Werner Enterprises hires drivers with commercial licenses through direct process and recruiting events

Werner Enterprises is a trucking company based in Omaha, Nebraska, that regularly hires drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL). You can find their open positions on their careers website, through trucking job boards, or by contacting their recruiting department directly. Most positions are for long-haul or regional driving, meaning you'll spend days or weeks on the road before returning home.

The company posts jobs year-round, though hiring volume changes with freight demand and seasons. Unlike some employers, Werner does not require you to already have a CDL before you contact them — many drivers complete their CDL training through Werner's own program or through an independent school, then explore once licensed.

Key Takeaways

  • Werner posts CDL driving jobs on their careers page at werner.com/careers, and you can filter by location and job type to find positions near you.
  • You must have a valid CDL and a clean driving record to be hired; Werner checks your Motor Vehicle Record and may disqualify you for certain violations.
  • Werner offers tuition reimbursement or direct training partnerships for drivers who don't yet have a CDL, though terms vary by location and hiring need.
  • The hiring process typically includes a phone screening, background check, medical certification, and a road test before you start work.
  • Pay rates and benefits depend on the route type (long-haul versus regional), your experience, and current market conditions.

Where to find Werner CDL job postings

Werner's main careers page is werner.com/careers. On that site, you can search for "driver" or "CDL" and filter results by state and job type. The listings show the route (long-haul, regional, or dedicated), the equipment you'll operate, and the pay range for that position. Some postings include a "quick explore" button that lets you submit your information in minutes; others direct you to a full process form.

You can also find Werner jobs on general trucking boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and TruckersReport. These third-party sites sometimes post the same openings as Werner's own site, but they may not always be current. For the most up-to-date list, check Werner's careers page directly.

Werner also attends trucking industry events and job fairs, particularly in the spring and fall. If you see them listed as an exhibitor at a regional trucking event, you can speak to a recruiter in person and sometimes move through the early stages of hiring on the spot.

What Werner requires before you can be hired

You must hold a valid CDL in any U.S. state. Werner will not hire you without one. You'll also need a clean driving record — Werner pulls your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and reviews it for violations. Serious infractions like DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple speeding tickets within a short period can disqualify you, though the exact threshold varies by position and hiring manager.

You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination and obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. This certificate confirms you meet federal health standards for commercial driving. The exam covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other basic health markers. If you have certain medical conditions — sleep apnea, diabetes, or heart disease, for example — you may still be approved, but the examiner will document it and may require follow-up testing.

Werner also conducts a background check that includes criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks. You'll be asked to provide previous employers' contact information and personal references. Be prepared to explain any gaps in employment or job changes.

How to get a CDL if you don't have one yet

If you don't yet have your CDL, you have two main paths: attend an independent CDL training school or enroll in Werner's own training program. Many independent schools cost between $3,000 and $7,000 and take three to seven weeks to complete. Werner partners with certain schools and may reimburse tuition if you commit to working for them for a set period (often 12 to 24 months). The exact reimbursement amount and commitment length depend on your location and current hiring needs.

Werner also operates its own training facilities in several states. If you enroll directly through Werner, you typically pay little to nothing upfront, and the company covers most or all training costs. In exchange, you sign an agreement to drive for Werner for a specified time. If you leave before that period ends, you may owe back some or all of the training cost. Ask Werner's recruiting team about current training options in your area, as programs change.

Before enrolling in any CDL program, confirm that the school is accredited by your state's transportation department and that it includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. The program should prepare you to pass your state's CDL written test and skills test.

The hiring process and timeline

Once you submit your process, a recruiter will contact you by phone within a few days to a week. This initial call is a screening — they'll ask about your driving history, why you're interested in the job, your availability, and whether you meet the basic requirements. Be honest about any violations or gaps in your record; Werner will find out anyway during the background check, and lying disqualifies you when ready.

If you pass the phone screen, Werner will request documents: your CDL, your DOT medical certificate, your Motor Vehicle Record (you can order this from your state's DMV), and sometimes previous employment records or references. You'll also authorize a background check at this stage.

Next comes the medical examination and road test. The medical exam is straightforward and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The road test is conducted by a Werner trainer or manager and typically lasts one to two hours. You'll drive Werner equipment on public roads and demonstrate your ability to handle the truck safely, including backing, lane changes, and emergency maneuvers.

The entire process from process to job offer usually takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster if you're hired during a period of high demand. Once you receive an offer, you'll receive details about your start date, your assigned terminal or home base, and your initial route or training assignment.

Pay, benefits, and work conditions at Werner

Werner's pay structure varies by route type and experience level. Long-haul drivers (who spend weeks away from home) typically earn per-mile rates, which means your paycheck depends on how many miles you drive each week. Regional drivers (who return home weekly or more often) may earn hourly rates or a combination of hourly and mileage pay. New drivers often start at a lower rate than experienced drivers, and your rate may increase after you complete a probationary period or reach certain milestones.

Werner offers health insurance, retirement plans (401k), and paid time off, though the specifics depend on your employment status (full-time versus lease-purchase) and tenure. Long-haul drivers receive per diem (a daily allowance for meals and incidentals while on the road). The company also offers tuition reimbursement for drivers pursuing additional certifications or education.

Work conditions include time away from home, irregular schedules, and the physical and mental demands of long-distance driving. Long-haul positions mean you'll be on the road for weeks at a time. Regional positions offer more predictable schedules and time at home. Werner operates 24/7, so you may be assigned night shifts or early morning departures.

What to expect after you're hired

New drivers at Werner typically go through an orientation and training period. If you're a new CDL holder, you may ride with an experienced driver for 50 to 100 hours before driving solo. During this time, you're paid but are not yet on a full route. Your trainer will evaluate your skills, answer questions, and help you adjust to the job.

Once you're cleared to drive independently, you'll be assigned a route or a dispatch system that sends you loads. Your dispatcher communicates with you by phone or through a mobile app, telling you where to pick up freight and where to deliver it. You're responsible for meeting delivery windows, maintaining your truck, and following all DOT regulations regarding hours of service and vehicle inspections.

Werner tracks your performance through metrics like on-time delivery, safety record, and customer feedback. Drivers with strong records may be offered better routes, higher pay, or opportunities to move into specialized positions like hazmat or dedicated accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience driving a truck before I explore to Werner?

No. Werner hires both experienced drivers and people with no trucking background, as long as you have a valid CDL. If you're new to trucking, you'll go through a longer training period with an experienced driver before driving solo, but you can still be hired.

What happens if I fail the road test?

If you don't pass on your first attempt, Werner may allow you to retake it after a short period. The exact policy varies by location. If you fail multiple times, you may be disqualified from that hiring cycle, though you can reapply later.

Can I choose whether I want long-haul or regional driving?

You can express a preference during the process and interview, and Werner will try to match you to available positions. However, hiring needs vary by location and season, so you may be offered a position that doesn't match your first choice. You can decline and reapply when positions more suited to you open up.

How often do I get paid?

Werner typically pays drivers weekly by direct deposit. Your paycheck includes mileage pay, per diem (if applicable), and any bonuses or reimbursements you've earned. Pay stubs are available through an online portal.

What if I have a violation on my driving record?

Minor violations like a single speeding ticket may not disqualify you, especially if it was years ago. Serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or multiple infractions within a short period are harder to overcome. Contact Werner's recruiting team with details about your record; they can tell you whether you're likely to be hired before you invest time in the full process.