Cover Story

Brendan McCafferty- Werner Enterprises

Brendan McCafferty is unquestionably at the top of his game. He runs as a company driver with Omaha, NE-based Werner Enterprises and has earned a coveted spot on the company’s elite Road Team. Brendan reached this level of success by consistently delivering his loads on time, interacting with customers as a true professional and devoting himself to the safe operation of his vehicle.

This 20-year veteran of the trucking industry began his career driving package cars at UPS, and then jumped to hauling the company’s double trailers on a regional basis. In 1996 the shipping business took a sour turn, and Brendan faced a choice. He could either return to package cars or try his luck as an over-the-road driver. “I was ready to look forward, not back, and it was clear that my future was out on the open road,” remembers Brendan. “I was a single man, so I sold my house and my car and began shopping around for a carrier to call home.”

Brendan did his homework and sought out the opinions of several experienced drivers. He soon heard a lot of good things about Werner Enterprises. “The people I spoke with consistently gave Werner high marks, and it seemed to be because the company treated them so well,” Brendan says. “I learned that Werner also had a trailer-to-tractor ratio of about three-to-one, so I was reassured that I could stay loaded and rolling with them.”

Satisfied that he had found the right company, Brendan got on board right away, and he’s been there ever since. “Werner is the technology leader, as far as I’m concerned,” says Brendan. “Their proprietary GPS systems are setting new standards for the industry, and Werner led the way with paperless logs that save us time and hassle so we can focus on driving, not bookkeeping.” Brendan is also a big fan of the equipment operated by Werner, including
the custom-spec’d 2003 Freightliner he drives these days.

So why did Brendan sell his house and car before hitting the road as a professional, over-the-road driver? “It just matches my lifestyle, I guess,” he says. “One of the reasons I got into this business is to make a great income, and avoiding mortgage and car loan payments keeps my expenses to a minimum.” Brendan is pleased with the income he earns at Werner, and he has joined the company’s $50k Club—quite an achievement for a solo driver!

It is Brendan’s participation in the company’s Road Team program, however, that gives him the most satisfaction. “I’m part of our current 12-member team, and we serve for an 18-month term,” says Brendan. “Being a part of the Road Team gives me a chance to help Werner drivers with questions or problems as they come up. We have special symbols on our shirts and tractors that identify us as Road Team members, so it’s easy for folks to spot us when they need help or advice.”

As for the future, Brendan plans to continue running as a company driver with Werner. “I’m not thinking about retirement, yet, that’s for sure,” he says. “It’s great to make such a high income and still maintain my independence. Nothing beats traveling throughout the country and visiting historical landmarks
when I get the chance.”

The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Brendan continued success at Werner Enterprises. To learn more about company driver opportunities available now at Werner.