Does Werner Enterprises Hire Felons?

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Werner's Approach to Hiring People with Criminal Records

Werner Enterprises is a publicly traded carrier (NASDAQ: WERN) with over 13,000 employees and one of the largest truck fleets in North America. Werner uses an individualized assessment process when evaluating applicants with criminal records, considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed since conviction, and relevance to the position. In practice, Werner is considered moderately felon-friendly in the trucking industry — more selective than Swift or CRST, but more willing than many smaller carriers that have blanket disqualification policies. The chronic truck driver shortage works in favor of applicants with records, as Werner needs to maintain a pipeline of qualified drivers. Werner has not publicly signed the Fair Chance Pledge, but their hiring practices reflect a practical willingness to consider people with criminal backgrounds who meet their safety and regulatory requirements.

CDL Requirements and DOT Regulations for Werner Drivers

All CDL driving positions at Werner are governed by federal DOT regulations enforced by the FMCSA. Mandatory CDL disqualifications under federal law include lifetime disqualification for using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony involving controlled substances, one-year disqualification for DUI in a commercial vehicle (three years with hazmat), and one-year disqualification for leaving the scene of an accident or causing a fatality through negligent CMV operation. Beyond these federal requirements, Werner sets its own company standards. Werner typically requires no felony convictions within the past 5 years for standard driving positions, no DUI/DWI convictions within 5 years in a personal vehicle, no more than 3 moving violations in the past 3 years, a clean MVR with no serious violations, and no unresolved violations in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Drug trafficking and distribution convictions, regardless of age, are typically permanent disqualifiers. Violent felonies may require longer waiting periods of 7-10 years.

Werner Driver Training Program

Werner Enterprises offers a company-sponsored CDL training program for people who want to become truck drivers but do not yet have a CDL. This program is relevant for people with records because it provides a structured path into the industry. Werner's training program includes classroom instruction, simulator training, and behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor. Graduates commit to driving for Werner for a contract period to repay the training cost. The program conducts a preliminary background review before acceptance — if your criminal record would prevent Werner from hiring you as a driver after training, they will decline your application to the training program. Before applying, contact Werner's recruiting department and discuss your record openly. They can give you a preliminary assessment of your eligibility. Werner's training program has helped thousands of people start trucking careers, and some of those graduates had criminal records that other carriers would not accept.

Background Check Process at Werner Enterprises

Werner's background check for CDL positions is comprehensive and DOT-compliant. It includes a criminal history search going back 7-10 years, MVR review from all states where you have held a license, FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query, pre-employment DOT drug test, previous employer verification for the past 3 years as required by DOT, and verification of CDL status and endorsements. For non-driving positions, Werner conducts a standard criminal history check that may not include all DOT-specific elements. Werner uses a third-party background screening company and follows all FCRA requirements. If the check reveals potentially disqualifying information, Werner must send a pre-adverse action notice giving you an opportunity to dispute inaccuracies or provide additional context. The entire process typically takes 5-14 business days for driving positions, largely due to the previous employer verification requirement.

Which Felonies Are Most Likely to Disqualify You at Werner

Werner evaluates criminal records individually, but patterns emerge in which convictions cause the most difficulty. Permanent or near-permanent disqualifiers typically include drug trafficking or distribution (especially involving a commercial vehicle), sex offenses, murder or manslaughter, and kidnapping. Long-term disqualifiers (7-10 year wait) include violent felonies such as assault, robbery, and weapons offenses. Standard waiting period offenses (5 years) include non-violent drug possession, theft and property crimes, fraud and forgery, and DUI/DWI in a personal vehicle. For non-driving positions at Werner terminals, the standards are more relaxed. Dock workers and warehouse associates with non-violent felonies older than 2-3 years have reasonable chances of being hired. Theft convictions may face more scrutiny in roles involving cargo handling. Shop technicians with technical skills and certifications are evaluated primarily on their qualifications, with criminal history as a secondary factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Werner Enterprises hire felons?

Werner does hire some people with felony records, particularly for non-driving positions and for CDL driving positions when the conviction is at least 5 years old for non-violent offenses. Werner is considered moderately felon-friendly among major trucking carriers. Drug trafficking, violent felonies, and sex offenses face the strictest scrutiny.

Does Werner do background checks?

Yes. CDL driving positions at Werner undergo a comprehensive DOT-compliant background check including criminal history, MVR review, FMCSA Clearinghouse query, drug testing, and previous employer verification going back 3 years. Non-driving positions undergo a standard criminal history check.

Can I get CDL training through Werner with a felony?

Werner's driver training program does accept some applicants with felony records if the conviction meets their time and offense-type requirements. The program pre-screens applicants before acceptance. Contact Werner recruiting to discuss your specific situation before applying.

Does Werner drug test?

Yes. All CDL positions at Werner are subject to mandatory DOT drug testing including pre-employment, random, post-accident, return-to-duty, and reasonable suspicion testing. Werner also checks the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Non-CDL positions may also require pre-employment drug screening.

How much do Werner drivers make?

Werner driver pay varies by experience and division. New drivers and recent training graduates typically start around $50,000-$60,000 per year. Experienced OTR drivers can earn $65,000-$85,000. Regional and dedicated drivers may earn more or less depending on the specific account, miles, and home time schedule.

Is Werner better than Swift for felons?

Swift is generally considered slightly more felon-friendly than Werner, with shorter waiting periods and a longer track record of hiring people with records. However, both companies evaluate applicants individually. Werner may accept applicants that Swift does not and vice versa. If one company declines you, try the other.