ve named them. Werner’s 5Ts + S initiative is a strategy they implemented in 2016, and it isn’t just a plan, it’s an investment.
The top five areas having the most significant impact on a driver’s wage, quality of life and efficiency were identified and named the 5Ts. In the Fall of 2020, Werner added “Sustainability” to reinforce its commitment to remaining at the forefront of the industry in reducing its environmental impact. After identifying the 5Ts, Werner then allocated tens of millions of dollars to be invested in these areas. We will explore each in more detail.
Werner’s 5Ts + S
1. Trucks
2. Trailers
3. Talent
4. Terminals
5. Technology
+ S Sustainability. Werner’s goal is to achieve a 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035.
1. Trucks
Over the past few years, Werner has produced structural and sustainable improvements to its already modern and efficient fleet. All Werner trucks are equipped with advanced collision mitigation safety systems and automatic transmissions. Telematic units installed on all trucks provide a smart workflow, best-in-class navigation, improved safety features and reduced manual data entry. Werner maintains an industry-low average truck age of two years and provides a range of truck makes, including Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T680, Peterbilt 579 and Navistar LT. In May of 2021, Werner took possession of the first Kenworth T680 Next Generation production truck.
2. Trailers
Of Werner’s more than 24,000 trailers, 100% are equipped with trailer tracking. This optimized automated trailer assignment reduces empty miles and time waiting for a trailer. Automated tire inflation systems improve fuel efficiency with less manual effort from drivers. Werner maintains an industry-low trailer age of 4 years or less to ensure safety and reliability for drivers.
3. Talent
While investments are being made in all areas of the 5Ts + S, the overall focus is to improve the experience, safety and overall quality of life of Werner’s professional drivers, the “Talent.” As part of the 2021 investment in Talent, Werner is distributing $50 million in driver pay increases across its driver population. Take a look at Werner’s current pay packages here.
4. Terminals
While Werner has long understood the value of state-of-the-art terminal facilities in keeping drivers safe on the road while providing a comfortable place to stop, the importance of terminal locations was amplified as the challenges of COVID-19 resonated throughout the country. Terminals became not only a place for truck and trailer maintenance but also became a distribution hub to get personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer and other essentials to drivers. Werner developed a pandemic plan in 2009 when the H1N1 outbreak occurred designed to ensure all terminal locations across the country stayed online to support drivers.
As part of the 5Ts + S, upgrades include Werner’s expansive network of terminals, dedicated fleet locations and Werner’s driver school network, Roadmaster Drivers School. In addition to the May 2019 grand opening of the 17,500 s