What is Qualcomm^TM?

The Qualcomm^TM Omnitracs system is a global satellite tracking system that Werner installed in each truck in 1992, and is used to track truck locations, identify problems, and determine if deliveries will be on time. The unit, maintained in each Werner truck, is similar to a mini computer with a keyboard and message screen. Our drivers and Werner personnel can send messages back and forth and maintain regular contact. The Qualcomm^TM system has been a valuable message tool when drivers or Werner officials have needed to quickly contact each other. Drivers have been able to alert Werner of weather conditions that may impact their delivery schedule and inform them of accidents or other conditions when assistance is needed.

What is Werner's Paperless Log System?

The Werner Paperless Log System is one innovation that has changed the way the entire trucking industry views safety. This system replaced the traditional paper logbooks used by drivers to record their work hours and activities. The Werner Paperless Log System, which is connected via satellite through Qualcomm^TM, assists truck drivers in using their time efficiently. Our drivers no longer have to draw lines or manually calculate their available work hours in their eight-day work period. Our drivers can focus on driving and not on completing paper logbooks.

Why did Werner develop the Paperless Log System?

Werner Enterprises developed the Paperless Log System several years ago, with several goals in mind:

1. Ensure drivers are in compliance with the federal regulations - The Qualcomm^TM and Paperless Log System help Werner and the drivers keep track of hours worked and hours available. Werner monitors these records, identifies load delivery problems, and makes adjustments for on-time delivery, such as swapping loads with other drivers who have available hours.
2. Assist with driver safety - Since the Paperless Log System tracks work hours, Werner is able to organize deliveries according to drivers' work schedules/hour availability. Keep shippers apprised of load delivery schedules-For several years now, the Qualcomm^TM unit has enabled Werner to track truck locations. The Paperless Log System can more closely determine drivers' abilities to meet delivery schedules based on hours worked and their available hours.
3. Reduce hassle for drivers - When asked to identify their frustrations with their jobs, "filling out paper logbooks," is usually among the top five items that truck drivers list. Drawing lines and calculating work hours are tasks that many drivers find frustrating and time consuming. Drivers are required to chart their work hours and activities and keep their logbooks up-to-date. If drivers are stopped by a carrier enforcement official or are at a weigh station and don't have their logbooks current, they can be shut down for hours, which then affects the hours they're available for work.
4. Improve driver retention and recruitment - Truck drivers prefer to drive rather than fill out paperwork, so Werner's system assists them in recruiting and retaining drivers. In addition, Werner's excellent overall safety record and high marks on roadside inspection problems means that drivers have more opportunities to keep moving with fewer delays.

What are logbooks and why do truck drivers keep them?

Truck drivers across the United States use paper logbooks for tracking work hours and recording work activities (driving, on-duty not driving, sleeping, or off-duty). Drivers must chart their hours and activities every day by drawing lines through a grid on the logbook page and calculating the hours worked and hours available. Federal officials periodically inspect driver logbooks at weigh stations and other locations to certify that they have been kept up-to-date by the driver as well as ensure that the driver is following the hours-of-service regulations.

Is the Werner Paperless Log System easy to operate?

Yes! In fact, it is so easy that all information is right at our driver's fingertips. Message templates (macros) have been pre-programmed into the system, and automatically record activities, e.g., signing in for duty, driving the truck, sleeping, stopping for a break, arriving at the shipper or consignee, off-duty, etc. once the driver hits the button. Also, our drivers have been instrumental in designing most of the macros so they fit their needs.

What was the process involved in developing Werner's Paperless Log System?

Werner began working on the Paperless Log System in 1994. The entire project was developed in-house by Werner's team of computer specialists and along with members of departments from across the Company. Werner started testing the system in its trucks July 1995 with all participating truck drivers continuing to use the traditional paper logbooks for recording hours and activities. 1997, Werner contacted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) about the project and obtained approval for continued testing. In 1998, Werner tested the system with approximately 2,000 of its truck drivers (while continuing to use paper logbooks). On June 10, 1998, the FMCSA officially authorized Werner Enterprises to adopt its new Paperless Log System under a Pilot Program and discontinue use of the paper logbooks. The FMCSA granted exemption from paper log usage on September 21, 2004.

Are there any safety issues related to using Werner's Paperless Log System?

This new computerized log system enables drivers to focus their attention and energy on safely transporting merchandise across the U.S rather than worrying that their paper log is not up-to-date.

What do federal and state regulatory personnel do with this when a driver is stopped?

They simply give the official a copy of the notice of exemption proving we are authorized by the FMCSA to drive without a paper log. If they request, we can show them an eight-day recap of the hours on the Qualcomm^TM computer screen, or the logs may be faxed to a specific number. The FMCSA has notified federal, state and local officials of the Werner exemption from paper logbooks.

I use paper logbooks for myself, to keep track of my hours-of-service, can I do that with the Werner system?

Yes. Through the Qualcomm^TMyou can get an eight-day recap of your hours on demand. You can also get a daily report on your hours.

The system is all fine and good but, bottom line, how will this system impact my miles?

For years we have used this satellite-based log system to dispatch loads to our drivers. Due to better planning, driver's miles have increased instead of decreased. This system has allowed managers to preplan and assign loads based on accurate, future, and available driving hours. This allows us to maximize your time on the road.