LEADERSHIP
Leading Anti-traf cking Efforts At a conference about 10 years ago, Jaime Hamm saw a video on tracking and found it very moving. She came back to Werner and asked how they could implement training to make sure their professional drivers know tracking is a problem, and ensure that if they see something, they know how to report it. Today, Werner drivers and even many oce and maintenance associates complete human tracking training and receive annual refresher training. Among other tools is a tracking hotline drivers can use to report any red flags. This might be, for instance, a young person at a truck stop who’s dressed for warm weather when it’s winter. Through its Pathways to Freedom initiative, Werner provides resources to customers, partner carriers, and vendors. “The company is getting more people involved and spreading the word that this modern- day slavery still exists, and that we are part of the solution,” Hamm says.
improve safety. It’s a great platform that lets me work with my peers to improve our nation’s roadways. The beauty of safety is it’s not a secret sauce—people are willing to share their experiences, because the impacts are so widespread. IL: What characteristics shape effective leadership? Effective leadership requires adaptability and the ability to roll with change. This industry is constantly evolving, with new regulations, technology and more always on the horizon. We have to constantly look beyond the status quo, learn and look for the next best solution, and work to stay ahead of the game. The ability to problem-solve is another component of effective leadership. There are always challenges ahead, and we need to make the best decisions we can and move on. Breaking big concepts into small wins is key, especially as technology evolves and systems change. IL: What challenges keep you up at night? Our litigation landscape and nuclear verdicts. The trucking industry has been the target of high-stakes lawsuits that require our entire team to remain diligent and ensure nothing is overlooked. We constantly review and update our policies and procedures, and benchmark best practices with our peers. In addition, we go above and beyond testing for drugs and making sure drivers are well rested, healthy, operating safely and endorsed properly. Despite our efforts, we often face an uphill battle whenever a lawsuit is led. It’s unfortunate and a major concern. We’re also engaged in tort reform efforts throughout the country at the state level, and even on a federal level with the new administration. IL: How do you help employees and drivers adapt to change? Being transparent from the beginning and communicating the ‘why’ behind the change and how it will help make processes easier or faster can help alleviate concerns of associates and professional drivers. We also make sure people have a voice in the change. When it comes to changes in equipment or technology affecting professional drivers, we have a group test the equipment and give us their feedback. Someone sitting behind a desk telling
a professional driver, ‘This camera will help you’ is not as effective as a peer telling them.
IL: Any lessons learned throughout your career? I’ve learned it’s okay to speak up and go against the grain. By asking questions, you can prompt others to have a higher discussion. Several years ago, we were changing our ELD (electronic logging device) platform. We’d need to keep eight days of logs from the prior system when switching to the new one. We were trying to determine the best way to comply with this as we made the shift. Some team members suggested going down a paper path. I said, ‘It’s a computer system. Can’t we transmit from the old system to the new, without having to print eight days of logs for 9,000-plus drivers?’ I had to ask the question, even if people thought I was crazy. And it worked out. IL: What qualities do you look for when hiring? Especially with our leadership team, I don’t want to hire somebody who has the same skills or mindset I have. I want somebody who will challenge us and bring unique experiences to the team, ultimately making us more well-rounded. IL: Who would you trade places with for a day? My family comes from Wisconsin and I’m a big Green Bay Packers fan. I’d choose Brett Favre at the 1997 Super Bowl, when he holds up the Lombardi trophy. I’m thinking of the stress before the game, the 81-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Freeman, and how it felt as the game came together and they won.
April 2025 • Inbound Logistics 11
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