In an effort to help bridge the communication gap between its fleet of drivers and office personnel, Werner Enterprises, Omaha, Neb., has established the Werner Road Team.

The group of 12 Werner drivers (with representation from each of Werner's divisions: Vans, Flatbeds, TCU, Teams and Dedicated) were selected after a rigorous interview process from a field of 130 nominated drivers.
The chosen Road Team Captains were brought to the Omaha terminal in early November for a weeklong educational tour of Werner's varied departments, which included detailed overviews from several department managers and company directors and executives.
The Werner Road Team Captains will put what they have learned to use by interacting with other drivers.
"We want the captains to not only receive information from drivers, but also generate information," said Ron DeBord, director of Driver Relations. "We really do want to use our Road Team to plug into the drivers -- what are their questions and concerns? Whatever it is they want to know, we have instilled a standard communication process to ensure that the drivers always get an answer."
The Werner Road Team Captains are: Jeff Stack (Vans); Herbert McArthur (Vans/Trainer); Dudley Welsh (Vans); Dennis and Janet Lass (Team Werner); John Ritzie (Dedicated); Gary Dugger (Dedicated); Les Peterson (TCU/Trainer); Sam Veland (SE Regional); Bob Gould (Western Regional); Larry Derr (Midwest Regional); and James Tower (Flatbeds/Trainer).