A Great Career After the Military – Professional Truck Driver!

Determining your next step after the military can be a daunting task. With a wide variety of skills, you want to ensure your next career has a similar structure as what you’ve become accustomed to and have thrived in.

With the country facing a truck driver shortage, the search is on for skilled, reliable candidates to fill these positions. Of course, not everyone has what it takes to be a successful truck driver. Qualified candidates can be hard to find. But one transportation company, Werner Enterprises, has long understood where to find skilled, dedicated and safety focused drivers – the military. Werner understands that a military background makes you uniquely prepared for the challenges that a truck driving career brings. Truck driving for veterans offers you a chance at a fulfilling and lucrative career. And while you have a variety of companies to choose from you want to become a professional driver, this article will outline reasons to choose Werner.

Skills Learned in The Military Cross-Over to Truck Driving

So, why does Werner place such a high value on recruiting veterans as professional drivers? Experts in the military recognize that veterans and trucking make a good combination. The skills the military teaches are essential to a successful truck driver. Most veterans have had technical training and many have operated and/or maintained heavy machinery. If you have this type of experience, you are not intimidated by a truck, stay calm in action and have a strong focus on safety.

Some companies may recognize your previous military CDL experience and start you at a higher salary or hourly wage than other new hires. If you do not have a CDL but gained experience during your military career, you may be able to use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Military Skills Test Waiver program to quickly get this license. Your military driving experience counts.

Veterans also display other skills that are valuable to the industry. You have more self-discipline and a greater sense of teamwork than some civilians may have. These abilities will serve you well in an industry that requires both self-reliance and the need to work with others. Truck driving for veterans just makes good sense.

Werner’s Operation Freedom

Werner Enterprises has created a supportive and friendly culture for all of its employees, but the company has created a special program for veterans: Operation Freedom. This truck driving for veterans program works to honor and support veterans with internal and external initiatives. If you join the company, you can expect a military-friendly and military-ready work environment. Veteran associates lead the Operation program and serve as contact points for any military issues or needed assistance and support.

Program highlights include the following opportunities:

• Team driving
• Leading
• Home daily driving
• Regional driving
• Dedicated driving
• 48 state driving

You’ll also enjoy the chance to grow into leadership roles such as:

• Mentor
• Leader
• Ambassador driver
• Road team captain
• Freedom truck driver

Beyond those opportunities, Werner offers special initiatives for veterans including an apprenticeship program, tuition reimbursement and credit for military driving experience.

The apprenticeship program allows any driver with 12 months or less experience to enroll for up to 24 months. Eligible veterans may be able to receive up to $25,881.60 in tax-free VA educational benefits — that’s in addition to your regular Werner pay. This opportunity is a critical part of Werner’s truck driving for veterans program.

The tuition reimbursement program allows those who use VA educational benefits to pay for truck driving school. You may receive benefits up to $15,000 that are paid directly to you.

Werner understands you are bringing invaluable experience and maturity to the job and recognize and reward those traits.

Why Military Veterans Thrive in the Trucking Industry

Truck driving for veterans brings many assets to a company, but the career also fits the needs of many veterans. You are used to meeting challenges on a daily basis, something that truckers must do as well. Although Werner has one of the most supportive systems possible in place, no one can predict everything that will happen on the road. If you enjoy quick thinking and being resourceful, then a career with Werner is a good choice.

Also, you spent years learning skills as a member of the military. You may be frustrated if you do not choose a job that allows you to use your previous training. As a truck driver, you will need to be hands-on and proactive, something you already learned in the military. Not everyone is suited to sitting behind a desk all day, especially if they’ve been an active military member. Much like the military, professional truck drivers are given an assignment, then execute the mission.

The military does dictate most of what you do in the service. In contrast, driving a truck allows you the freedom to travel, see new places and meet new people. Werner tells its drivers, “You are the captain of your own ship,” which means drivers are in charge of making their own choices.

Your self-discipline and motivation will mean that trucking is a satisfying career for you, but the company definitely benefits from your work ethic and skill level as well. A truck driving career with Werner Enterprises can help you merge the best of both the military and civilian worlds. Werner also has an entire team of veterans ready to assist you in your own transition from a military career to a successful civilian career.

Apply with Werner Enterprises Now!

Werner and the entire country are depending on skilled truck drivers to restore the supply chain and move goods efficiently. Military veterans understand logistics, and we want people with your skills. If you are interested in a company that values military experience, apply today. You can simply fill out an online form or phone us at (800) 228-2240 for more information about truck driving for veterans.

Werner Enterprises has created a friendly culture for all our employees, but we especially value those people who have served our country. Contact us today for more information about truck driving for veterans and begin your new career.

The post Why Werner Values Veteran Drivers appeared first on Werner Enterprises.

In today’s culture, companies that make their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program a priority benefit in all aspects. These companies tend to have a better culture and a holistic approach to taking care of its team, and employees are more engaged and happier. While not every DE&I program is the same, they all bring value to a company, and this is something that Werner takes pride and accountability in by providing resources, learning and mentorship opportunities.

Werner’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Vision Statement

At Werner, we support and encourage the diverse voices and perspectives of our associates, our customers and our suppliers. Diversity contributes to innovation and connects us to the many communities we serve. We commit to embrace these values as we move toward an increasingly inclusive culture where every associate feels empowered to bring their whole self to Werner.

Supporting our associates at Werner is important, and we strive to foster an environment that allows everyone to feel comfortable, empowered and valued. This isn’t something we just talk about, it’s something we put into action. At Werner, we give the diverse voices of our team a platform of peers to connect with, exchange ideas and learn from one another through Associate Resource Groups (ARGs). These groups play an important role in providing the tools we feel are necessary to ensure our DE&I goals are fulfilled. ARGs are led by associates who volunteer their time and efforts to promote cultural awareness, engagement and education. ARGs are open to ALL associates and drivers, and we encourage them to join multiple groups.

Our IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accountability & Learning) Council leads the creation, direction and growth of our ARGs. This council is composed of a diverse mix of 15 associates across the organization.

The WEBold (Black Organizational Leadership Development) ARG is one of nine different ARGs that associates can join. WEBold kicked off Black History Month by hosting a membership meeting where members could engage with each other, introduce the steering committee, kick off Black History Month with educational and engaging activities and highlight several goals for 2022.

One of the activities included “A Challenge” for each member – scheduling a FREE routine health exam. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans and people of color in the United States have higher cases of health-related problems that can be prevented or diagnosed earlier if annual routine health exams were prioritized. This is a FREE benefit for all, so WEBold challenged all members to schedule their routine health exams. Prizes and additional discussions will occur throughout the year to shine a spotlight on overall health and wellness.

We are excited to see what activities and innovations will come from these diverse ARGs. If you are interested in joining or finding out additional information, please contact the email address listed after the group. And remember, all associates are welcome to join all ARGs!

Blue Brigade (bluebridge@werner.com)

This volunteer group is a team of compassionate and committed associates who volunteer their time and talent to serve the community.

On Time Delivery Toastmaster’s Club (toastmasters@werner.com)

This group provides a supportive space for employees to develop communication and leadership skills to grow self-confidence and increase productivity.

WEVets (wevets@werner.com)

WEVets aims to help veterans capitalize on networking opportunities, develop in their careers and serve our communities.

WLA (Women’s Leadership Alliance) (wla@werner.com)

WLA’s mission is to make Werner an employer of choice among women through events geared toward education, networking and internal exposure.

YEL (Young Emerging Leaders) (youngemergingleaders@werner.com)

YEL is an avenue for employees to engage, enhance and guide the company forward into the future.

WEPride (wepride@werner.com)

WEPRIDE serves as a visible, accessible resource for LGBTQIA+ employees, providing networking and career development opportunities to attract, retain and engage talent.

WEAsME (Asian and Middle Eastern) (weasme@werner.com)

WEAsME creates a platform that raises awareness, shares resources and provides support for the Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.

Sociedad Werner (sociedadwerner@werner.com)

Sociedad Werner provides networking, education, career development and community engagement for Latino employees.

To learn more about Werner’s ARGs, please email one of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Partners:

Yesenia – ymadera@werner.com

Jarriet – jarriet.dewitt@werner.com

The post Celebrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Werner Enterprises appeared first on Werner Enterprises.

Once you’ve achieved your Class A CDL license, your next task is finding a truck driving job with a reputable company. Sometimes, this can require as much research as studying for your CDL! That’s because you want to find truck driver jobs with the right salary, work-life balance, employee benefits and career opportunities.

It’s tough finding truck driving jobs that tick all the boxes. Some drivers sacrifice a particular benefit for a higher salary or compromise on other job desires. Here at Werner, we believe you should never settle for a job that doesn’t appreciate your skills and career aspirations! That’s why working with Werner is better than working for other companies. In this post, learn about the ‘Werner difference’ and all the benefits and career opportunities you can expect when joining our incredible team.

Employee Benefits

We believe all our drives deserve benefits that help them juggle their home and work lives. So we offer a competitive package of benefits that support our employees to live healthier and happier lives.

Depending on the job role, these benefits include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Wellness incentive benefits
• Basic/accidental death insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings (50% match of your first 6% invested)
• Financial wellness
• Longevity Pay
• Career Currency program
• Relocation assistance
• Legal assistance
• Identity theft protection
• Fitness/recreational facilities

Better Work/Life Balance

Research shows that almost 40 percent of employees in all industries have problems disconnecting from work when at home. We don’t want our drivers to experience these issues. That’s why we promote a good work/life balance that allows our employees to pursue their interests and hobbies.

Whether you are a veteran looking for a new opportunity or a seasoned trucker searching for higher pay, we have various employment opportunities for all drivers to fit within everyone’s lifestyle. These opportunities include short-, medium-, and long-haul truck driving jobs that you can tailor around your schedule. The result? You can enjoy a better work/life balance.

Paying for Your Education

One of the biggest benefits of working with Werner is taking advantage of our Career Currency program. This benefit is available to the Werner driver, their spouse and/or dependent. It provides tuition help to drivers and supports the education of their families. We’ve teamed up with the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) to offer this benefit. This is very different from most other truck driver jobs, which typically offer tuition reimbursement. That’s because we provide upfront funding for college expenses, meaning you don’t have to get reimbursed by the company.

With Career Currency, you can support a child who enrolls at UNO’s 200 undergraduate and graduate school programs. You’ll get up to $2,500 per calendar year — that’s around 12 credit hours —on top of discounted tuition fees and waived administrative and registration-based fees. We’ll pay UNO directly, which simplifies the process.

There are other benefits to our Career Currency program. Because of our partnership, UNO will expedite your child’s admission and provide a dedicated concierge team with academic support resources.

Learn more about Career Currency here.

Salary Starting at $50k

We have a starting salary of at least $50k when you join our team. More than half our truckers make over $75,000, and our top 25% earn over $85,000, making us one of the highest-paying trucking companies in the country. You will earn a guaranteed weekly truck driver pay of $1,000-$2,000, depending on the account. There are also 250 available home time and pay packages.

Click here to see the latest job opportunities with Werner.

Other Werner Benefits

Here are some other reasons why you should work with Werner:

• A warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• We promote truck driver safety and safe driving at all times.
• Work for a transportation leader with over 13,000 employees.
• An impressive fleet of well-maintained trucks and trailers.
• The latest transportation technology to help you execute day-to-day tasks.
• Simple onboarding process.
• Plenty of opportunities to progress your career. For example, become a team truck driver and earn more money.
• Top facilities strategically located across the United States with the best amenities for our drivers.
• Rider and pet friendly policy.

Final Word

Werner keeps America moving every single day. We offer high salaries, excellent work-life balance, career progression, competitive benefits, and the most important, providing drivers like you with incredible truck driving jobs and opportunities.

If you are interested in driving for a company that values every single one of its employees, visit our website to learn more.

The post Benefits of Driving for Werner Enterprises – The Werner Difference appeared first on Werner Enterprises.

When professional truck drivers are researching trucking companies to drive for, safety is usually at the top of the list. There are many factors in truck driver safety, but keeping safety as a top priority as a driver and a company is always the key. For some drivers, safe driving leads to recognition. When looking for a transportation company to drive for, always look at its focus on safety. Some companies even reward drivers for the number of safe miles driven.

Commitment to Truck Driver Safety

Safe driving should be just as important as getting freight delivered on time, or better yet, it should be more important. Whether hauling freight across the country or on a local route, truck driving jobs should focus on safety procedures.

Werner Million Mile Drivers Program

Another way carriers promote truck driver safety is through a reward program for their truck drivers. Werner Enterprises actively rewards drivers for building a career-long commitment to accident-free miles. Werner’s Million Mile Drivers Program offers several incentives and honors to drivers who drive one million miles or more without being involved in an accident.

This program aims to reduce the number of accidents and reward drivers who are taking the steps they need to make it happen. From reviewing safety regulations to driving at safe speeds, Werner drivers work hard to follow safe driving best practices to become an honored million accident-free miles drivers.

The program was launched in 2005, and Werner has been awarding and celebrating members for their hard work and dedication ever since. If your carrier doesn’t offer recognition and increased truck driver pay for reaching this goal, then see what you’re missing and why you may want to explore truck driving jobs with Werner Enterprises.

Million Mile Truck Driver Benefits

The goal of the Million Mile Drivers program is to reward drivers who commit to driving safely and not placing any other priority above safety. In recognition of their safe driving practices, Werner drivers who reach one million accident-free miles receive these rewards:

• Truck driver pay rewards
• New truck with personalized amenities
• Million Mile Driver door decals and patches
• Million Mile Driver gold watch
• Framed Safe Driver Award certificate
• Gold ID badge
• Lifelong discounts of 15% on purchases at the company store
• Aluminum 1M mud flap weights

When you reach one million accident-free miles while driving for Werner, you’ll also have your name placed on the Recognition Wall at Werner Park, a Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals located in Omaha, NE, as well as at various terminal locations. Werner proudly recognizes its Million Milers.

This honor combines increased truck driver pay, discounts and recognition around the company. It doesn’t stop at one million miles; the financial awards continue as you pursue higher milestones. Reach two million or three million miles, and you’ll receive further recognition and financial incentives to continue to practice safe driving techniques.

Growing Number of Safe Drivers

This goal may seem hard to reach when you just start driving, yet Werner Enterprises has over 2,000 drivers who have reached at least one million safe miles. Werner is also proud of the diversity of drivers who have achieved this accomplishment with 140 women and over 322 veterans, all of who have reached at least one million accident-free miles.

There are also a growing number of drivers achieving even more lofty goals. There are currently 134 active two million milers, 31 three million milers and 7 four million milers. There is even one Werner driver who has reached five million accident-free miles.

Importance of Safe Driving

Safety on the road isn’t just about keeping you safe. Truck drivers share the road with families and professionals in all industries. When truck drivers speed, take corners too sharply or fail to perform a pre-trip inspection, they’re putting other lives at risk as well as their own.

The first step in driving safely is receiving thorough training in truck driver safety best practices through a reputable CDL school such as Roadmaster Drivers School. Werner is committed to hiring the safest drivers in the industry and giving them the support they need to keep them that way. Simulation training, defensive driver training and computer-based training to new and experienced drivers are just a few examples of how Werner supports its drivers in maintaining industry-leading safety practices.

One often overlooked element of driver safety is the equipment itself. The average truck age in Werner’s fleet is just two years, and this ensures you aren’t driving with outdated equipment or improper safety technology. Werner’s fleet is equipped with navigation systems and collision mitigation technology to help you drive defensively and stay on your planned route.

Search for Safe Truck Driving Jobs With Werner Enterprises

Ready to transition to a career that invests in truck driver safety and pay? Learn more about Werner Enterprises and search for truck driving jobs today.

The post Which Trucking Company Has the Best Truck Driver Safety? appeared first on Werner Enterprises.

Whether you’re an experienced truck driver or are considering getting your start in this career, there’s never been a better time than now to apply at Werner. With the current national truck driver shortage still in effect, there is an enormous demand for truckers this year. In addition, Werner is now offering significant benefits to attract and retain experienced drivers. One very significant benefit you should know about is the financial help you’ll get if you—or your children—want to go to college. If this sounds like a perk you might be excited to take advantage of, check out how it works and what other benefits you’ll get when you are a professional truck driver for Werner.

What to Know About the Career Currency Benefit at Werner

Many big companies have realized the importance of offering financial help with college for employees and their families. But in most cases, this benefit comes as tuition reimbursement, which prevents some people from using it because of the upfront cost and complicated process of getting reimbursed. At Werner, we want to make sure employees can easily take advantage of all our employee perks, including tuition help. That’s why we’ve recently partnered with the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) to offer this benefit to any driver regardless of where they live.

Referred to as “Career Currency,” this program provides upfront funding for college expenses, so employees don’t have to seek reimbursement from their employer. This benefit is offered for either undergraduate or graduate school through UNO, which has over 200 programs to choose from.

With Career Currency, you’ll get perks that you won’t see from just any employer. For example, you’ll get discounted tuition rates, and any administrative or registration-based fees will be waived for you. Besides these perks, Werner will pay up to $2,500 per calendar year—which is about 12 credit hours—per associate. And you can count on Werner to pay the school directly, so you don’t need to pay upfront and then go through the reimbursement procedure like you would with other companies.

Besides these financial benefits, you’ll also get some help to sign up for college. To start, through this program, you can expect expedited admissions to UNO, as well as access to a dedicated concierge team that can provide you with academic support resources as needed. And finally, you can pass these perks on to your family, meaning if your child wants to attend college, you can apply the Career Currency to them. So whether you’re a driver, technician or Roadmaster instructional services associate, you and your family can get financial help with college.

What Sets Werner’s Benefits Apart from Other Companies?

While more and more employers are offering tuition reimbursement these days, most are unwilling to pay the school directly, as Werner will. When you work with Werner and enjoy the Career Currency benefit, getting financial help for college is a quick, seamless process that you won’t get with many other companies. Plus, passing this benefit on to your kids is a big perk that few employers are offering. This means working with Werner is a great way to pay for your child’s education now or in the near future.

Of course, this is only one of the latest perks offered by Werner. There are several other benefits to look forward to as a Werner employee, starting with the competitive salaries. In fact, over half of our drivers make more than $75,000, with our top 25 percent making more than $85,000.

Many positions at Werner feature a sign-on bonus. And some accounts let you get paid weekly, meaning you can expect anywhere from $1,000 to $1,350 every week, depending on the account you’re working on at Werner. We also offer other benefits, such as health, dental and vision insurance, as well as life insurance and disability. Plus, we offer HSA programs, employee stock purchase plans, a 401(k) plan and more.

We want your time at Werner to be pleasant and productive, so you can expect perks while you’re on the road, as well. Our average truck is only two years old and equipped with the latest technology to help with safety and efficiency. This includes our leading-edge telematics device, called EDGE Connect. We also offer collision mitigation technology to keep you safely on the road, trailer tracking, a navigation system and 24-hour maintenance help. Plus, we’re rider and pet-friendly, so you don’t have to spend too much time without your favorite people or pets when you’re on the road!

How to Apply to Drive for Werner

When you work with Werner, you can expect to feel like the appreciated, valuable professional driver that you are. Between the competitive salary, access to the latest trucking technology and a wide range of benefits—including help with college tuition—you’ll be presented with all the perks you need to be happy long term at this company.

If these benefits appeal to you, it’s time to apply to be a professional truck driver at Werner. To get started, fill out our application. If you don’t already have your CDL and want to begin your truck driving career, we can help you get CDL training to start driving soon!

If you’re already a Werner driver and would like to use our Career Currency benefit, please contact training@werner.com for help to register for courses. If you have any questions about using this or other Werner benefits, please contact us today!

The post How to Pay for Your Child’s Education by Working at Werner appeared first on Werner Enterprises.

The holiday season is fast approaching, which means it’s the time of year for helping others, and also a time to find ways to earn extra cash. Fortunately, current Werner drivers can do both within seconds through our Experienced Driver Referral Program! When you take advantage of this opportunity, you can earn $1,000 every time we hire an experienced truck driver from your referral. But this program gets even better, we will pay you $50 for every driver referral you submit! If the option to earn extra money within seconds interests you, here’s what to know about our Experienced Driver Referral Program.

How Werner’s Referral Program Works

At Werner, we’re proud of our nearly 10,000 professional truck drivers who we believe are not only top-notch drivers but also the best recruiters in the business! That’s why we encourage drivers like you to use our referral program, as we think sharing your positive experiences as a driver is the most powerful way to tell the Werner story and why everyone should drive blue!

So, if you come across someone in your circle who is an experienced driver, or if you find yourself in a conversation with other drivers at a truck stop, we want you to refer them to us. Doing so is as simple as pulling up the Drive Werner Pro app and selecting Driver Referral. When you’re prompted to add contact information, just fill in their name and phone number or email address. Then click submit, and you’re all done!

The information you enter on the app will go directly to Werner recruiters, who will see that you made the referral. You will receive $50 for each experienced driver referral you submit. If hired, you will then be paid $500 after the new driver’s first load and another $500 after they’ve been active as a driver for 90 days. That’s easy money for any Werner driver to make, allowing you to get that much closer to paying for home renovations, gifts during the holidays, a new TV, or any other expenses you’re planning for.

Over the last five years, Werner has paid out over $1.8 million to drivers for referrals. So don’t miss out on this opportunity to earn extra money and keep growing our fleet so we can keep America moving!

The Referral Program Benefits Everyone

Now that you know how the Experienced Driver Referral Program works, you can likely see how it’s beneficial for all involved. But beyond the cash, you also get the knowledge that you’re helping fellow truck drivers—including friends and family members—find a good job at a company that you believe in. If you enjoy your position as a truck driver with Werner, there’s no better gift than letting other qualified drivers enjoy the same benefits—all with only a minute of effort on your part as you submit the referral through the app.

Finally, the referral program is good for the company, as it helps us quickly find experienced truck drivers who can fill the roles we have available. And considering how in-demand drivers are right now—not just at Werner, but everywhere—getting these roles filled fast can benefit everyone. After all, we know truckers keep America moving, so the ability to hire as many safe, experienced drivers as necessary will ensure everyone gets the products they need on time.

As a result, when you refer good drivers to Werner, you’re helping a lot of people while also making some extra cash! So we urge you to let other drivers know about your truck driving experience at Werner any chance you get and send us their information through the app if they’re interested.

What Drivers Will Get When They Work with Werner

As a driver with our company, you already know the benefits we offer our employees. But if you need a quick list of benefits to rattle off to drivers who may be interested in Werner, here are some key points as to what they can expect:

• More than half of our drivers make over $75,000 per year
• Our top 25% of drivers make over $85,000 per year
• Some accounts offer guaranteed weekly pay of $1,000 to $2,000
• We provide health, vision and dental insurance
• Our drivers have access to life insurance, disability
• 401(k) retirement plan matches one-half of first 6 percent
• We provide fuel cards and paid tolls
• We have more than 250 home-time and pay packages to offer
• We’re rider and pet friendly
• We offer tuition reimbursement

Anyone you refer to Werner will have access to these and other benefits, as well as the opportunity to advance to even higher-paying positions through our performance-based Career Track Program.

If you meet or already know anyone with these qualifications, feel free to help them get a truck driving job by using our Experienced Driver Referral Program today!

The post What to Know About the Experienced Driver Referral Program appeared first on Werner Enterprises.

When you drive the country for a job as a professional truck driver, there is a lot of different scenery at different times of the year. The vibrant flowers in spring, shimmering waters of summer and changing colors of fall can all add interest to your travels.

While few things rival the changing leaves of the East Coast during Fall, for some individuals, this season is all about one thing – Halloween. For some, this Spooktacular annual occurrence is not just a day — it’s a lifestyle. If you’re a professional driver, you have the unique opportunity to travel around and see all the hot spots that become so popular this time of year, any time of the year!

Ready to brave some haunted grounds and explore some urban legends? Check out these spirited places if you happen to be rolling through these areas.

In the North

Just off the 71 highway in Iowa is a little — well, tiny — town called Villisca. Today it’s the epitome of small-town life. In 1912, however, Villisca was home to a grizzly murder scene — eight people were massacred in their sleep by someone with an axe.

It’s called the Villisca Axe Murder House. No one has solved this horrific crime, but rumors from the era say the perpetrator was a traveling minister who taught the gospels at a neighboring church the same night and left the next morning. You can take a daytime tour of this house or book an overnight stay — if you dare.

If you’re cruising through Indiana on I-465, take 36 West just a little ways and you’ll run into Avon, Indiana. Now, they say this state has enough haunted locales to pack an entire city full of lore, but if you enjoy getting away from the bigger cities, Avon is a sleepy, bedroom town with a population of around 12,000. It’s also the home of the nation’s creepiest haunted railroad bridge.

It’s a menacing sight — older than dirt itself and with a sinister vibe. Take County Road 625, park your vehicle, and look around. Local legends tell of encounters with a ghost woman crying for her child who was killed on the tracks and the drunk bridge worker who accidentally fell into the concrete mix during the building of the bridge and is now entombed in it. If you can’t stop and can only drive through, no harm, but you’ll likely feel the temp drop a few degrees as you do.

In the Southeast

Sure, all cemeteries are creepy. And most likely, they are all haunted to an extent. This cemetery is no different. But it’s not Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama, that’s really creepy — it’s the playground right next to it.

Maple Hill is the oldest cemetery in Huntsville, and in 1985, someone built a playground right on the grounds. Cemetery officials demolished it in 2007, but the locals were so angry that the town rebuilt it — a resurrection of sorts. It’s pretty easy to find. Just put Maple Hill Cemetery into your GPS.

In the Southwest

As you travel through the desert of Yuma, Arizona, you’ve got to check out the Yuma Territorial Prison. Built during the expansion westward, this prison housed over 100 “guests” between the late 1870s and early 1900s. The state designated the prison in a historical state park, and easily the creepiest one in the country. Tour guides say they’ve felt chills passing Cell 14, where an inmate killed himself.

In the East

If you love horror films, you’ve probably seen the original Blair Witch Project. Of course, the entire premise of the film was not a true story, but the places in the film are very real. For instance, filmmakers shot some scenes in and around Burkittsville, Maryland, and the majority in the Black Hills Forest.

While the Mayor of Burkittsville says no one in town has ever heard of the story in the film at the very least, this is a cool town that’s barely changed since its founding. You may even want to check out the surrounding forests — if you’ve got some good running shoes on.

In the Midwest

Nebraska’s a desolate place when you get away from the major cities. But in Otoe County, just a short way outside Nebraska City, lies County Road L — known as Seven Sisters Road to the locals. It’s aptly named, too, but not for a good reason.

Local legends say a young man lured his seven sisters, one by one, to a horrible fate, hanging them by a tree, each on a different one of seven hills along the road. People who drive this route report experiencing all sorts of electrical issues with their vehicles and hearing the pleading cries of young women echoing through the air.

In the West

Movies are great forms of entertainment, and even more so when they feature real-life locations — places you can actually visit. Stephen King’s book and movie, The Shining, tells of the haunted Overlook Hotel. In the 90s remake, The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, played the role of the Overlook. Just like the Overlook, The Stanley has a reputation for being haunted by the ghosts of long-since-gone employees. Whether or not you believe ghosts haunt your room, be wary — the hotel sits at such a high elevation that simply strolling to your digs can really take a lot out of you.

Driving the open road as a long-haul trucker allows you to check some destinations off your bucket list — and destinations like these can help you add a few more. Not a Werner driver yet? Become one today.

The post Top Haunted Spots To Stop at if You’re in the Area appeared first on Werner Enterprises.

If you are a professional truck driver looking for variety and advancement in your career, you should consider driving a temperature-controlled unit (TCU). There are many benefits to driving TCU, from great pay to the satisfaction of hauling some of America’s most important products. Read more here!

What Are Temperature-Controlled Units (TCU)?

Temperature-Controlled Units (TCU) are refrigerated units (aka refers). Werner Enterprises uses its advanced TCUs for specialized OTR hauls across the country (regional, expedited, dedicated, long-haul and international).

Werner’s TCU routes offer:

• Drop and hook delivery. If you prefer no-touch freight, 70% of Werner’s TCU freight is drop and hook.
• Smoother journeys. Werner’s TCU drivers enjoy limited multi-stop deliveries.
• Solo and team driver options. Get the flexibility you crave in a delivery service; work with someone else or drive the routes solo.
• The best equipment on the market. Werner’s TCUs are equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology, boasting an industry-leading average age of four years.

What To Look For in a TCU Driving Job

• Competitive pay. A reputable company that truly respects its professional drivers will have competitive pay. For example, Werner Enterprises was started by a professional truck driver in 1956 who owned one truck. Werner knows that professional truck drivers are the backbone of their company, and the industry. Therefore, they regularly review driver pay packages to ensure they are offering competitive pay along with excellent benefits. They are committed to having the best truck driving professionals in the industry.
• Great lengths of haul. Werner’s TCU network averages from 950 miles to 1000 miles, depending on the month of the year. You’ll avoid burnout when you work for Werner!
• A diverse area of service. Werner’s coverage area runs the eastern length of the United States, with over 50% of the volume as cross-border (to and from Mexico); those consist mostly of drop trailer routes for delivery in Laredo, with the next load-out preloaded at the Laredo Terminal.

Why Go With Werner for Your TCU Driving?

If you are thinking about joining Werner’s TCU drivers, here are a few more of their important offerings:

• Werner’s TCU Network splits very few loads. If you’re not a fan of dealing with complexities of other drivers and splitting loads, you will appreciate that with TCUs from Werner, you’re in charge. You’re responsible for the entire 1000-miles load from pickup to delivery. They trust the professionalism, experience and talent of their exceptional drivers.
• A good mixture. At Werner, their temperature-controlled units have just the right split of products for delivery. Approximately 60% to 65% of their freight gets preloaded at origin, with 30% to 35% of freight consisting of drop trailer for delivery. How does that sound for the right mixture of cargo?
• A great customer base. Werner drivers get to know the customers. Their drivers will pick up and deliver TCUs to many of the same locations across the country. The more you deliver to the same customers, the more familiar you’ll get with those locations and customer requirements. That means you can get even more efficient with your time and trip planning—allowing a more relaxed route and more opportunities to earn a better paycheck for you and your family.
• The right products for delivery. You’ll be delivering some of the most diverse and interesting cargo out there! Our product types consist of food items that keep the country fed and healthy—from sweet confections (candies) and proteins ranging from beef, pork and poultry to vegetable produce and dairy. We also deliver some of the medical supplies (medicines, vaccines, saline solutions and more) that help keep the country healthy.

Get Started With TCU at Werner Enterprises

Ready to get started with your new TCU career at Werner Enterprises? Contact a recruiter at 877-396-1643 or chat and apply online at www.drivewerner.com.

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The debate between better home time or higher pay is an age-old tale in the trucking industry. However, with an increased demand for skilled professional truck drivers, there has never been a better time to enter this sector and get yourself the monetary and recreational compensation you deserve. You no longer have to pick between a high-paying job or getting home more often. At Werner Enterprises, we say, ‘why not both?’ For many professional drivers, home time is arguably a bigger factor in deciding what company to work for than their annual pay. Seventy percent of our drivers get home weekly and if you want to join them, continue reading to learn more about the options that are available to you!

Here are four ways that you can get off the road and into your home more frequently:

#1. Work on a dedicated account

The term ‘dedicated account’ means that you are employed as a company driver, but you only haul freight for one specific customer, for example, a home improvement store or supermarket. There are many advantages to working on a dedicated account, such as home time. Most drivers on these accounts at Werner Enterprises can enjoy daily or weekly home time, depending on the customer’s needs and the region of the country they are located in. Many fleets, such as this dedicated route based out of Olney, IL, provide drivers with the freedom to select how often they get home. Not only are you provided with a great array of home time options, but you can also enjoy sign-on pay and guaranteed weekly pay on many dedicated routes at Werner Enterprises.

#2. Consider joining our regional van division fleet

As a driver for Werner’s Van Division, you have access to regional employment opportunities that help professional drivers get home weekly. For example, this fleet in Dallas, TX, provides truckers with the home-life balance they deserve while still upholding a competitive average pay of $61,000, with top performers earning over $67,000!

There are many benefits to joining our Van Division. A majority of these employment opportunities, such as this regional fleet in Charlotte, NC, offer drivers a no-touch freight experience which is highly sought after by many truckers in the industry, in addition to the advantageous home time allowance and pay package.

Not only does working for Werner guarantee you great miles, but our Van Network offers a multitude of regional employment options where drivers can enjoy the second pay increase of this year! This fleet provides an additional 0.4 cents per mile, which equates to an additional $4,200 per driver yearly!

#3. Look for a local driving job

Transportation and logistics companies like Werner Enterprises offer a variety of home daily and weekly options in regions across the country. For example, in Macclenny, FL, Werner is hiring company drivers who would work on a dedicated account and get daily home time. This employment opportunity helps drivers to get home daily and pays a competitive wage!

The perks of working locally include being able to spend more time with your family, being provided with the opportunity to get home often while still earning a respectable income, and you can enjoy the familiarity that comes with a route that you frequent routinely.

#4. If pass-throughs are an option, utilize them!

Some accounts offer pass-through as an additional home time option. This means that in addition to your pre-assigned time off, you also have the opportunity with certain work assignments to get home for a few hours before your next workday begins!

Whether or not pass-throughs are offered, it should be a point of consideration when deciding what company to work for. Make an inquiry with a recruiter or the driver placement team to find out what options are available in your area prior to accepting a new driving job so that you are equipped with all the facts you need to make an informed decision about your next career move.

Werner Enterprises offers many accounts with excellent home time advantages. For example, this regional fleet in the southeast provides drivers with the chance to get home bi-weekly and enjoy pass-throughs! Ensure that you coordinate with your transportation manager to see if you can be routed through the city that you are based in.

Whether you are looking to get home daily or weekly, Werner has got you covered! Click here to see what opportunities you have access to by working as a member of Team Blue! Fill out the application form below to build a great career with Werner today!

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