In Person Interview: Brad White of Werner

Why It Matters

Enhanced screening and supply‑chain security measures raise industry safety standards and protect customers, while driver‑focused anti‑trafficking training leverages the trucking network to combat a critical social issue.

Key Takeaways

• Werner uses hair drug testing for deeper safety screening
• C-TPAT certification strengthens Werner’s cross‑border supply‑chain security
• Drivers receive anti‑human‑trafficking training via Truckers Against Trafficking
• White integrates hotline number into Drive Werner Pro app for quick reporting
• Over a decade of safety experience positions White as FMCSA subject‑matter expert

Pulse Analysis

The trucking industry faces mounting pressure to tighten safety protocols as regulators and shippers demand higher reliability. Werner Enterprises, one of the nation’s largest carriers, has responded by adopting hair‑based drug testing, a method that provides a longer detection window than traditional urine screens. This proactive stance not only exceeds FMCSA minimums but also creates a data set that can be shared through the federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, fostering industry‑wide transparency and reducing the risk of impaired driving incidents.

Cross‑border logistics add another layer of complexity, especially for carriers with deep ties to Mexico. Werner’s long‑standing C‑TPAT certification, renewed under White’s oversight, signals robust customs compliance and supply‑chain security to both government agencies and commercial partners. By embedding rigorous security standards into daily operations, the company mitigates the threat of cargo theft and streamlines border clearance, delivering faster, more predictable transit times for customers who rely on just‑in‑time deliveries.

Beyond regulatory compliance, Werner leverages its extensive driver network to address societal challenges. Partnering with Truckers Against Trafficking since 2015, the firm equips drivers with training to spot human‑trafficking indicators and embeds the National Human Trafficking Hotline directly into the Drive Werner Pro app for instant reporting. This technology‑driven approach turns millions of miles driven into a powerful surveillance layer, reinforcing the industry’s role as a frontline defender against exploitation while enhancing the company’s corporate responsibility profile.