At Werner, professional drivers like Jesus Davila are more than employees—they’re partners in safety and innovation. Jesus was a driver for more than six years all behind the wheel for Werner, and his dedication to safe driving, mentorship and leadership has established him as an elite professional driver. This shared commitment to safety demonstrates what is possible when professional drivers are empowered to lead. Werner sets a high standard for the industry through innovative technology and driver-led feedback programs like its Road Team Captains—and it's professionals like Jesus who make it all possible.

Q: Jesus, tell us about your journey at Werner. What makes you passionate about being a professional driver?

A: I’ve been with Werner for more than six years, and during that time, I’ve had the honor of serving on Werner’s Road Team. I was also privileged to be selected as an American Trucking Associations (ATA) America’s Road Team Captain. Additionally, I served as a professional driver assisting with military recruiting through Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet, a program especially meaningful to me as a combat veteran. I proudly served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as a United States Marine.

For me, driving is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to support others and advocate for safety. Even as a professional driver, you can find yourself in situations where you have the chance to make a significant impact on the industry and the lives of others.

Recently, I took on a new role as Associate Director of School Operations for Roadmaster Drivers School, where I oversee operations for six schools within the Roadmaster network. My journey began at Roadmaster’s San Antonio location, where I successfully earned my CDL. Werner was the only company who offered me a position right out of school, and they provided me with the tools, training and support I needed to succeed.

Werner’s commitment to my growth has allowed me to build a career focused on making a difference. Today, I’m passionate about helping others enter the trucking industry as safe, skilled and quality professional drivers.

Q: What did being part of the Road Team mean to you? 

A: Being part of the Road Team is all about making an impact. It provides professional drivers like myself, a unique opportunity to share ideas and feedback directly with Werner’s leadership. In this role, selected drivers represent the broader driving community by providing input to company’s leadership team. We collaborate on ways to improve the day-to-day experience for drivers—brainstorming solutions to simplify our work so we may focus on what matters most: driving safely.

What makes this role truly special is how Werner values the voices of its professional drivers. It’s rare for a three billion-dollar company to prioritize direct feedback from professional drivers, but Werner makes it a priority. Through the Road Team, we have regular interactions with executives, including our Chairman and CEO, Derek Leathers, multiple times each month. We openly discuss the challenges drivers face and propose meaningful changes. This level of engagement demonstrates company’s commitment to recognizing hard work, prioritizing safety and continuously improving the driver experience.

Q: What advice would you give to newer drivers?

A: Respect the road, first and foremost, and don’t be afraid to speak up. Companies like Werner genuinely care about what professional drivers think, as evidenced by the Werner Road Team. If you see a better way of doing things, share it. Your voice matters, and it can make a real difference. By speaking up, you’re not only helping yourself but also contributing to the continuous improvement of the industry.

Q: How does Werner address driver concerns, especially when it comes to new technology, like dash cams?

A: When Werner transitioned to Samsara Dash Cams, there were understandably some questions. It’s natural for professional drivers to feel concerned when new technology is introduced into their trucks—after all, these vehicles are their homes on wheels. Werner handled those concerns by focusing on clear, transparent communication. Executives created informative videos explaining the cameras are outward-facing safety tools, not surveillance devices.

As Road Team Captains, we played a key role in the process by visiting terminals, engaging directly with drivers and answering their questions. We built trust through open dialogue and showed Werner prioritizes both safety and driver comfort.

Q: Can you share a specific example of how Werner’s safety initiatives have made a difference?

A: Absolutely. One of our drivers with three million accident-free miles recently avoided severe consequences during a highway incident, thanks to Samsara’s Dash Cam footage. A car suddenly pulled out in front of him without warning, and the video clearly showed there was no way he could have avoided the collision. That footage not only proved he wasn’t at fault but also helped law enforcement issue a citation to the car’s driver. Without the dash cam, it could have easily become a case of conflicting accounts. This highlights how technology can protect drivers and ensure fairness.

Q: What advice do you have for companies considering safety programs like Werner’s?

A: Put yourself in the driver’s seat. Understand that driving is one of the most stressful jobs in America. Any tool, like a dash cam, should be positioned as a way to support and protect professional drivers—not as a means to monitor them. Listening to driver feedback and using technology for coaching and teaching moments, rather than for punishment, is crucial. Building trust is essential to fostering a culture where safety initiatives are embraced.