Werner Enterprises (WERN) 10-K 28 Feb 22 2021 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Feb. 07, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-14690
Entity Registrant Name	WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000793074
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NE
Entity Tax Identification Number	47-0648386
Entity Address, Address Line One	14507 Frontier Road
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Post Office Box 45308
Entity Address, City or Town	Omaha
Entity Address, State or Province	NE
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	68145-0308
City Area Code	402
Local Phone Number	895-6640
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
Trading Symbol	WERN
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 3,001
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		65,803,101
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the Proxy Statement of Registrant for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 10, 2022, are incorporated in Part III of this report.
Auditor Name	KPMG LLP
Auditor Location	Omaha, NE
Auditor Firm ID	185

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating revenues	$ 2,734,372	$ 2,372,178	$ 2,463,701
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits	895,012	795,847	818,487
Fuel	245,866	157,124	235,928
Supplies and maintenance	206,701	175,842	182,909
Taxes and licenses	96,095	95,746	95,525
Insurance and claims	98,658	109,816	88,913
Depreciation and amortization	267,700	263,286	249,527
Rent and purchased transportation	641,159	519,184	549,438
Communications and utilities	13,460	14,474	15,303
Other	(39,425)	13,421	2,199
Total operating expenses	2,425,226	2,144,740	2,238,229
Operating income	309,146	227,438	225,472
Other expense (income):
Interest expense	4,423	4,215	6,854
Interest income	(1,211)	(1,634)	(3,326)
Gain on investments in equity securities, net	(40,317)	0	0
Other	236	163	38
Total other expense (income)	(36,869)	2,744	3,566
Income before income taxes	346,015	224,694	221,906
Income tax expense	84,537	55,616	54,962
Net income	261,478	169,078	166,944
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,426)	0	0
Net income attributable to Werner	$ 259,052	$ 169,078	$ 166,944
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 3.84	$ 2.45	$ 2.40
Diluted	$ 3.82	$ 2.44	$ 2.38
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	67,434	69,018	69,567
Diluted	67,855	69,427	70,026

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Net income	$ 261,478	$ 169,078	$ 166,944
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,381)	(2,867)	1,996
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax	3,610	(5,238)	(651)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,229	(8,105)	1,345
Comprehensive income	263,707	160,973	168,289
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,426)	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Werner	$ 261,281	$ 160,973	$ 168,289

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 54,196	$ 29,334
Accounts receivable, trade, less allowance of $9,169 and $8,686, respectively	460,518	341,104
Other receivables	24,449	23,491
Inventories and supplies	11,140	12,062
Prepaid taxes, licenses and permits	17,549	17,231
Other current assets	63,361	33,694
Total current assets	631,213	456,916
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	77,172	72,103
Buildings and improvements	287,331	253,708
Revenue equipment	1,910,874	1,798,511
Service equipment and other	282,448	281,013
Total property and equipment	2,557,825	2,405,335
Less – accumulated depreciation	944,582	862,077
Property and equipment, net	1,613,243	1,543,258
Goodwill	74,618	0
Intangible assets, net	55,315	0
Other non-current assets	229,324	156,502
Total assets	2,603,713	2,156,676
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	93,987	83,263
Current portion of long-term debt	5,000	25,000
Insurance and claims accruals	72,594	76,917
Accrued payroll	44,333	35,594
Accrued expenses	28,758	25,032
Other current liabilities	24,011	28,208
Total current liabilities	268,683	274,014
Long-term debt, net of current portion	422,500	175,000
Other long-term liabilities	43,314	43,114
Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion	237,220	231,638
Deferred income taxes	268,499	237,870
Total liabilities	1,240,216	961,636
Commitments and contingencies
Temporary equity - redeemable noncontrolling interest	35,947	0
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 80,533,536 shares issued; 65,790,112 and 67,931,726 shares outstanding, respectively	805	805
Paid-in capital	121,904	116,039
Retained earnings	1,667,104	1,438,916
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(20,604)	(22,833)
Treasury stock, at cost; 14,743,424 and 12,601,810 shares, respectively	(441,659)	(337,887)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,327,550	1,195,040
Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity	$ 2,603,713	$ 2,156,676

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable	$ 9,169	$ 8,686
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	80,533,536	80,533,536
Common stock, shares outstanding	65,790,112	67,931,726
Treasury stock, shares	14,743,424	12,601,810

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 261,478	$ 169,078	$ 166,944
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	267,700	263,286	249,527
Deferred income taxes	29,488	(10,233)	16,401
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	(60,528)	(11,271)	(21,557)
Non-cash equity compensation	10,807	8,903	8,077
Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion	5,582	3,420	14,188
Other	(3,105)	13,641	(3,360)
Gains on investment in equity securities	(40,317)	0	0
Changes in certain working capital items:
Accounts receivable, net	(101,007)	(18,258)	15,081
Other current assets	(27,903)	(7,390)	975
Accounts payable	14,742	(2,483)	(7,537)
Other current liabilities	(24,118)	37,216	(12,095)
Net cash provided by operating activities	332,819	445,909	426,644
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(370,850)	(413,065)	(420,748)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	177,801	146,824	136,873
Net cash invested in acquisitions	(201,845)	0	0
Investment in equity securities	10,000	5,000	0
Decrease in notes receivable	7,593	7,966	11,566
Net cash used in investing activities	(397,301)	(263,275)	(272,309)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of short-term debt	27,500	90,000	0
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt	5,000	40,000	0
Repayments of long-term debt	0	50,000	100,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	250,000	0	275,000
Dividends on common stock	(29,083)	(24,888)	(286,190)
Repurchases of common stock	(104,444)	(56,521)	(42,301)
Tax withholding related to net share settlements of restricted stock awards	(4,270)	(4,553)	(1,899)
Stock options exercised	0	0	171
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(35)	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	89,668	(185,962)	(155,219)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash	(324)	(780)	396
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	24,862	(4,108)	(488)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	29,334	33,442	33,930
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	54,196	29,334	33,442
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	4,228	4,415	6,441
Income taxes paid	81,185	54,173	49,599
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Notes receivable issued upon sale of property and equipment	5,953	3,441	6,764
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	3,610	(5,238)	(651)
Property and equipment acquired included in accounts payable	7,124	12,250	21,138
Property and equipment disposed included in other receivables	0	30	18,600
Dividends accrued but not yet paid at end of period	7,895	6,114	6,232
Noncontrolling interest associated with acquisition	33,556	0	0
Contingent consideration associated with acquisition	2,500	0	0
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents	54,196	29,334	26,418
Restricted cash included in other current assets	0	0	7,024
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$ 54,196	$ 29,334	$ 33,442

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Temporary Equity - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1,264,753	$ 805	$ 107,455	$ 1,413,746	$ (16,073)	$ (241,180)	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	168,289	0	0	166,944	1,345	0	0
Purchases of common stock	(42,301)	0	0	0	0	(42,301)	0
Dividends on common stock	286,082	0	0	286,082	0	0	0
Equity compensation activity, including excess tax benefits	(1,728)	0	(2,883)	0	0	1,155	0
Non-cash equity compensation expense	8,077	0	8,077	0	0	0	0
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2019	1,111,008	805	112,649	1,294,608	(14,728)	(282,326)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	160,973	0	0	169,078	(8,105)	0	0
Purchases of common stock	(56,521)	0	0	0	0	(56,521)	0
Dividends on common stock	24,770	0	0	24,770	0	0	0
Equity compensation activity, including excess tax benefits	(4,553)	0	(5,513)	0	0	960	0
Non-cash equity compensation expense	8,903	0	8,903	0	0	0	0
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2020	1,195,040	805	116,039	1,438,916	(22,833)	(337,887)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	261,281	0	0	259,052	2,229	0	2,426
Purchases of common stock	(104,444)	0	0	0	0	(104,444)	0
Dividends on common stock	30,864	0	0	30,864	0	0	0
Equity compensation activity, including excess tax benefits	(4,270)	0	(4,942)	0	0	672	0
Non-cash equity compensation expense	10,807	0	10,807	0	0	0	0
Investment in noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0	0	0	35,322
Purchase accounting adjustments	0	0	0	0	0	0	(1,766)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0	0	0	(35)
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 1,327,550	$ 805	$ 121,904	$ 1,667,104	$ (20,604)	$ (441,659)	$ 35,947

Consolidated Statements of St_2

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Temporary Equity - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Purchase of common stock, shares	2,297,911	1,482,992	1,300,000
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.46	$ 0.36	$ 4.11
Equity compensation activity, shares	156,297	170,193	102,552

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation : The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Werner Enterprises, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions relating to these entities have been eliminated. Nature of Business : The Company is a truckload transportation and logistics provider operating under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Transportation, similar governmental transportation agencies in the foreign countries in which we operate and various U.S. state regulatory authorities. Our ten largest customers comprised 49% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and 41% for the year ended December 31, 2019. Our largest customer, Dollar General, accounted for 14% and 12% of our total revenues in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Revenues generated by Dollar General are reported in both of our reportable operating segments. No single customer generated more than 9% of our total revenues in 2019. Use of Management Estimates : The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the (i) reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and (ii) reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates that affect our financial statements include the accrued liabilities for insurance and claims, useful lives and salvage values of property and equipment, estimates for income taxes and the allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents : We consider all highly liquid investments, purchased with a maturity of three months or less, to be cash equivalents. Accounts at banks with an aggregate excess of the amount of checks issued over cash balances are included in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, and changes in such accounts are reported as a financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Trade Accounts Receivable: We record trade accounts receivable at the invoiced amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts for potentially uncollectible receivables. We review the financial condition of customers for granting credit and determine the allowance based on analysis of individual customers’ financial condition, historical write-off experience and national economic conditions. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Past due balances over 90 days and exceeding a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers. Inventories and Supplies : Inventories and supplies are stated at the lower of average cost and net realizable value and consist primarily of revenue equipment parts, tires, fuel and supplies. Tires placed on new revenue equipment are capitalized as a part of the equipment cost. Replacement tires are expensed when placed in service. Property, Equipment, and Depreciation : Additions and improvements to property and equipment are capitalized at cost, while maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to operations as incurred. Gains and losses on the sale or exchange of equipment are recorded in other operating expenses. Depreciation is calculated based on the cost of the asset, reduced by the asset’s estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes. The lives and salvage values assigned to certain assets for financial reporting purposes are different than for income tax purposes. For financial reporting purposes, assets are generally depreciated using the following estimated useful lives and salvage values: Lives Salvage Values Building and improvements 30 years 0% Tractors 80 months $0 - $10,000 Trailers 12 years $1,000 - $6,000 Service and other equipment 3-10 years 0% During first quarter 2020, we changed the estimated life of certain trucks expected to be sold in 2020 to more rapidly depreciate the trucks to their estimated residual values due to the weak used truck market. The effect of this change in accounting estimate was a $9.6 million increase to 2020 depreciation expense. These trucks continued to depreciate at the same higher rate per truck, until all were sold in 2020. Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination and is allocated to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the combination. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is tested for impairment annually in October, or more frequently if indicators of a potential impairment exist. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit that includes goodwill exceeds its fair value, resulting in an impairment charge for the excess up to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. To test goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. If a qualitative test indicates a potential for impairment, a quantitative impairment test must be performed. Alternatively, we may bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative impairment test. A qualitative assessment considers relevant events and circumstances such as macroeconomic, industry, and market conditions; legal, regulatory, and competitive environments; and overall financial performance. For a quantitative impairment test, we estimate the fair values of the goodwill reporting units and compare it to their carrying values. The estimated fair values of the reporting units are established using a combination of the income and market approaches. Our first annual goodwill impairment test is scheduled to be performed in October 2022. As of December 31, 2021, there were no indications of goodwill impairment. Amortization of Intangible Assets: Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from ten to 12 years. Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets: We review our long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If based on that review, changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable, we evaluate recoverability by comparing the undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset to the asset's carrying amount. We also evaluate the remaining useful lives of intangible assets to determine if events or trends warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. An impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or intangible asset is not recoverable and the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. For long-lived assets classified as held and used, the carrying amount is not recoverable when the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the future net cash flows. We do not separately identify assets by operating segment because tractors and trailers are routinely transferred from one operating fleet to another. As a result, none of our long-lived assets have identifiable cash flows from use that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Thus, the asset group used to assess impairment would include all of our assets. Insurance and Claims Accruals : Insurance and claims accruals (both current and non-current) reflect the estimated cost (including estimated loss development, incurred-but-not-reported losses and loss adjustment expenses) for (i) cargo loss and damage, (ii) bodily injury and property damage, (iii) group health and (iv) workers’ compensation claims not covered by insurance. The costs for cargo, bodily injury and property damage insurance and claims are included in insurance and claims expense in the consolidated statements of income; the costs of group health and workers’ compensation claims are included in salaries, wages and benefits expense. The insurance and claims accruals are recorded at the estimated ultimate payment amounts. The accruals for bodily injury, property damage and workers’ compensation are based upon individual case estimates and actuarial estimates of loss development for reported losses and incurred-but-not-reported losses using loss development factors based upon past experience. In order to determine the loss development factors, we make judgments relating to the comparability of historical claims to current claims. These judgments consider the nature, frequency, severity, and age of claims, and industry, regulatory, and company-specific trends impacting the development of claims. Actual costs related to insurance and claims have not differed materially from estimated accrued amounts for all years presented. An independent actuary reviews our calculation of the undiscounted self-insurance reserves for bodily injury and property damage claims and workers’ compensation claims at year-end. We renewed our liability insurance policies on August 1, 2021 and are responsible for the first $10.0 million per claim on all claims with an annual $10.0 million aggregate for claims between $10.0 million and $15.0 million. For the policy year that began August 1, 2020, we were responsible for the first $10.0 million per claim with no aggregates. Our self-insured retention (“SIR”) and deductible amount was $3.0 million, with an additional $5.0 million deductible per claim for each claim between 5.0 million and $10.0 million, for policy years from August 1, 2017 through July 31, 2020, and we were also responsible for annual aggregate amounts of liability for claims in excess of the SIR/ deductible. We maintain liability insurance coverage with insurance carriers in excess of the $10.0 million per claim. We are also responsible for administrative expenses for each occurrence involving bodily injury or property damage. Our SIR for workers’ compensation claims is $2.0 million per claim, with premium-based coverage (issued by insurance companies) for claims exceeding this amount. Our SIR for workers’ compensation claims increased from $1.0 million to $2.0 million per claim on April 1, 2020. We also maintain a $25.6 million bond for the State of Nebraska and a $13.4 million bond for our workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Under these insurance arrangements, we maintained $43.0 million in letters of credit as of December 31, 2021. Revenue Recognition: The consolidated statements of income reflect recognition of operating revenues (including fuel surcharge revenues) and related direct costs over time as control of the promised services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. For shipments where a third-party capacity provider (including independent contractors under contract with us) is utilized to provide some or all of the service, we evaluate whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., report revenues on a net basis). Foreign Currency Translation: Local currencies are generally considered the functional currencies outside the United States. Assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates for operations in local currency environments. Foreign revenues and expense items denominated in the functional currency are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Foreign currency translation adjustments reflect the changes in foreign currency exchange rates applicable to the net assets of the foreign operations. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets and as a separate component of comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Income Taxes: Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In accounting for uncertain tax positions, we recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize interest and penalties directly related to income tax matters in income tax expense. Common Stock and Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards. There are no differences in the numerators of our computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for any periods presented. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts). Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Net income attributable to Werner $ 259,052 $ 169,078 $ 166,944 Weighted average common shares outstanding 67,434 69,018 69,567 Dilutive effect of stock-based awards 421 409 459 Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share 67,855 69,427 70,026 Basic earnings per share $ 3.84 $ 2.45 $ 2.40 Diluted earnings per share $ 3.82 $ 2.44 $ 2.38 There were no options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding during the periods indicated above that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option purchase price was greater than the average market price of the common shares during the period. Performance awards are excluded from the calculation of dilutive potential common shares until the threshold performance conditions have been satisfied. Equity Compensation : We have an equity compensation plan that provides for grants of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and units (“restricted awards”), performance awards and stock appreciation rights to our associates and directors. We apply the fair value method of accounting for equity compensation awards. Issuances of stock upon an exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock are made from treasury stock; shares reacquired to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted stock are recorded as treasury stock. Grants of stock options, restricted stock, and performance awards vest in increments, and we recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period of each award. We accrue compensation expense for performance awards for the estimated number of shares expected to be issued using the most current information available at the date of the financial statements. If the performance objectives are not met, no compensation expense will be recognized, and any previously recognized compensation expense will be reversed. We account for forfeitures in the period in which they occur. Comprehensive Income : Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are not included in net income, but rather are recorded directly in stockholders’ equity. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and change in fair value of interest rate swaps. The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss reported in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, consisted of foreign currency translation adjustments of $18.6 million and $17.2 million, respectively, and changes in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax, of $2.0 million and $5.6 million, respectively. New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted: In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which reduces complexity in accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles stated in Topic 740 and by clarifying and amending existing guidance to improve consistent application of and simplify other areas of Topic 740. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 as of January 1, 2021. Upon adoption, this update had no effect on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Effective: In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)” which provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform on financial reporting. The provisions of this update are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 and apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. We are evaluating the impact of the optional expedients in this update and their applicability to modifications of our existing credit facilities and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR.

Business Combinations and Asset

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS ECM Acquisition On July 1, 2021, pursuant to a Unit Purchase Agreement, we acquired an 80% ownership interest in ECM Associated, LLC ("ECM”), based in Cheswick, Pennsylvania, for $141.3 million after net working capital changes and net of cash acquired. We have an exclusive option to purchase the remaining 20% ownership interest in ECM upon the occurrence of certain events or after a period of five years following transaction close, based on a fixed multiple of ECM’s average annual adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The noncontrolling interest holder also has an option to put the remaining 20% ownership interest to us on the same terms. We record the 20% remaining interest in temporary equity – redeemable noncontrolling interest in the consolidated balance sheets. ECM, through its ECM Transport, LLC (“ECM Transport”) and Motor Carrier Service (“MCS”) subsidiaries, provides regional truckload carrier services in the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio, and Northeast regions of the U.S. and operates nearly 500 trucks and 2,000 trailers in its network of eight operational facilities and 18 drop yards. The primary reason for this acquisition was to expand our fleet size, operational facilities, geographic market presence, and short-haul expertise in a segment in which consumer demand and supply chain needs are growing. We financed the cash transaction through a combination of cash on hand, existing credit facilities, and the addition of a $100.0 million unsecured fixed-rate term loan commitment with BMO Harris Bank N.A. on June 30, 2021. For more information regarding our debt, see Note 8 – Debt and Credit Facilities. The results of operations for ECM are included in our consolidated financial statements beginning July 1, 2021. Revenues generated by ECM are reported in our Truckload Transportation Services (“TTS”) segment. We incurred transaction costs related to the acquisition, such as legal and professional fees, of $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is included in other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of income. NEHDS Acquisition On November 22, 2021, we acquired 100% of the equity interests in NEHDS Logistics, LLC (“NEHDS”), based in Monroe, Connecticut, for a cash purchase price of $63.1 million after including the impacts of contingent consideration, net working capital changes and cash acquired. We financed the transaction through a combination of cash on hand and existing credit facilities. NEHDS is a final mile residential delivery provider with access to a network of 400 final mile delivery trucks serving customers primarily in the Northeast and Midwest U.S. markets. NEHDS delivers primarily big and bulky products (primarily furniture and appliances) using 2-person delivery teams performing residential and commercial deliveries through a network of 19 cross dock, warehouse, and customer facilities. The results of operations for NEHDS are included in our consolidated financial statements beginning November 22, 2021. Revenues generated by NEHDS are reported in Final Mile within our Werner Logistics segment. We incurred transaction costs related to the acquisition, such as legal and professional fees, of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is included in other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of income. Purchase Price Allocations We accounted for the purchases of ECM and NEHDS using the acquisition method of accounting under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The purchase price of each acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using market data and valuation techniques. The purchase price allocation for ECM is considered final. The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are considered provisional for NEHDS, pending the completion of the valuation of acquired tangible assets, an independent valuation of certain acquired intangible assets, and the calculation of deferred taxes based upon the underlying tax basis of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The determination of estimated fair values requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions. We believe that the information available provides a reasonable basis for estimating the values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the NEHDS acquisition; however, these provisional estimates may be adjusted upon the availability of new information regarding facts and circumstances which existed at the acquisition date, and such adjustments may impact future earnings. We expect to finalize the valuation of assets and liabilities for NEHDS as soon as practicable, but not later than one year from the acquisition date. Any adjustments to the initial estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities assumed in the NEHDS acquisition will be recorded as adjustments to the respective assets and liabilities, with the residual amounts allocated to goodwill. The purchase price allocations for ECM and NEHDS as of December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows (in thousands): ECM NEHDS Purchase Price Cash consideration paid 155,686 (1) 60,332 (2) Cash and cash equivalents acquired (13,327) (332) Contingent consideration arrangement — 2,500 (3) Working capital surplus (deficiency) (1,068) 554 Total purchase price (fair value of consideration) 141,291 63,054 Provisional Purchase Price Allocation Current assets 17,468 3,508 Property and equipment 88,632 5,420 Intangible assets 37,200 20,000 Other non-current assets 3,644 12,122 Total assets acquired 146,944 41,050 Current liabilities (7,721) (4,014) Other long-term liabilities (2,460) (10,516) Total liabilities assumed (10,181) (14,530) Temporary equity - redeemable noncontrolling interest in ECM (33,556) — Goodwill $ 38,084 $ 36,534 (1) At closing, $1.5 million of the cash consideration was placed in escrow to cover post-closing adjustments and to secure certain indemnification obligations of the sellers. (2) At closing, $3.1 million of the cash consideration was placed in escrow to cover post-closing adjustments and to secure certain indemnification obligations of the sellers. (3) The contingent consideration arrangement, also referred to as earnout, requires us to pay the former owners of NEHDS additional amounts in cash if certain levels of gross profit and revenues are earned during calendar year 2022. The potential undiscounted amount of all future earnout payments that we could be required to make is between $0 and $4.0 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement of $2.5 million was estimated by management. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill associated with the ECM and NEHDS acquisitions was primarily attributable to acquiring and retaining each of the companies’ existing networks and the anticipated synergies from combining the operations of the Company and the acquired companies. The goodwill associated with the acquisitions above is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. We have allocated a total of $57.2 million of the purchase prices above to finite-lived intangible assets, consisting of customer relationships and trade names. The estimated fair values of the intangible assets were determined, with the assistance of an independent third-party valuation firm, using the multi-period excess earnings method for customer relationships and the relief-from-royalty method for trade names. All methods are forms of the income approach, which require a forecast of all the expected future cash flows. The following table summarizes the major classes of intangible assets and the respective weighted-average estimated amortization periods: Estimated Fair Value Weighted-Average Estimated Customer relationships $ 40,200 10 Trade names 17,000 12 Total intangible assets $ 57,200

Revenue

Revenue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contracts with Customer	REVENUE Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized over time as control of the promised services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Truckload Transportation Services $ 2,045,073 $ 1,843,209 $ 1,909,776 Werner Logistics 622,461 469,791 489,729 Inter-segment eliminations (899) (107) (243) Transportation services 2,666,635 2,312,893 2,399,262 Other revenues 67,737 59,285 64,439 Total revenues $ 2,734,372 $ 2,372,178 $ 2,463,701 The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geographic areas in which we conduct business (in thousands). Operating revenues for foreign countries include revenues for (i) shipments with an origin or destination in that country and (ii) other services provided in that country. If both the origin and destination are in a foreign country, the revenues are attributed to the country of origin. Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 United States $ 2,532,720 $ 2,144,105 $ 2,191,560 Mexico 156,405 149,438 197,470 Other 45,247 78,635 74,671 Total revenues $ 2,734,372 $ 2,372,178 $ 2,463,701 Transportation Services We generate nearly all of our revenues by transporting truckload freight shipments for our customers. Transportation services are carried out by our Truckload Transportation Services (“TTS”) segment and our Werner Logistics (“Logistics”) segment. The TTS segment utilizes company-owned and independent contractor trucks to deliver shipments, while the Logistics segment uses third-party capacity providers. We generate revenues from billings for transportation services under contracts with customers, generally on a rate per mile or per shipment, based on origin and destination of the shipment. Our performance obligation arises when we receive a shipment order to transport a customer’s freight and is satisfied upon delivery of the shipment. The transaction price may be defined in a transportation services agreement or negotiated with the customer prior to accepting the shipment order. A customer may submit several shipment orders for transportation services at various times throughout a service agreement term, but each shipment represents a distinct service that is a separately identified performance obligation. We often provide additional or ancillary services as part of the shipment (such as loading/unloading and stops in transit) which are not distinct or are not material in the context of the contract; therefore, the revenues for these services are recognized with the freight transaction price. The average transit time to complete a shipment is approximately 3 days. Invoices for transportation services are typically generated soon after shipment delivery and, while payment terms and conditions vary by customer, are generally due within 30 days after the invoice date. The consolidated statements of income reflect recognition of transportation revenues (including fuel surcharge revenues) and related direct costs over time as the shipment is being delivered. We use distance shipped (for the TTS segment) and transit time (for the Logistics segment) to measure progress and the amount of revenues recognized over time, as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit. Determining a measure of progress requires us to make judgments that affect the timing of revenues recognized. We have determined that the methods described provide a faithful depiction of the transfer of services to the customer. For shipments where a third-party capacity provider (including independent contractors under contract with us) is utilized to provide some or all of the service, we evaluate whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., report revenues on a net basis). Generally, we report such revenues on a gross basis, that is, we recognize both revenues for the service we bill to the customer and rent and purchased transportation expense for transportation costs we pay to the third-party provider. Where we are the principal, we control the transportation service before it is provided to our customers, which is supported by us being primarily responsible for fulfilling the shipment obligation to the customer and having a level of discretion in establishing pricing with the customer. During 2021, 2020, and 2019, revenues recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods (for example, due to changes in transaction price) were not material. Other Revenues Other revenues include revenues from our driver training schools, transportation-related activities such as third-party equipment maintenance and equipment leasing, and other business activities. These revenues are generally recognized over time and accounted for 2% of our total revenues in both 2021 and 2020, and 3% of our total revenues in 2019. Revenues from our driver training schools require us to make judgments regarding price concessions in determining the amount of revenues to recognize. Contract Balances and Accounts Receivable A receivable is an unconditional right to consideration and is recognized when shipments have been completed and the related performance obligation has been fully satisfied. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the accounts receivable, trade, net, balance was $460.5 million and $341.1 million, respectively. Contract assets represent a conditional right to consideration in exchange for goods or services and are transferred to receivables when the rights become unconditional. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the balance of contract assets was $9.0 million and $6.9 million, respectively. We have recognized contract assets within the other current assets financial statement caption on the consolidated balance sheets. These contract assets are considered current assets as they will be settled in less than 12 months. Contract liabilities represent advance consideration received from customers and are recognized as revenues over time as the related performance obligation is satisfied. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the balance of contract liabilities was $1.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The amount of revenues recognized in 2021 that was included in the December 31, 2020 contract liability balance was $1.5 million. We have recognized contract liabilities within the accounts payable and other current liabilities financial statement captions on the consolidated balance sheets. These contract liabilities are considered current liabilities as they will be settled in less than 12 months. Performance Obligations We have elected to apply the practical expedient in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue From Contracts With Customers

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The following table summarizes changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the year ended December 31, 2021 (in thousands): TTS Werner Logistics Total Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ — $ — $ — Goodwill recorded in acquisition of ECM 44,710 — 44,710 Goodwill recorded in acquisition of NEHDS — 36,534 36,534 Purchase accounting adjustments (1) (6,626) — (6,626) Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 38,084 $ 36,534 $ 74,618 (1) The purchase accounting adjustments are primarily attributable to post-closing adjustments related to assets assumed in, and the redeemable noncontrolling interest associated with, the acquisition of ECM. Acquired intangible assets consists of the following as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands): Gross Accumulated Net Customer relationships $ 40,200 $ (1,177) $ 39,023 Trade names 17,000 (708) 16,292 Total intangible assets $ 57,200 $ (1,885) $ 55,315 No acquired intangible assets were recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020. Amortization expense on intangible assets was $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets by year is as follows (in thousands): Estimated 2022 $ 5,437 2023 5,437 2024 5,437 2025 5,437 2026 5,437 Thereafter (to 2033) 28,130 Total $ 55,315

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	LEASES We have entered into operating leases primarily for real estate. The leases have terms which range from 1 year to 18 years, and some include options to renew. Renewal terms are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option to renew. Operating leases are included in other non-current assets, other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. These assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date, using our incremental borrowing rate because the rate implicit in each lease is not readily determinable. We have certain contracts for real estate that may contain lease and non-lease components which we have elected to treat as a single lease component. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease expense is recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. Lease expense is reported in rent and purchased transportation on the consolidated statements of income. The following table presents balance sheet and other operating lease information (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2021 2020 Balance Sheet Classification Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets) $ 28,458 $ 9,951 Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities) $ 6,380 $ 3,421 Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities) 22,634 6,949 Total operating lease liabilities $ 29,014 $ 10,370 Other Information Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases 7.63 years 3.82 years Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases 2.7 % 3.3 % The following table presents the maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands): Maturity of Lease Liabilities 2022 $ 7,048 2023 5,638 2024 4,681 2025 3,882 2026 2,739 Thereafter 8,077 Total undiscounted operating lease payments $ 32,065 Less: Imputed interest (3,051) Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 29,014 Cash Flows An initial right-of-use asset of $8.7 million was recognized as a non-cash asset addition with the adoption of the new lease accounting standard on January 1, 2019. During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, additional right-of-use assets of $8.2 million, $2.8 million, and $6.1 million, respectively, were recognized as non-cash asset additions that resulted from new operating lease liabilities, and we acquired right-of-use assets of $15.6 million as a result of our business acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2021. Cash paid for amounts included in the present value of operating lease liabilities was $4.6 million, $3.9 million, and $3.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, and are included in operating cash flows. Operating Lease Expense Operating lease expense was $15.7 million, $10.1 million, and $8.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. This expense included $4.8 million for long-term operating leases for the year ended December 31, 2021 and $3.8 million for both years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, with the remainder for variable and short-term lease expense . Lessor Operating Leases We are the lessor of tractors and trailers under operating leases with initial terms of 2 to 10 years. We recognize revenue for such leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Revenues for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 were $11.7 million, $12.6 million, and $13.9 million, respectively. The following table presents information about the maturities of these operating leases as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands): 2022 $ 7,468 2023 358 2024 — 2025 — 2026 — Thereafter — Total $ 7,826

Fair Value Measures and Disclos

Fair Value Measures and Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	FAIR VALUE Fair Value Measurement — Definition and Hierarchy ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurement , defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820-10 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, as follows: Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Such inputs include quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active and inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, where there is little, if any, observable market activity or data for the asset or liability. In general, and where applicable, we use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities to determine fair value. This pricing methodology applies to our Level 1 assets and liabilities. If quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities are not available to determine fair value, then we use quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities or inputs other than the quoted prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly. This pricing methodology would apply to Level 2 assets and liabilities. The following table presents the Company's fair value hierarchy for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands): Fair Value Level in Fair December 31, Value Hierarchy 2021 2020 Other non-current assets: Equity securities (1) 1 $ 17,166 N/A (1) Represents our investments in autonomous technology companies. For additional information regarding the valuation of these equity securities, see Note 7 – Investments. We have no material liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Our ownership interest in Mastery Logistics Systems, Inc. (“MLSI”) does not have a readily determinable fair value and is accounted for using the measurement alternative in ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities . For additional information regarding the valuation of our investment in MLSI, see Note 7 – Investments. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value Cash, accounts receivable trade, and accounts payable are short-term in nature and accordingly are carried at amounts that approximate fair value. These financial instruments are recorded at or near their respective transaction prices and historically have been settled or converted to cash at approximately that value (categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). The carrying amounts of our long-term debt approximate fair value due to the duration of our credit arrangements and the variable interest rates (categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Investments	INVESTMENTS Equity Investments without Readily Determinable Fair Values In 2020, we entered into a strategic partnership with MLSI, a transportation management systems company. We are collaborating with MLSI to develop a cloud-based transportation management system using MLSI's SaaS technology which we have agreed to license. In both November 2020 and September 2021, we paid MLSI $5.0 million for shares of its preferred stock. As of December 31, 2021, our ownership percentage in MLSI was approximately 9.8%. This investment is being accounted for under ASC 321 using the measurement alternative, and is recorded in other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheets. We record changes in the value of this investment, based on events that occur that would indicate the value of our investment in MLSI has changed, in other expense (income) on the consolidated statements of income. During 2021, an investment by a third-party resulted in the remeasurement of our investment in MLSI and we recognized a $28.2 million unrealized gain on our investment based upon the price paid by the third party. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the value of our investment was $38.2 million and $5.0 million, respectively. Equity Investments with Readily Determinable Fair Values During 2021, we acquired strategic minority equity investments in autonomous technology companies, which are being accounted for under ASC 321 and are recorded in other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheets. We record changes in the value of these investments, based on the share prices reported by Nasdaq, in other expense (income) on the consolidated statements of income. We recognized a $12.1 million net unrealized gain on these investments for the year ended December 31, 2021. For additional information regarding the fair value of these equity investments, see Note 6 – Fair Value.

Debt and Credit Facilities

Debt and Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Debt and Credit Facilities	DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES On June 30, 2021, we amended our existing credit agreement, dated May 14, 2019, with BMO Harris Bank N.A. The amendment added an unsecured fixed-rate term loan commitment not to exceed a principal amount of $100.0 million and increased our borrowing capacity with BMO Harris Bank N.A. from $200.0 million to $300.0 million. The outstanding principal balance of the term loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.28% . As of December 31, 2021 , we had a $300.0 million and a $200.0 million unsecured committed credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and BMO Harris Bank N.A. (together, the “Credit Facilities”), respectively, which will expire on May 14, 2024 . Borrowings under the Credit Facilities bear variable interest based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). In addition, we had a $100.0 million unsecured fixed-rate term loan commitment with BMO Harris Bank N.A., as described above, with quarterly principal payments of $1.25 million, which began on September 30, 2021, and a final payment of principal and interest due and payable on May 14, 2024 . As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our outstanding debt totaled $427.5 million and $200.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, we had $330.0 million outstanding under the Credit Facilities, including (i) $180.0 million at a weighted average variable interest rate of 0.78%; (ii) $75.0 million at a variable interest rate of 0.78%, which is effectively fixed at 2.32% with an interest rate swap agreement through May 14, 2024; and (iii) $75.0 million at a variable interest rate of 0.80%, which is effectively fixed at 2.36% with an interest rate swap agreement through May 14, 2024. In addition, as of December 31, 2021, we had $97.5 million outstanding under the term loan at a fixed interest rate of 1.28%. The $500.0 million of borrowing capacity under our Credit Facilities at December 31, 2021, is further reduced by $54.9 million in stand-by letters of credit under which we are obligated. Each of the debt agreements includes, among other things, financial covenants requiring us (i) to exceed a minimum ratio of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization to interest expense and/or (ii) not to exceed a maximum ratio of total funded debt to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (as such terms are defined in each credit facility). As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with these covenants. At December 31, 2021, the aggregate future maturities of long-term debt by year are as follows (in thousands): 2022 $ 5,000 2023 5,000 2024 417,500 2025 — 2026 — Total $ 427,500

Notes Receivable

Notes Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Notes Receivable	NOTES RECEIVABLE We provide financing to some individuals who want to become independent contractors by purchasing a tractor from us and leasing their services to us. We maintain a primary security interest in the tractor until the independent contractor pays the note balance in full. Independent contractor notes receivable are included in other current assets and other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, notes receivable consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2021 2020 Independent contractor notes receivable $ 7,358 $ 10,335 Other notes receivable 10,665 9,425 Notes receivable 18,023 19,760 Less current portion 3,386 3,807 Notes receivable – non-current $ 14,637 $ 15,953 We also provide financing to some individuals who attended our driver training schools. The student notes receivable are included in other receivables and other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, student notes receivable consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2021 2020 Student notes receivable $ 62,791 $ 60,081 Allowance for doubtful student notes receivable (22,911) (19,448) Total student notes receivable, net of allowance 39,880 40,633 Less current portion, net of allowance 13,416 12,216 Student notes receivable – non-current $ 26,464 $ 28,417

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES Income tax expense consisted of the following (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Current: Federal $ 42,049 $ 53,297 $ 29,102 State 12,787 12,106 9,547 Foreign 213 446 (88) 55,049 65,849 38,561 Deferred: Federal 27,593 (8,988) 15,094 State 1,895 (1,245) 1,307 29,488 (10,233) 16,401 Total income tax expense $ 84,537 $ 55,616 $ 54,962 The effective income tax rate differs from the federal corporate tax rate of 21% in 2021, 2020, and 2019 as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Tax at statutory rate $ 72,663 $ 47,186 $ 46,600 State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits 11,599 8,580 8,575 Other, net (1) 275 (150) (213) Total income tax expense $ 84,537 $ 55,616 $ 54,962 (1) Prior year amounts within the table have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. At December 31, deferred income tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2021 2020 Deferred income tax assets: Insurance and claims accruals $ 55,233 $ 54,913 Compensation-related accruals 12,203 16,054 Allowance for uncollectible accounts 3,958 4,070 Operating lease liabilities (1) 7,033 2,530 Other (1) 1,644 2,844 Gross deferred income tax assets 80,071 80,411 Deferred income tax liabilities: Property and equipment 305,002 308,145 Investments in equity securities 10,985 — Prepaid expenses 7,269 6,333 Operating lease right-of-use assets (1) 6,955 2,485 Investment in partnership 17,076 — Other (1) 1,283 1,318 Gross deferred income tax liabilities 348,570 318,281 Net deferred income tax liability $ 268,499 $ 237,870 (1) Prior year amounts within the table have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. Deferred income tax assets are more likely than not to be realized as a result of future taxable income and reversal of deferred income tax liabilities. We recognized a $49 thousand increase in the net liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2021, and a $141 thousand decrease for the year ended December 31, 2020. We accrued interest expense of $0.1 million during 2021 and 2020, excluding from both years the reversal of accrued interest related to the adjustment of uncertain tax positions. If recognized, $1.9 million and $1.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, would impact our effective tax rate. Interest of $0.4 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 has been reflected as a component of the total liability. We expect no other significant increases or decreases for uncertain tax positions during the next 12 months. The reconciliations of beginning and ending gross balances of unrecognized tax benefits for 2021 and 2020 are shown below (in thousands). December 31, 2021 2020 Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance $ 2,363 $ 2,541 Gross increases – tax positions in prior period 65 92 Gross increases – current period tax positions 320 220 Settlements (323) (490) Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance $ 2,425 $ 2,363

Equity Compensation and Employe

Equity Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Employee Benefit and Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Equity Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans	EQUITY COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Equity Compensation Plan The Werner Enterprises, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity Plan (the “Equity Plan”), approved by the Company’s shareholders in 2013, provides for grants to employees and non-employee directors of the Company in the form of nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and units (“restricted awards”), performance awards, and stock appreciation rights. The Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors determines the terms of each award, including the type, recipients, number of shares subject to and vesting conditions of each award. No awards of stock appreciation rights have been issued under the Equity Plan to date. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be awarded under the Equity Plan is 20,000,000 shares. The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be awarded to any one person in any one calendar year under the Equity Plan is 500,000. As of December 31, 2021, there were 6,508,744 shares available for granting additional awards. Equity compensation expense is included in salaries, wages and benefits within the consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2021, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested equity compensation awards was approximately $11.8 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years. The following table summarizes the equity compensation expense and related income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of income (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Restricted awards: Pre-tax compensation expense $ 6,349 $ 5,409 $ 4,943 Tax benefit 1,587 1,379 1,258 Restricted stock expense, net of tax $ 4,762 $ 4,030 $ 3,685 Performance awards: Pre-tax compensation expense $ 4,452 $ 3,503 $ 3,156 Tax benefit 1,113 893 803 Performance award expense, net of tax $ 3,339 $ 2,610 $ 2,353 We do not have a formal policy for issuing shares upon vesting of restricted and performance awards. Such shares are generally issued from treasury stock. From time to time, we repurchase shares of our common stock, the timing and amount of which depends on market and other factors. Historically, the shares acquired from such repurchases have provided us with sufficient quantities of stock to issue for equity compensation. Based on current treasury stock levels, we do not expect to repurchase additional shares specifically for equity compensation during 2022. Stock Options Stock options are granted at prices equal to the market value of the common stock on the date the option award is granted. No stock option awards were outstanding as of December 31, 2021 or 2020, and there were no stock option awards granted or exercised during the years ended December 31, 2021 or 2020. No stock options were granted during the year ended December 31, 2019, and the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2019 was $136 thousand. Restricted Awards Restricted stock entitles the holder to shares of common stock when the award vests. Restricted stock units entitle the holder to a combination of cash or stock equal to the value of common stock when the unit vests. The value of these shares may fluctuate according to market conditions and other factors. Restricted awards currently outstanding vest over periods ranging from 12 to 60 months from the grant date of the award. The restricted awards do not confer any voting or dividend rights to recipients until such shares vest and do not have any post-vesting sales restrictions. The following table summarizes restricted award activity for the year ended December 31, 2021: Number of Weighted Nonvested at beginning of period 367 $ 35.78 Granted 160 42.69 Vested (158) 34.82 Forfeited (13) 36.88 Nonvested at end of period 356 39.27 We estimate the fair value of restricted awards based upon the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends because the awards are not entitled to receive dividends prior to vesting. Our estimate of future dividends is based on the most recent quarterly dividend rate at the time of grant, adjusted for any known future changes in the dividend rate. Cash settled restricted stock units are recorded as a liability within the consolidated balance sheets and are adjusted to fair value each reporting period. The total fair value of previously granted restricted awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $6.8 million, $5.4 million, and $4.0 million, respectively. We withheld shares based on the closing stock price on the vesting date to settle the employees’ statutory obligation for the applicable income and other employment taxes. The shares withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations were recorded as treasury stock. Performance Awards Performance awards entitle the recipient to shares of common stock upon attainment of performance objectives as pre-established by the Compensation Committee. If the performance objectives are achieved, performance awards currently outstanding vest, subject to continued employment, 36 months after the grant date of the award. The performance awards do not confer any voting or dividend rights to recipients until such shares vest and do not have any post-vesting sales restrictions. The following table summarizes performance award activity for the year ended December 31, 2021: Number of Weighted Nonvested at beginning of period 262 $ 32.96 Granted 77 38.48 Vested (100) 33.04 Forfeited (10) 32.88 Nonvested at end of period 229 34.77 The 2021 performance awards are earned based upon the level of attainment by the Company of specified performance objectives related to cumulative diluted earnings per share for the two-year period from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. Shares earned based on cumulative diluted earnings per share may be capped based on the Company’s total shareholder return during the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, relative to the total shareholder return of a peer group of companies for the same period. The 2021 performance awards will vest in one installment on the third anniversary from the grant date. The 2020 performance awards are earned based upon the level of attainment by the Company of specified performance objectives related to cumulative diluted earnings per share for the two-year period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Shares earned based on cumulative diluted earnings per share may be capped based on the absolute total shareholder return during the three-year period ended December 31, 2022. The 2020 performance awards will vest in one installment on the third anniversary from the grant date. In January 2022, the Compensation Committee determined the 2019 fiscal year performance objectives were achieved at a level above the threshold level but below the target level, and the amount of shares earned below the target are included in the forfeited shares in the activity table above. We estimate the fair value of performance awards based upon the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends because the awards are not entitled to receive dividends prior to vesting. Our estimate of future dividends is based on the most recent quarterly dividend rate at the time of grant, adjusted for any known future changes in the dividend rate. The vesting date fair value of performance awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $4.1 million, $5.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively. We withheld shares based on the closing stock price on the vesting date to settle the employees’ statutory obligation for the applicable income and other employment taxes. The shares withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations were recorded as treasury stock. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee associates that meet certain eligibility requirements may participate in our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”). Eligible participants designate the amount of regular payroll deductions and/or a single annual payment (each subject to a yearly maximum amount) that is used to purchase shares of our common stock on the over-the-counter market. The maximum annual contribution amount is currently $20,000. These purchases are subject to the terms of the Purchase Plan. We contribute an amount equal to 15% of each participant’s contributions under the Purchase Plan. Interest accrues on Purchase Plan contributions at a rate of 5.25% until the purchase is made. We pay the trading commissions and administrative charges related to purchases of common stock under the Purchase Plan. Our contributions for the Purchase Plan were as follows (in thousands): 2021 $ 297 2020 283 2019 265 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan We have an Employees’ 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). Associates are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan if they have been continuously employed with us or one of our subsidiaries for six months or more. We match a portion of each associate’s 401(k) Plan elective deferrals. Salaries, wages and benefits expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income includes our 401(k) Plan contributions and administrative expenses, which were as follows (in thousands): 2021 $ 4,904 2020 4,748 2019 4,414 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan The Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan (the “Excess Plan”) is our nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of eligible key managerial associates whose 401(k) Plan contributions are limited because of IRS regulations affecting highly compensated associates. Under the terms of the Excess Plan, participants may elect to defer compensation on a pre-tax basis within annual dollar limits we establish. At December 31, 2021, there were 45 participants in the Excess Plan. Although our current intention is not to do so, we may also make matching credits and/or profit sharing credits to participants’ accounts as we so determine each year. Each participant is fully vested in all deferred compensation and earnings; however, these amounts are subject to general creditor claims until distributed to the participant. Under current federal tax law, we are not allowed a current income tax deduction for the compensation deferred by participants, but we are allowed a tax deduction when a distribution payment is made to a participant from the Excess Plan. The accumulated benefit obligation is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. We purchased life insurance policies to fund the future liability. The aggregate market value of the life insurance policies is included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate market value of the life insurance policies were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2021 2020 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 12,755 $ 11,321 Aggregate market value 10,621 9,104

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES We have committed to property and equipment purchases of approximately $163.2 million at December 31, 2021. We are involved in certain claims and pending litigation, including those described herein, arising in the ordinary course of business. The majority of these claims relate to bodily injury, property damage, cargo and workers’ compensation incurred in the transportation of freight, as well as certain class action litigation related to personnel and employment matters. We accrue for the uninsured portion of contingent losses from these and other pending claims when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Based on the knowledge of the facts, management believes the resolution of claims and pending litigation, taking into account existing reserves, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict, and our view of these matters may change in the future as the litigation and related events unfold. On May 17, 2018, in Harris County District Court in Houston, Texas, a jury rendered an adverse verdict against Werner Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) in a lawsuit arising from a December 30, 2014 accident between a Werner tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle. On July 30, 2018, the court entered a final judgment against Werner for $92.0 million, including pre-judgment interest. The Company has premium-based liability insurance to cover the potential outcome from this jury verdict. Under the Company’s insurance policies in effect on the date of this accident, the Company’s maximum liability for this accident is $10.0 million (plus pre-judgment and post-judgment interest) with premium-based coverage that exceeds the jury verdict amount. As a result of this jury verdict, the Company had recorded a liability of $28.8 million and $23.6 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Under the terms of the Company’s insurance policies, the Company is the primary obligor of the verdict, and as such, the Company has also recorded a $79.2 million receivable from its third-party insurance providers in other non-current assets and a corresponding liability of the same amount in the long-term portion of insurance and claims accruals in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. The Company is pursuing an appeal of this verdict. No assurances can be given regarding the outcome of any such appeal. We have been involved in class action litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, in which the plaintiffs allege that we owe drivers for unpaid wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and the Nebraska Wage Payment and Collection Act and that we failed to pay minimum wage per hour for drivers in our Career Track Program, related to short break time and sleeper berth time. The period covered by this class action suit is August 2008 through March 2014. The case was tried to a jury in May 2017, resulting in a verdict of $0.8 million in plaintiffs’ favor on the short break matter and a verdict in our favor on the sleeper berth matter. As a result of various post-trial motions, the court awarded $0.5 million to the plaintiffs for attorney fees and costs. Plaintiffs appealed the post-verdict amounts awarded by the trial court for fees, costs and liquidated damages, and the Company filed a cross appeal on the verdict that was in plaintiffs’ favor. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit denied Plaintiffs’ appeal and granted Werner’s appeal, vacating the judgment in favor of the plaintiffs. The appellate court sent the case back to the trial court for proceedings consistent with the appellate court’s opinion. On June 22, 2020, the trial court denied Plaintiffs’ request for a new trial and entered judgment in favor of the Company, dismissing the case with prejudice. On July 21, 2020, Plaintiffs’ counsel filed a notice of appeal of that dismissal, and that appeal remains pending. As of December 31, 2021, we have an accrual for the jury’s award, attorney fees and costs in the short break matter and had not accrued for the sleeper berth matter. We are also involved in certain class action litigation in which the plaintiffs allege claims for failure to provide meal and rest breaks, unpaid wages, unauthorized deductions and other items. Based on the knowledge of the facts, management does not currently believe the outcome of these class actions is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. However, the final disposition of these matters and the impact of such final dispositions cannot be determined at this time.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONSThe Company leases land from a trust in which the Company’s Chairman Emeritus is the sole trustee. The annual rent payments under this lease are $1.00 per year. The Company is responsible for all real estate taxes and maintenance costs related to the property, which are recorded as expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The Company has made leasehold improvements to the land for facilities used for business meetings and customer promotion. The cost of these improvements was approximately $7.1 million, and the net book value (cost less accumulated depreciation) at December 31, 2021 was approximately $2.2 million.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION We have two reportable segments – Truckload Transportation Services and Werner Logistics. The TTS segment consists of two operating units, Dedicated and One-Way Truckload. These units are aggregated because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria described in the accounting guidance for segment reporting. Dedicated provides truckload services dedicated to a specific customer, generally for a retail distribution center or manufacturing facility, utilizing either dry van or specialized trailers. One-Way Truckload is comprised of the following operating fleets: (i) the medium-to-long-haul van (“Van”) fleet transports a variety of consumer nondurable products and other commodities in truckload quantities over irregular routes using dry van trailers, including Mexico cross-border routes; (ii) the expedited (“Expedited”) fleet provides time-sensitive truckload services utilizing driver teams; (iii) the regional short-haul (“Regional”) fleet, including ECM, provides comparable truckload van service within geographic regions across the United States; and (iv) the Temperature Controlled fleet provides truckload services for temperature sensitive products over irregular routes utilizing temperature-controlled trailers. Revenues for the TTS segment include a small amount of non-trucking revenues which consist primarily of the intra-Mexico portion of cross-border shipments delivered to or from Mexico where we utilize a third-party capacity provider. The Werner Logistics segment generates the majority of our non-trucking revenues through three operating units that provide non-trucking services to our customers. These three Werner Logistics operating units are as follows: (i) Truckload Logistics, which uses contracted carriers to complete shipments for brokerage customers and freight management customers for which we offer a full range of single-source logistics management services and solutions; (ii) the intermodal (“Intermodal”) unit offers rail transportation through alliances with rail and drayage providers as an alternative to truck transportation; and (iii) Werner Final Mile (“Final Mile”), including NEHDS, offers residential and commercial deliveries of large or heavy items using third-party agents, independent contractors, and Company employees with two-person delivery teams operating a liftgate straight truck. In first quarter 2021, we completed the previously-announced sale of the Werner Global Logistics (“WGL”) freight forwarding services for international ocean and air shipments to Scan Global Logistics Group, and we realized a $1.0 million gain when the transaction closed on February 26, 2021. Werner Logistics will continue to provide North American truck brokerage, freight management, intermodal and final mile services. We generate other revenues from our driver training schools, transportation-related activities such as third-party equipment maintenance and equipment leasing, and other business activities. None of these operations meets the quantitative reporting thresholds. As a result, these operations are grouped in “Other” in the tables below. “Corporate” includes revenues and expenses that are incidental to our activities and are not attributable to any of our operating segments, including gains and losses on sales of assets not attributable to our operating segments. We do not prepare separate balance sheets by segment and, as a result, assets are not separately identifiable by segment. Based on our operations, certain revenue-generating assets (primarily tractors and trailers) are interchangeable between segments. Depreciation for these interchangeable assets is allocated to segments based on the actual number of units utilized by the segment during the period. Other depreciation and amortization is allocated to segments based on specific identification or as a percentage of a metric such as average number of tractors. Inter-segment eliminations represent transactions between reporting segments that are eliminated in consolidation. The following tables summarize our segment information (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Revenues by Segment Truckload Transportation Services $ 2,045,073 $ 1,843,209 $ 1,909,776 Werner Logistics 622,461 469,791 489,729 Other 66,108 57,276 61,850 Corporate 1,629 2,009 2,589 Subtotal 2,735,271 2,372,285 2,463,944 Inter-segment eliminations (899) (107) (243) Total $ 2,734,372 $ 2,372,178 $ 2,463,701 Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Operating Income (loss) by Segment Truckload Transportation Services $ 281,823 $ 222,007 $ 202,660 Werner Logistics 27,873 6,005 16,288 Other 4,947 3,839 5,535 Corporate (5,497) (4,413) 989 Total $ 309,146 $ 227,438 $ 225,472 Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Depreciation and Amortization by Segment Truckload Transportation Services $ 245,169 $ 239,858 $ 228,768 Werner Logistics 8,833 7,712 7,182 Other 10,786 11,705 10,980 Corporate 2,912 4,011 2,597 Total $ 267,700 $ 263,286 $ 249,527 Information about the geographic areas in which we conduct business is summarized below (in thousands) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Operating revenues for foreign countries include revenues for (i) shipments with an origin or destination in that country and (ii) other services provided in that country. If both the origin and destination are in a foreign country, the revenues are attributed to the country of origin. 2021 2020 2019 Revenues United States $ 2,532,720 $ 2,144,105 $ 2,191,560 Foreign countries Mexico 156,405 149,438 197,470 Other 45,247 78,635 74,671 Total foreign countries 201,652 228,073 272,141 Total $ 2,734,372 $ 2,372,178 $ 2,463,701 Long-lived Assets United States $ 1,583,766 $ 1,506,862 $ 1,487,591 Foreign countries Mexico 29,421 36,222 38,428 Other 56 174 257 Total foreign countries 29,477 36,396 38,685 Total $ 1,613,243 $ 1,543,258 $ 1,526,276 We generate substantially all of our revenues within the United States or from North American shipments with origins or destinations in the United States. Our largest customer, Dollar General, accounted for 14% and 12% of our total revenues in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Revenues generated by Dollar General are reported in both of our reportable operating segments. No single customer generated more than 9% of our total revenues in 2019.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	SCHEDULE II WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (In thousands) Balance at Charged to Write-offs Balance at Year ended December 31, 2021: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 8,686 $ 845 $ 362 $ 9,169 Year ended December 31, 2020: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 7,921 $ 2,261 $ 1,496 $ 8,686 Year ended December 31, 2019: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 8,613 $ 219 $ 911 $ 7,921 (In thousands) Balance at Charged to Write-offs Balance at Year ended December 31, 2021: Allowance for doubtful student notes $ 19,448 $ 18,659 $ 15,196 $ 22,911 Year ended December 31, 2020: Allowance for doubtful student notes $ 21,317 $ 16,529 $ 18,398 $ 19,448 Year ended December 31, 2019: Allowance for doubtful student notes $ 19,361 $ 19,834 $ 17,878 $ 21,317 See report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Business	Nature of Business : The Company is a truckload transportation and logistics provider operating under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Transportation, similar governmental transportation agencies in the foreign countries in which we operate and various U.S. state regulatory authorities. Our ten largest customers comprised 49% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and 41% for the year ended December 31, 2019. Our largest customer, Dollar General, accounted for 14% and 12% of our total revenues in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Revenues generated by Dollar General are reported in both of our reportable operating segments. No single customer generated more than 9% of our total revenues in 2019.
Use of Management Estimates	Use of Management Estimates : The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the (i) reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and (ii) reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates that affect our financial statements include the accrued liabilities for insurance and claims, useful lives and salvage values of property and equipment, estimates for income taxes and the allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash And Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents : We consider all highly liquid investments, purchased with a maturity of three months or less, to be cash equivalents. Accounts at banks with an aggregate excess of the amount of checks issued over cash balances are included in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, and changes in such accounts are reported as a financing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Trade Accounts Receivable	Trade Accounts Receivable: We record trade accounts receivable at the invoiced amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts for potentially uncollectible receivables. We review the financial condition of customers for granting credit and determine the allowance based on analysis of individual customers’ financial condition, historical write-off experience and national economic conditions. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Past due balances over 90 days and exceeding a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers.
Inventories and Supplies	Inventories and Supplies : Inventories and supplies are stated at the lower of average cost and net realizable value and consist primarily of revenue equipment parts, tires, fuel and supplies. Tires placed on new revenue equipment are capitalized as a part of the equipment cost. Replacement tires are expensed when placed in service.
Property, Equipment, and Depreciation	Property, Equipment, and Depreciation : Additions and improvements to property and equipment are capitalized at cost, while maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to operations as incurred. Gains and losses on the sale or exchange of equipment are recorded in other operating expenses. Depreciation is calculated based on the cost of the asset, reduced by the asset’s estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes. The lives and salvage values assigned to certain assets for financial reporting purposes are different than for income tax purposes. For financial reporting purposes, assets are generally depreciated using the following estimated useful lives and salvage values: Lives Salvage Values Building and improvements 30 years 0% Tractors 80 months $0 - $10,000 Trailers 12 years $1,000 - $6,000 Service and other equipment 3-10 years 0% During first quarter 2020, we changed the estimated life of certain trucks expected to be sold in 2020 to more rapidly depreciate the trucks to their estimated residual values due to the weak used truck market. The effect of this change in accounting estimate
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination and is allocated to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the combination. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is tested for impairment annually in October, or more frequently if indicators of a potential impairment exist. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit that includes goodwill exceeds its fair value, resulting in an impairment charge for the excess up to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. To test goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. If a qualitative test indicates a potential for impairment, a quantitative impairment test must be performed. Alternatively, we may bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative impairment test. A qualitative assessment considers relevant events and circumstances such as macroeconomic, industry, and market conditions; legal, regulatory, and competitive environments; and overall financial performance. For a quantitative impairment test, we estimate the fair values of the goodwill reporting units and compare it to their carrying values. The estimated fair values of the reporting units are established using a combination of the income and market approaches. Our first annual goodwill impairment test is scheduled to be performed in October 2022. As of December 31, 2021, there were no indications of goodwill impairment. Amortization of Intangible Assets: Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from ten to 12 years.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets: We review our long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If based on that review, changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable, we evaluate recoverability by comparing the undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset to the asset's carrying amount. We also evaluate the remaining useful lives of intangible assets to determine if events or trends warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. An impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or intangible asset is not recoverable and the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. For long-lived assets classified as held and used, the carrying amount is not recoverable when the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the future net cash flows. We do not separately identify assets by operating segment because tractors and trailers are routinely transferred from one operating fleet to another. As a result, none of our long-lived assets have identifiable cash flows from use that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Thus, the asset group used to assess impairment would include all of our assets.
Insurance And Claims Accruals	Insurance and Claims Accruals : Insurance and claims accruals (both current and non-current) reflect the estimated cost (including estimated loss development, incurred-but-not-reported losses and loss adjustment expenses) for (i) cargo loss and damage, (ii) bodily injury and property damage, (iii) group health and (iv) workers’ compensation claims not covered by insurance. The costs for cargo, bodily injury and property damage insurance and claims are included in insurance and claims expense in the consolidated statements of income; the costs of group health and workers’ compensation claims are included in salaries, wages and benefits expense. The insurance and claims accruals are recorded at the estimated ultimate payment amounts. The accruals for bodily injury, property damage and workers’ compensation are based upon individual case estimates and actuarial estimates of loss development for reported losses and incurred-but-not-reported losses using loss development factors based upon past experience. In order to determine the loss development factors, we make judgments relating to the comparability of historical claims to current claims. These judgments consider the nature, frequency, severity, and age of claims, and industry, regulatory, and company-specific trends impacting the development of claims. Actual costs related to insurance and claims have not differed materially from estimated accrued amounts for all years presented. An independent actuary reviews our calculation of the undiscounted self-insurance reserves for bodily injury and property damage claims and workers’ compensation claims at year-end. We renewed our liability insurance policies on August 1, 2021 and are responsible for the first $10.0 million per claim on all claims with an annual $10.0 million aggregate for claims between $10.0 million and $15.0 million. For the policy year that began August 1, 2020, we were responsible for the first $10.0 million per claim with no aggregates. Our self-insured retention (“SIR”) and deductible amount was $3.0 million, with an additional $5.0 million deductible per claim for each claim between 5.0 million and $10.0 million, for policy years from August 1, 2017 through July 31, 2020, and we were also responsible for annual aggregate amounts of liability for claims in excess of the SIR/ deductible. We maintain liability insurance coverage with insurance carriers in excess of the $10.0 million per claim. We are also responsible for administrative expenses for each occurrence involving bodily injury or property damage. Our SIR for workers’ compensation claims is $2.0 million per claim, with premium-based coverage (issued by insurance companies) for claims exceeding this amount. Our SIR for workers’ compensation claims increased from $1.0 million to $2.0 million per claim on April 1, 2020. We also maintain a $25.6 million bond for the State of Nebraska and a $13.4 million bond for our workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Under these insurance arrangements, we maintained $43.0 million in letters of credit as of December 31, 2021.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition: The consolidated statements of income reflect recognition of operating revenues (including fuel surcharge revenues) and related direct costs over time as control of the promised services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. For shipments where a third-party capacity provider (including independent contractors under contract with us) is utilized to provide some or all of the service, we evaluate whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., report revenues on a net basis).
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation: Local currencies are generally considered the functional currencies outside the United States. Assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates for operations in local currency environments. Foreign revenues and expense items denominated in the functional currency are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Foreign currency translation adjustments reflect the changes in foreign currency exchange rates applicable to the net assets of the foreign operations. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets and as a separate component of comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes: Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In accounting for uncertain tax positions, we recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize interest and penalties directly related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Common Stock And Earnings Per Share	Common Stock and Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards. There are no differences in the numerators of our computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for any periods presented. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts). Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Net income attributable to Werner $ 259,052 $ 169,078 $ 166,944 Weighted average common shares outstanding 67,434 69,018 69,567 Dilutive effect of stock-based awards 421 409 459 Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share 67,855 69,427 70,026 Basic earnings per share $ 3.84 $ 2.45 $ 2.40 Diluted earnings per share $ 3.82 $ 2.44 $ 2.38 There were no options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding during the periods indicated above that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option purchase price was greater than the average market price of the common shares during the period. Performance awards are excluded from the calculation of dilutive potential common shares until the threshold performance conditions have been satisfied.
Equity Compensation	Equity Compensation : We have an equity compensation plan that provides for grants of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and units (“restricted awards”), performance awards and stock appreciation rights to our associates and directors. We apply the fair value method of accounting for equity compensation awards. Issuances of stock upon an exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock are made from treasury stock; shares reacquired to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted stock are recorded as treasury stock. Grants of stock options, restricted stock, and performance awards vest in
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income : Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are not included in net income, but rather are recorded directly in stockholders’ equity. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and change in fair value of interest rate swaps. The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss reported in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, consisted of foreign currency translation adjustments of $18.6 million and $17.2 million, respectively, and changes in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax, of $2.0 million and $5.6 million, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted	New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted: In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which reduces complexity in accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles stated in Topic 740 and by clarifying and amending existing guidance to improve consistent application of and simplify other areas of Topic 740. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 as of January 1, 2021. Upon adoption, this update had no effect on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Effective	Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Effective: In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)” which provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform on financial reporting. The provisions of this update are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022 and apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. We are evaluating the impact of the optional expedients in this update and their applicability to modifications of our existing credit facilities and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Polices (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Estimated Useful Life	For financial reporting purposes, assets are generally depreciated using the following estimated useful lives and salvage values: Lives Salvage Values Building and improvements 30 years 0% Tractors 80 months $0 - $10,000 Trailers 12 years $1,000 - $6,000 Service and other equipment 3-10 years 0%
Schedule Of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts). Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Net income attributable to Werner $ 259,052 $ 169,078 $ 166,944 Weighted average common shares outstanding 67,434 69,018 69,567 Dilutive effect of stock-based awards 421 409 459 Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share 67,855 69,427 70,026 Basic earnings per share $ 3.84 $ 2.45 $ 2.40 Diluted earnings per share $ 3.82 $ 2.44 $ 2.38

Business Combinations and Ass_2

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The purchase price allocations for ECM and NEHDS as of December 31, 2021 are summarized as follows (in thousands): ECM NEHDS Purchase Price Cash consideration paid 155,686 (1) 60,332 (2) Cash and cash equivalents acquired (13,327) (332) Contingent consideration arrangement — 2,500 (3) Working capital surplus (deficiency) (1,068) 554 Total purchase price (fair value of consideration) 141,291 63,054 Provisional Purchase Price Allocation Current assets 17,468 3,508 Property and equipment 88,632 5,420 Intangible assets 37,200 20,000 Other non-current assets 3,644 12,122 Total assets acquired 146,944 41,050 Current liabilities (7,721) (4,014) Other long-term liabilities (2,460) (10,516) Total liabilities assumed (10,181) (14,530) Temporary equity - redeemable noncontrolling interest in ECM (33,556) — Goodwill $ 38,084 $ 36,534 (1) At closing, $1.5 million of the cash consideration was placed in escrow to cover post-closing adjustments and to secure certain indemnification obligations of the sellers. (2) At closing, $3.1 million of the cash consideration was placed in escrow to cover post-closing adjustments and to secure certain indemnification obligations of the sellers. (3) The contingent consideration arrangement, also referred to as earnout, requires us to pay the former owners of NEHDS additional amounts in cash if certain levels of gross profit and revenues are earned during calendar year 2022. The potential undiscounted amount of all future earnout payments that we could be required to make is between $0 and $4.0 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement of $2.5 million was estimated by management.
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination	The following table summarizes the major classes of intangible assets and the respective weighted-average estimated amortization periods: Estimated Fair Value Weighted-Average Estimated Customer relationships $ 40,200 10 Trade names 17,000 12 Total intangible assets $ 57,200

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Disaggregation of revenue by revenue source	The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Truckload Transportation Services $ 2,045,073 $ 1,843,209 $ 1,909,776 Werner Logistics 622,461 469,791 489,729 Inter-segment eliminations (899) (107) (243) Transportation services 2,666,635 2,312,893 2,399,262 Other revenues 67,737 59,285 64,439 Total revenues $ 2,734,372 $ 2,372,178 $ 2,463,701
Revenue by geographical location	The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geographic areas in which we conduct business (in thousands). Operating revenues for foreign countries include revenues for (i) shipments with an origin or destination in that country and (ii) other services provided in that country. If both the origin and destination are in a foreign country, the revenues are attributed to the country of origin. Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 United States $ 2,532,720 $ 2,144,105 $ 2,191,560 Mexico 156,405 149,438 197,470 Other 45,247 78,635 74,671 Total revenues $ 2,734,372 $ 2,372,178 $ 2,463,701

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table summarizes changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the year ended December 31, 2021 (in thousands): TTS Werner Logistics Total Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ — $ — $ — Goodwill recorded in acquisition of ECM 44,710 — 44,710 Goodwill recorded in acquisition of NEHDS — 36,534 36,534 Purchase accounting adjustments (1) (6,626) — (6,626) Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 38,084 $ 36,534 $ 74,618 (1) The purchase accounting adjustments are primarily attributable to post-closing adjustments related to assets assumed in, and the redeemable noncontrolling interest associated with, the acquisition of ECM.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Acquired intangible assets consists of the following as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands): Gross Accumulated Net Customer relationships $ 40,200 $ (1,177) $ 39,023 Trade names 17,000 (708) 16,292 Total intangible assets $ 57,200 $ (1,885) $ 55,315
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	As of December 31, 2021, the estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets by year is as follows (in thousands): Estimated 2022 $ 5,437 2023 5,437 2024 5,437 2025 5,437 2026 5,437 Thereafter (to 2033) 28,130 Total $ 55,315

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases, Operating [Abstract]
Schedule of Operating Lease Information	December 31, 2021 2020 Balance Sheet Classification Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets) $ 28,458 $ 9,951 Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities) $ 6,380 $ 3,421 Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities) 22,634 6,949 Total operating lease liabilities $ 29,014 $ 10,370 Other Information Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases 7.63 years 3.82 years Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases 2.7 % 3.3 %
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity	The following table presents the maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands): Maturity of Lease Liabilities 2022 $ 7,048 2023 5,638 2024 4,681 2025 3,882 2026 2,739 Thereafter 8,077 Total undiscounted operating lease payments $ 32,065 Less: Imputed interest (3,051) Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 29,014
Schedule of Lessor Operating Lease Maturities	The following table presents information about the maturities of these operating leases as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands): 2022 $ 7,468 2023 358 2024 — 2025 — 2026 — Thereafter — Total $ 7,826

Fair Value Measures and Discl_2

Fair Value Measures and Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table presents the Company's fair value hierarchy for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands): Fair Value Level in Fair December 31, Value Hierarchy 2021 2020 Other non-current assets: Equity securities (1) 1 $ 17,166 N/A (1) Represents our investments in autonomous technology companies. For additional information regarding the valuation of these equity securities, see Note 7 – Investments.

Debt and Credit Facilities (Tab

Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	At December 31, 2021, the aggregate future maturities of long-term debt by year are as follows (in thousands): 2022 $ 5,000 2023 5,000 2024 417,500 2025 — 2026 — Total $ 427,500

Notes Receivable (Tables)

Notes Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables
Schedule of Notes Receivable	At December 31, notes receivable consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2021 2020 Independent contractor notes receivable $ 7,358 $ 10,335 Other notes receivable 10,665 9,425 Notes receivable 18,023 19,760 Less current portion 3,386 3,807 Notes receivable – non-current $ 14,637 $ 15,953
Student Loan [Member]
Receivables
Schedule of Notes Receivable	At December 31, student notes receivable consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2021 2020 Student notes receivable $ 62,791 $ 60,081 Allowance for doubtful student notes receivable (22,911) (19,448) Total student notes receivable, net of allowance 39,880 40,633 Less current portion, net of allowance 13,416 12,216 Student notes receivable – non-current $ 26,464 $ 28,417

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense	Income tax expense consisted of the following (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Current: Federal $ 42,049 $ 53,297 $ 29,102 State 12,787 12,106 9,547 Foreign 213 446 (88) 55,049 65,849 38,561 Deferred: Federal 27,593 (8,988) 15,094 State 1,895 (1,245) 1,307 29,488 (10,233) 16,401 Total income tax expense $ 84,537 $ 55,616 $ 54,962
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The effective income tax rate differs from the federal corporate tax rate of 21% in 2021, 2020, and 2019 as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Tax at statutory rate $ 72,663 $ 47,186 $ 46,600 State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits 11,599 8,580 8,575 Other, net (1) 275 (150) (213) Total income tax expense $ 84,537 $ 55,616 $ 54,962 (1) Prior year amounts within the table have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	At December 31, deferred income tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2021 2020 Deferred income tax assets: Insurance and claims accruals $ 55,233 $ 54,913 Compensation-related accruals 12,203 16,054 Allowance for uncollectible accounts 3,958 4,070 Operating lease liabilities (1) 7,033 2,530 Other (1) 1,644 2,844 Gross deferred income tax assets 80,071 80,411 Deferred income tax liabilities: Property and equipment 305,002 308,145 Investments in equity securities 10,985 — Prepaid expenses 7,269 6,333 Operating lease right-of-use assets (1) 6,955 2,485 Investment in partnership 17,076 — Other (1) 1,283 1,318 Gross deferred income tax liabilities 348,570 318,281 Net deferred income tax liability $ 268,499 $ 237,870
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	The reconciliations of beginning and ending gross balances of unrecognized tax benefits for 2021 and 2020 are shown below (in thousands). December 31, 2021 2020 Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance $ 2,363 $ 2,541 Gross increases – tax positions in prior period 65 92 Gross increases – current period tax positions 320 220 Settlements (323) (490) Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance $ 2,425 $ 2,363

Equity Compensation and Emplo_2

Equity Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Employee Benefit and Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Compensation Expense and Related Income Tax Benefit Recognized	The following table summarizes the equity compensation expense and related income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of income (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Restricted awards: Pre-tax compensation expense $ 6,349 $ 5,409 $ 4,943 Tax benefit 1,587 1,379 1,258 Restricted stock expense, net of tax $ 4,762 $ 4,030 $ 3,685 Performance awards: Pre-tax compensation expense $ 4,452 $ 3,503 $ 3,156 Tax benefit 1,113 893 803 Performance award expense, net of tax $ 3,339 $ 2,610 $ 2,353
Schedule of Equity Compensation, Restricted Award Activity	The following table summarizes restricted award activity for the year ended December 31, 2021: Number of Weighted Nonvested at beginning of period 367 $ 35.78 Granted 160 42.69 Vested (158) 34.82 Forfeited (13) 36.88 Nonvested at end of period 356 39.27
Schedule of Equity Compensation Performance Award Activity	The following table summarizes performance award activity for the year ended December 31, 2021: Number of Weighted Nonvested at beginning of period 262 $ 32.96 Granted 77 38.48 Vested (100) 33.04 Forfeited (10) 32.88 Nonvested at end of period 229 34.77
Contributions for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	Our contributions for the Purchase Plan were as follows (in thousands): 2021 $ 297 2020 283 2019 265
Contributions and Administrative Expenses Under 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan	Salaries, wages and benefits expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income includes our 401(k) Plan contributions and administrative expenses, which were as follows (in thousands): 2021 $ 4,904 2020 4,748 2019 4,414
Deferred Compensation Assets and Liabilities	The accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate market value of the life insurance policies were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2021 2020 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 12,755 $ 11,321 Aggregate market value 10,621 9,104

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Disclosure Of Segment Financial Information	The following tables summarize our segment information (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Revenues by Segment Truckload Transportation Services $ 2,045,073 $ 1,843,209 $ 1,909,776 Werner Logistics 622,461 469,791 489,729 Other 66,108 57,276 61,850 Corporate 1,629 2,009 2,589 Subtotal 2,735,271 2,372,285 2,463,944 Inter-segment eliminations (899) (107) (243) Total $ 2,734,372 $ 2,372,178 $ 2,463,701 Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Operating Income (loss) by Segment Truckload Transportation Services $ 281,823 $ 222,007 $ 202,660 Werner Logistics 27,873 6,005 16,288 Other 4,947 3,839 5,535 Corporate (5,497) (4,413) 989 Total $ 309,146 $ 227,438 $ 225,472 Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Depreciation and Amortization by Segment Truckload Transportation Services $ 245,169 $ 239,858 $ 228,768 Werner Logistics 8,833 7,712 7,182 Other 10,786 11,705 10,980 Corporate 2,912 4,011 2,597 Total $ 267,700 $ 263,286 $ 249,527
Schedule Of Revenue And Long-Lived Assets, By Geographical Areas	Information about the geographic areas in which we conduct business is summarized below (in thousands) as of and for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Operating revenues for foreign countries include revenues for (i) shipments with an origin or destination in that country and (ii) other services provided in that country. If both the origin and destination are in a foreign country, the revenues are attributed to the country of origin. 2021 2020 2019 Revenues United States $ 2,532,720 $ 2,144,105 $ 2,191,560 Foreign countries Mexico 156,405 149,438 197,470 Other 45,247 78,635 74,671 Total foreign countries 201,652 228,073 272,141 Total $ 2,734,372 $ 2,372,178 $ 2,463,701 Long-lived Assets United States $ 1,583,766 $ 1,506,862 $ 1,487,591 Foreign countries Mexico 29,421 36,222 38,428 Other 56 174 257 Total foreign countries 29,477 36,396 38,685 Total $ 1,613,243 $ 1,543,258 $ 1,526,276

Schedule II - Valuation and Q_2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	(In thousands) Balance at Charged to Write-offs Balance at Year ended December 31, 2021: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 8,686 $ 845 $ 362 $ 9,169 Year ended December 31, 2020: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 7,921 $ 2,261 $ 1,496 $ 8,686 Year ended December 31, 2019: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 8,613 $ 219 $ 911 $ 7,921 (In thousands) Balance at Charged to Write-offs Balance at Year ended December 31, 2021: Allowance for doubtful student notes $ 19,448 $ 18,659 $ 15,196 $ 22,911 Year ended December 31, 2020: Allowance for doubtful student notes $ 21,317 $ 16,529 $ 18,398 $ 19,448 Year ended December 31, 2019: Allowance for doubtful student notes $ 19,361 $ 19,834 $ 17,878 $ 21,317

Accounting Policies Summary of

Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Percentage of customer revenue	49.00%	49.00%	41.00%
Accounts receivable recorded investment past due days	90 days
Foreign currency translation adjustments included in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (18,600)	$ (17,200)
Interest rate swaps included in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (2,000)	$ (5,600)

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Major Customers) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Dollar General [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total revenue	14.00%	12.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Estimated Useful Life - Intangible Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average estimated amortization period	10 years
Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average estimated amortization period	12 years

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Estimated Useful Life - Property, Plant, and Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)Rate
Building And Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	30 years
Salvage value percentage | Rate	0.00%
Tractors [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	80 months
Trailers [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	12 years
Service and Other Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Salvage value percentage | Rate	0.00%
Minimum | Tractors [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Salvage value	$ 0
Minimum | Trailers [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Salvage value	$ 1,000
Minimum | Service and Other Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Maximum | Tractors [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Salvage value	$ 10,000
Maximum | Trailers [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Salvage value	$ 6,000
Maximum | Service and Other Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years

Summary of Significant Accoun_7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Self Insurance Retention Liability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Self insurance Retention Liability [Line Items]
Self insurance retention liability	$ 10,000	$ 10,000	$ 3,000
Annual aggregate limit	10,000
Self insurance retention liability additional deductible			5,000
Liability insurance coverage in excess of SIR policy	10,000	10,000	10,000
Self insurance retention Workers' compensation	2,000	$ 2,000	1,000
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	54,900
Minimum
Self insurance Retention Liability [Line Items]
Per claim range for the annual aggregate limit	10,000
Self insurance retention liability additional deductible applicable range - with SIR additional deductible			5,000
Maximum
Self insurance Retention Liability [Line Items]
Per claim range for the annual aggregate limit	15,000
Self insurance retention liability additional deductible applicable range - with SIR additional deductible			$ 10,000
State of Nebraska [Member]
Self insurance Retention Liability [Line Items]
Workers' compensation insurance bonds	25,600
Workers compensation insurance carrier [Member]
Self insurance Retention Liability [Line Items]
Workers' compensation insurance bonds	13,400
Insurance carrier [Member]
Self insurance Retention Liability [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	$ 43,000

Summary of Significant Accoun_8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income	$ 259,052	$ 169,078	$ 166,944
Weighted average common shares outstanding	67,434	69,018	69,567
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	421	409	459
Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share	67,855	69,427	70,026
Basic earnings per share	$ 3.84	$ 2.45	$ 2.40
Diluted earnings per share	$ 3.82	$ 2.44	$ 2.38
Number of antidilutive options that were excluded from computation of earnings per share	0	0	0

Summary of Significant Accoun_9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Effects of Change in Accounting Estimate) (Details) - Change in accounting method accounted for as change in estimate [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Change in Accounting Estimate, Description	During first quarter 2020, we changed the estimated life of certain trucks expected to be sold in 2020 to more rapidly depreciate the trucks to their estimated residual values due to the weak used truck market.
Depreciation		$ 9.6

Business Combinations and Ass_3

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 22, 2021USD ($)count	Jul. 01, 2021USD ($)count	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of intangible assets			$ 57,200
Acquisition of ECM Transport Group [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interests acquired		80.00%
Total purchase price (fair value of consideration)		$ 141,291
Percentage of equity interests owned by noncontrolling interest		20.00%
Trucks | count		500
Trailers | count		2,000
Operational facilities | count		8
Drop lots | count		18
Fixed rate term loan amount used to acquire ECM		$ 100,000
Business acquisition transaction costs		$ 1,000
Payments to acquire businesses deposited in escrow			1,500
Acquisition of NEHDS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interests acquired	100.00%
Total purchase price (fair value of consideration)	$ 63,054
Trucks | count	400
Warehouse facilities | count	19
Business acquisition transaction costs	$ 600
Payments to acquire businesses deposited in escrow			3,100
Minimum potential undiscounted amount of future earnout payments			0
Maximum potential undiscounted amount of future earnout payments			4,000
Fair value of contingent consideration arrangement			$ 2,500

Business Combinations and Ass_4

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions (Purchase Price Allocations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Nov. 22, 2021	Jul. 01, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Total goodwill
Goodwill	$ 74,618			$ 0
Acquisition of ECM Transport Group [Member]
Purchase price
Cash consideration paid			$ 155,686
Cash and cash equivalents acquired			13,327
Contingent consideration arrangement			0
Working capital surplus (deficiency)			(1,068)
Total purchase price (fair value of consideration)			141,291
Assets acquired:
Current assets			17,468
Property and equipment			88,632
Intangible assets			37,200
Other non-current assets			3,644
Total assets acquired			146,944
Liabilities assumed:
Current liabilities			7,721
Other long-term liabilities			(2,460)
Total liabilities assumed			(10,181)
NCI
Temporary equity - redeemable noncontrolling interest in ECM			33,556
Total goodwill
Goodwill			$ 38,084
Acquisition of NEHDS [Member]
Purchase price
Cash consideration paid		$ 60,332
Cash and cash equivalents acquired		332
Contingent consideration arrangement		2,500
Working capital surplus (deficiency)		554
Total purchase price (fair value of consideration)		63,054
Assets acquired:
Current assets		3,508
Property and equipment		5,420
Intangible assets		20,000
Other non-current assets		12,122
Total assets acquired		41,050
Liabilities assumed:
Current liabilities		4,014
Other long-term liabilities		(10,516)
Total liabilities assumed		(14,530)
NCI
Temporary equity - redeemable noncontrolling interest in ECM		0
Total goodwill
Goodwill		$ 36,534

Business Combinations and Ass_5

Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions (Intangible Assets) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	$ 57,200
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	$ 40,200
Weighted-average estimated amortization period	10 years
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	$ 17,000
Weighted-average estimated amortization period	12 years

Revenue Narrative (Details)

Revenue Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Average transit time	3 days
Other revenues as a percentage of total revenue	2.00%	2.00%	3.00%
Accounts receivable, trade, net	$ 460,518	$ 341,104
Contract assets	9,000	6,900
Contract liabilities	1,200	$ 1,500
Revenue recognized from contract liability during the period	$ 1,500

Revenue (Disaggregation of Reve

Revenue (Disaggregation of Revenue by Revenue Source) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues	$ 2,734,372	$ 2,372,178	$ 2,463,701
Truckload Transportation Services
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues	2,045,073	1,843,209	1,909,776
Werner Logistics
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues	622,461	469,791	489,729
Inter-segment eliminations
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues	(899)	(107)	(243)
Transportation Services
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues	2,666,635	2,312,893	2,399,262
Other revenues
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues	$ 67,737	$ 59,285	$ 64,439

Revenue (Disaggregation of Re_2

Revenue (Disaggregation of Revenue by Geographical Areas) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues	$ 2,734,372	$ 2,372,178	$ 2,463,701
United States
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues	2,532,720	2,144,105	2,191,560
Mexico
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues	156,405	149,438	197,470
Other
Disaggregation of revenue
Revenues	$ 45,247	$ 78,635	$ 74,671

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 1.9

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Goodwill by Segment) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Increase (Decrease) in Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at 12/31/20	$ 0
Goodwill recorded in acquisition of ECM	44,710
Goodwill recorded in acquisition of NEHDS	36,534
Purchase accounting adjustments	(6,626)
Balance at 12/31/21	74,618
TTS
Increase (Decrease) in Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at 12/31/20	0
Goodwill recorded in acquisition of ECM	44,710
Goodwill recorded in acquisition of NEHDS	0
Purchase accounting adjustments	(6,626)
Balance at 12/31/21	38,084
Werner Logistics
Increase (Decrease) in Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at 12/31/20	0
Goodwill recorded in acquisition of ECM	0
Goodwill recorded in acquisition of NEHDS	36,534
Purchase accounting adjustments	0
Balance at 12/31/21	$ 36,534

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Intangible Assets) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 57,200
Accumulated amortization	(1,885)
Total	55,315
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	40,200
Accumulated amortization	(1,177)
Total	39,023
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	17,000
Accumulated amortization	(708)
Total	$ 16,292

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Amortization of Intangible Assets) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Estimated Future Amortization Expense [Line Items]
2022	$ 5,437
2023	5,437
2024	5,437
2025	5,437
2026	5,437
Thereafter (to 2033)	28,130
Total	$ 55,315

Leases (Narrative) (Details)

Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Right-of-use asset recognized as non-cash asset addition	$ 8.7	$ 8.2	$ 2.8	$ 6.1
Right-of-use assets obtained from business acquisitions		15.6
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of operating lease liability		4.6	3.9	3.8
Total operating lease expense		15.7	10.1	8.5
Operating lease expense		4.8	3.8	3.8
Operating lease revenues		$ 11.7	$ 12.6	$ 13.9
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, remaining term, lessee		1 year
Operating lease remaining term, lessor		2 years
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, remaining term, lessee		18 years
Operating lease remaining term, lessor		10 years

Leases (Schedule of Operating L

Leases (Schedule of Operating Lease Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jan. 01, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
2022	$ 7,048
2023	5,638
2024	4,681
2025	3,882
2026	2,739
Thereafter	8,077
Total undiscounted operating lease payments	32,065
Less: Imputed interest	(3,051)
Present value of operating lease liabilities	29,014	$ 10,370	$ 8,700
Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets)	28,458	9,951
Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities)	6,380	3,421
Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities)	$ 22,634	$ 6,949
Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases	7 years 7 months 17 days	3 years 9 months 25 days
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases	2.70%	3.30%

Leases (Schedule of Lessor Oper

Leases (Schedule of Lessor Operating Lease Maturities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2022	$ 7,468
2023	358
2024	0
2025	0
2026	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 7,826

Fair Value Measures and Discl_3

Fair Value Measures and Disclosures (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Level 1 inputs
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis
Fair value of equity investments in autonomous technology companies	$ 17,166

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gain on interest in investment	$ 40,317	$ 0	$ 0
Mastery Logistics Systems, Inc.
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Initial value of ownership interest in investment	$ 10,000
Ownership interest in investment	9.80%
Gain on interest in investment	$ 28,200
Fair value of investment	38,200	$ 5,000
Investments in Autonomous Technology Companies
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gain on interest in investment	$ 12,100

Debt and Credit Facilities (Nar

Debt and Credit Facilities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt borrowing capacity	$ 500,000
Total borrowings outstanding	427,500	$ 200,000
Line of credit borrowings outstanding	330,000
Stand-by letters of credit	$ 54,900
BMO Harris Bank N.A. Term Loan Mature May 14, 2024
Schedule of Capitalization, Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Fixed rate term loan maturity	May 14, 2024
Fixed rate term loan face amount	$ 100,000
Fixed rate term loan current outstanding amount	$ 97,500
Fixed rate term loan interest rate	1.28%
Periodic payment, principal	$ 1,250
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Mature May 14, 2024
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total of committed credit facilities with banks	$ 300,000
Committed credit facilities maturity	May 14, 2024
Line of credit borrowings outstanding	$ 75,000
Interest rate swap facility, amount	$ 75,000
Line of credit facility, interest rate	0.78%
Interest rate swap facility, fixed interest	2.32%
Interest rate swap facility, maturity date	May 14, 2024
BMO Harris Bank N.A. Mature May 14, 2024
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt borrowing capacity	$ 300,000	$ 200,000
Total of committed credit facilities with banks	$ 200,000
Committed credit facilities maturity	May 14, 2024
Line of credit borrowings outstanding	$ 75,000
Interest rate swap facility, amount	$ 75,000
Line of credit facility, interest rate	0.80%
Interest rate swap facility, fixed interest	2.36%
Interest rate swap facility, maturity date	May 14, 2024
Additional Outstanding Debt Under Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit borrowings outstanding	$ 180,000
Line of credit facility, interest rate	0.78%

Debt and Credit Facilities (Det

Debt and Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
2022	$ 5
2023	5
2024	417.5
2025	0
2026	0
Total	$ 427.5	$ 200

Notes Receivable (Details)

Notes Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$ 18,023	$ 19,760
Less current portion	3,386	3,807
Notes receivable - non-current	14,637	15,953
Independent Contractors
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	7,358	10,335
Other Debtors [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$ 10,665	$ 9,425

Student Notes Receivable (Detai

Student Notes Receivable (Details) - Student Loan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Student notes receivable	$ 62,791	$ 60,081
Allowance for doubtful student notes receivable	(22,911)	(19,448)
Total student notes receivable, net of allowance	39,880	40,633
Less current portion, net of allowance	13,416	12,216
Student notes receivable - non-current portion	$ 26,464	$ 28,417

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Federal corporate tax rate	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
Increase (decrease) in net liability for unrecognized tax benefits	$ (49)	$ (141)
Accrued interest expense	100	100
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact our effective tax rate	1,900	1,800
Interest included in total liability	400	$ 400
Significant increases or decreases for uncertain tax positions	$ 0
State and Foreign Tax Authorities | Minimum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Period of statute of limitations (years)	3 years
State and Foreign Tax Authorities | Maximum
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Period of statute of limitations (years)	4 years

Income Taxes (Schedule of Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal current	$ 42,049	$ 53,297	$ 29,102
State current	12,787	12,106	9,547
Foreign current	213	446	(88)
Current income tax expense (benefit), total	55,049	65,849	38,561
Federal deferred	27,593	(8,988)	15,094
State deferred	1,895	(1,245)	1,307
Deferred income tax expense (benefit), total	29,488	(10,233)	16,401
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 84,537	$ 55,616	$ 54,962

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effec

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax at statutory rate	$ 72,663	$ 47,186	$ 46,600
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits	11,599	8,580	8,575
Other, net	275	(150)	(213)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 84,537	$ 55,616	$ 54,962

Income Taxes (Schedule of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Insurance and claims accruals	$ 55,233	$ 54,913
Compensation - related accruals	12,203	16,054
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	3,958	4,070
Operating lease liabilities	7,033	2,530
Other	1,644	2,844
Gross deferred income tax assets	80,071	80,411
Property and equipment	305,002	308,145
Investments in equity securities	10,985	0
Prepaid expenses	7,269	6,333
Operating lease right-of-use assets	6,955	2,485
Investment in partnership	17,076	0
Other	1,283	1,318
Gross deferred income tax liabilities	348,570	318,281
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	$ 268,499	$ 237,870

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	$ 2,363	$ 2,541
Gross increases - tax positions in prior period	65	92
Gross increases - current-period tax positions	320	220
Settlements	(323)	(490)
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$ 2,425	$ 2,363

Equity Compensation and Emplo_3

Equity Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity Compensation [Abstract]
Maximum shares of common stock	20,000,000
Maximum annual shares awarded to employee	500,000
Shares available for granting additional awards	6,508,744
Unrecognized compensation cost of non-vested equity compensation awards	$ 11,800,000
Unrecognized compensation cost of non-vested equity compensation awards expected to be recognized over a weighted average period (years)	1 year 7 months 6 days
Maximum annual stock purchase plan contributions by plan participants	$ 20,000
Percentage of company matching contribution to employee stock purchase plan	15.00%
Percentage of interest accrues on purchase plan contributions	5.25%
Number of participants in executive nonqualified excess plan	45
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 0	$ 0	$ 136,000
Restricted Stock
Equity Compensation [Abstract]
Fair value of awards vested	$ 6,800,000	5,400,000	4,000,000
Restricted Stock | Minimum
Equity Compensation [Abstract]
Vesting period (months)	12 months
Restricted Stock | Maximum
Equity Compensation [Abstract]
Vesting period (months)	60 months
Performance Shares
Equity Compensation [Abstract]
Vesting period (months)	36 months
Fair value of awards vested	$ 4,100,000	$ 5,800,000	$ 1,200,000

Equity Compensation and Emplo_4

Equity Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Equity Compensation Expense and Related Income Tax Benefit Recognized) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Restricted Stock
Equity Compensation [Abstract]
Pre-tax compensation expense	$ 6,349	$ 5,409	$ 4,943
Tax benefit	1,587	1,379	1,258
Stock expense, net of tax	4,762	4,030	3,685
Performance Shares
Equity Compensation [Abstract]
Pre-tax compensation expense	4,452	3,503	3,156
Tax benefit	1,113	893	803
Stock expense, net of tax	$ 3,339	$ 2,610	$ 2,353

Equity Compensation and Emplo_5

Equity Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Equity Compensation Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
Equity Compensation [Abstract]
Number of shares nonvested at beginning of period | shares	367
Number of shares granted | shares	160
Number of shares vested | shares	(158)
Number of shares forfeited | shares	(13)
Number of shares nonvested at end of period | shares	356
Weighted average grant date fair value nonvested at beginning of period | $ / shares	$ 35.78
Weighted average grant date fair value shares granted | $ / shares	42.69
Weighted average grant date fair value shares vested | $ / shares	34.82
Weighted average grant date fair value shares forfeited | $ / shares	36.88
Weighted average grant date fair value nonvested at end of period | $ / shares	$ 39.27

Equity Compensation and Emplo_6

Equity Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Schedule of Equity Compensation Performance Shares Activity) (Details) - Performance Shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
Equity Compensation [Abstract]
Number of shares nonvested at beginning of period | shares	262
Number of shares granted | shares	77
Number of shares vested | shares	(100)
Number of shares forfeited | shares	(10)
Number of shares nonvested at end of period | shares	229
Weighted average grant date fair value nonvested at beginning of period | $ / shares	$ 32.96
Weighted average grant date fair value shares granted | $ / shares	38.48
Weighted average grant date fair value shares vested | $ / shares	33.04
Weighted average grant date fair value shares forfeited | $ / shares	32.88
Weighted average grant date fair value nonvested at end of period | $ / shares	$ 34.77

Equity Compensation and Emplo_7

Equity Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Contributions for Employee Stock Purchase Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Contributions for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	$ 297	$ 283	$ 265

Equity Compensation and Emplo_8

Equity Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Contributions and Administrative Expenses Under 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
401(k) Plan contributions and administrative expenses	$ 4,904	$ 4,748	$ 4,414

Equity Compensation and Emplo_9

Equity Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Accumulated Benefit Obligation and Aggregate Market Value of Life Insurance Policies) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Compensation Liability [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 12,755	$ 11,321
Aggregate market value	$ 10,621	$ 9,104

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 30, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment for property and equipment purchases			$ 163.2
Loss contingency, damages awarded, value		$ 0.8
Loss contingency, damages awarded, attorney fees and costs		$ 0.5
May 17, 2018 Verdict [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, damages awarded, value	$ 92
Self insurance retained liability					$ 10
Loss contingency, estimate of possible loss			28.8	$ 23.6
Loss contingency, receivable, noncurrent			79.2	79.2
Loss contingency, accrual, noncurrent			$ 79.2	$ 79.2

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - Board of Directors Chairman [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease annual rent payments	$ 1
Leasehold improvements to land, total cost	7,100,000
Leasehold improvements to land, total cost less accumulated depreciation	$ 2,200,000

Segment Information (Narratives

Segment Information (Narratives) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021Segments	Feb. 26, 2021USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segments	2
Gain on Sale of WGL | $		$ 1

Segment Information (Major Cust

Segment Information (Major Customers) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Dollar General [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total revenue	14.00%	12.00%

Segment Information (Summary Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,734,372	$ 2,372,178	$ 2,463,701
Operating income	309,146	227,438	225,472
Depreciation and amortization	267,700	263,286	249,527
Truckload Transportation Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,045,073	1,843,209	1,909,776
Operating income	281,823	222,007	202,660
Depreciation and amortization	245,169	239,858	228,768
Werner Logistics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	622,461	469,791	489,729
Operating income	27,873	6,005	16,288
Depreciation and amortization	8,833	7,712	7,182
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	66,108	57,276	61,850
Operating income	4,947	3,839	5,535
Depreciation and amortization	10,786	11,705	10,980
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,629	2,009	2,589
Operating income	(5,497)	(4,413)	989
Depreciation and amortization	2,912	4,011	2,597
Subtotal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,735,271	2,372,285	2,463,944
Inter-segment eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ (899)	$ (107)	$ (243)

Segment Information (Schedule O

Segment Information (Schedule Of Revenue And Long-Lived Assets, By Geographical Areas) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,734,372	$ 2,372,178	$ 2,463,701
Long-lived assets	1,613,243	1,543,258	1,526,276
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,532,720	2,144,105	2,191,560
Long-lived assets	1,583,766	1,506,862	1,487,591
Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	156,405	149,438	197,470
Long-lived assets	29,421	36,222	38,428
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	45,247	78,635	74,671
Long-lived assets	56	174	257
Total Foreign Countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	201,652	228,073	272,141
Long-lived assets	$ 29,477	$ 36,396	$ 38,685

Schedule II - Valuation and Q_3

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 8,686	$ 7,921	$ 8,613
Charged to cost and expenses	845	2,261	219
Write-offs (recoveries) of doubtful accounts	362	1,496	911
Balance at end of period	9,169	8,686	7,921
Student Loan [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	19,448	21,317	19,361
Charged to cost and expenses	18,659	16,529	19,834
Write-offs (recoveries) of doubtful accounts	15,196	18,398	17,878
Balance at end of period	$ 22,911	$ 19,448	$ 21,317