Werner Enterprises named top veteran and milspouse employer
Werner Enterprises (NASDAQ: WERN) has been named a Top Veteran Employer and Top MilSpouse Employer by U.S. Veterans Magazine. The logistics provider also retained its Military Friendly Top Ten Company status for the fourth consecutive year, ranking third in the $1 billion to $5 billion revenue category. With veterans comprising 15% of its 14,500-person workforce, Werner has committed to hiring 1,400 additional veterans in 2027, supported by DOL- and VA-approved apprenticeship programs.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Werner Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: WERN) has strengthened its standing in military recruitment and retention by earning dual recognitions from U.S. Veterans Magazine. The company was named a Top Veteran Employer and a Top MilSpouse Employer in the magazine’s July issue, highlighting its efforts to support veterans and their families through structured career programs and workplace inclusion.
These awards complement Werner’s consistent performance in veteran-focused rankings. For the fourth consecutive year, the company earned the Military Friendly Top Ten Company award designation in the $1 billion to $5 billion revenue category. This distinction marks the fourth straight year Werner has been ranked the #3 Military Friendly Company within that specific revenue bracket.
Workforce Composition and Hiring Commitments
Veterans and veteran spouses constitute approximately 15% of Werner’s total workforce of 14,500 associates nationwide. Derek Leathers, Chairman and CEO of Werner, stated that these employees bring essential leadership, discipline, and technical skills to the organization.
To sustain this pipeline, Werner has committed to hiring 1,400 military veterans in calendar year 2027. The company pairs this hiring target with DOL- and VA-approved apprenticeship programs in driving, diesel mechanics, and management. These initiatives allow transitioning service members to utilize GI Bill and VA Educational Benefits to accelerate earnings potential while building long-term corporate careers.
Key Military Initiatives
Werner supports its veteran workforce through several structured programs:
- Lucrative Career Pathing & Apprenticeship Programs utilizing GI Bill / VA Educational Benefits
- Military Skills Test Waiver Program
- DOD SkillBridge / Career Skills Program
- Operation Freedom Fleet featuring custom-designed military tribute trucks
- ‘WEVets’ Veteran Resource Group
- Deployment Support Services
What the Numbers Show
The concentration of veterans within Werner’s workforce is significant relative to its overall headcount. With veterans and spouses making up 15% of the 14,500-associate workforce, the company’s commitment to hire 1,400 additional veterans in 2027 represents a substantial expansion of this demographic segment. This hiring target alone would increase the absolute number of veteran hires by roughly 6% of the current total workforce size, indicating a strategic push to deepen reliance on this talent pool amid industry-wide driver shortages.
How might Werner's aggressive hiring target of 1,400 veterans in 2027 impact its operational costs given the premium often associated with specialized training and retention programs?
Could Werner's success in veteran recruitment create a competitive moat against other trucking firms struggling with the industry-wide driver shortage?
What is the projected long-term retention rate for veterans hired through Werner's apprenticeship programs compared to non-veteran hires?

































