INFORMING OUR ASSOCIATES ABOUT ALL THINGS AVERITT • VOL. 1 • 2026 COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
CELEBRATING 55 YEARS: A FOUNDATION BUILT TO LAST P3 ' TRY TO BE A SPONGE ' : VP OF TL SALES READY FOR NEW CHALLENGE P4 FROM POINTS TO PARADISE: CITY DRIVER, WIFE VISIT JAMAICA P6
UNIFORM IN PURPOSE
It ' s a new year, which means uniform allotments have reset and are ready to use! Learn more about our focus on professionalism on P8
TEAM NOTES CELEBRATING 55 YEARS ... AND LOOKING FORWARD FROM GARY SASSER
Fifty-five years is an outstanding milestone for any team. I’m especially proud of what that means for us. Since 1971, we’ve had a singular focus on helping people succeed – we call it Our Driving Force Is People . That mindset has made us a transportation leader for more than five decades. It’s the reason we do the right thing for Our Customers and Our Associates , and it’s the guiding principle as we prepare for Our Future . Throughout our team’s history, we’ve overcome challenges, we’ve celebrated many victories together, and we’ve adapted to the ever-changing landscape of our industry. We’ve done that by staying on the cutting edge of innovative and creative services for our customers. And we’ve continued to invest in
our associates. That includes growth opportunities as we Promote From Within , sharing the rewards of our Profit Sharing plan, and providing the equipment and facilities that give you the best possible quality of life on the job. Entering 2026, I’m more confident than ever that our best days are in front of us. As the transportation market returns to better levels, we’re in prime position to take advantage of growth opportunities so we can build density throughout our network. And it’s our people who will make it happen. Thank you for the important role you’ve played in our first 55 years. The sky is the limit for what we can achieve, and I believe the best is yet to come in the next 55 years and beyond! T m
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Our first edition of Team Matters this year has lots of important information that will keep you rolling in 2026. That includes our Key Contacts card and, for drivers only, our Quick Reference Guide!
Safe-driving awards
Atlanta East sleeper shuttle driver GARY CHESNUT (right, pictured with operations manager Brian Garver) recently achieved 35 years of safe driving!
Chattanooga city driver DAVID KENYON was honored for 35 years of safe driving!
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 1 2 0 2 6
2
Fifty-Five Years Strong – and Just Getting Started A culture rooted in people and strengthened by innovation As we mark our 55th anniversary in 2026, one principle continues to guide every mile we travel: Our Driving Force is People . It’s a philosophy that shaped our earliest days and continues to steer our future. And while this anniversary is a meaningful milestone, it is far more than a celebration of years. It’s a testament to the strength of our team, the vision we share, and the path we’re forging together. PEOPLE AT THE HEART OF EVERY STEP FORWARD From day one, we've believed that our success begins with people. That’s why we’re proud of the positive impact created through our Profit Sharing plan, which helps our associates build a secure future, and Averitt Charities, which supports the communities we serve. Investing in our people means investing in the future. We continue to enhance our training programs, expand career pathways, and create new opportunities for associates to grow. Whether it’s supporting a dock associate pursuing a driving career, a driver stepping into leadership, or a team member moving into a new field entirely, we remain committed to helping associates achieve their goals. Because when associates succeed, our team succeeds. And when our team succeeds, our customers thrive. BUILDING FOR THE NEXT 55 YEARS Looking ahead, our vision is focused on strength, adaptability and innovation. We know the transportation and supply chain industries are rapidly evolving, and we’re committed to evolving right alongside them. That’s why we continue making significant investments in these key areas: • Infrastructure – From service center enhancements to expanding our distribution and fulfillment footprint, we are strategically growing to increase density and deliver even greater consistency, speed, and reliability.
• Technology – Innovative tools and digital solutions are helping us streamline operations, enhance safety, and give customers more visibility and control than ever before. These investments allow our team to deliver solutions that meet modern supply chain challenges. • Creative, Customer-Centered Solutions – Our customers depend on us to anticipate their needs and provide flexible, comprehensive options. Our commitment to partnership drives us to continually explore new ways to deliver value, connect networks, and simplify logistics. Each of these investments is designed to create more opportunities for our associates, more opportunities for our customers, and more opportunities for our long-term growth. INDEPENDENCE THAT KEEPS US MOVING FORWARD Remaining privately held has always been an intentional decision, and it continues to set us apart. Independence gives us the freedom to make decisions based on long-term vision rather than short-term pressures. It allows us to stay true to our culture, maintain stability through changing economic cycles, and prioritize what matters most: Our Customers , Our Associates , and Our Future . A FUTURE BUILT ON STRENGTH, CULTURE, AND TEAMWORK As we celebrate 55 years, our eyes are firmly on the road ahead. The achievements of our past have created a strong foundation, and it’s our team that inspires confidence in the future. Averitt’s culture – grounded in teamwork, integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence – positions us to continue leading in an ever-changing industry. The best part? We’re just getting started. With a team as dedicated and talented as ours, an unwavering focus on people, and a strategy built around meaningful investments, we are well positioned not only for 2026, but for every year that follows. Our Driving Force is People . It always has been. And it always will be. T m
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team!
Robert Woodson Atlanta West For a list of January milestone service awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com . SAFETY AWARDS For a complete list of Safety Award winners, including five- and 10-year recipients, visit InsideAveritt.com.
Edward Gaudin Harold Tidwell 15 YEARS Timothy Catoe Steven Foux Robert Kinsey Jr. Michael Stratton Michael White Paul Rader
Baton Rouge Nashville
John Honeycutt Jr. Anthony Thompson 30 YEARS Willis Harrington Darrell Molton Johnny Nunley 25 YEARS J erry Lawrence Michael Wambles Johnny Whaley
Nashville Nashville
Charlotte Greenville Atlanta West Cookeville
Raleigh
Mildred Allen Brent Bradford Todd Brooks Jeffrey Brown Timothy Catoe Sandra Curtis Jerome Dover Melissa Goff Gary Goode Avery Osman Ronald Smith Karla Sparkman
Miami
Atlanta East Chattanooga
Corporate Dedicated Opelika Charlotte Corporate Eastman Baton Rouge Lexington Norfolk Mobile Corporate
Houston Miami
Nashville Montgomery St. Louis
45 YEARS David Adams
Cookeville
20 YEARS Darrell Carter
35 YEARS Michael Fitzpatrick
Cincinnati
Knoxville
vol. 1 2 0 2 6
3
‘TRY TO BE A SPONGE’
VP OF TRUCKLOAD SALES STARTED ON DOCK, READY FOR NEW CHALLENGES The incredible career path of JEFF EDWARDS has been built on relationships and a readiness to meet whatever opportunity presents itself. Because of that, Jeff has grown from a part-time dock associate to his current role as Vice President of Truckload Sales. Jeff gives credit first to the guidance he’s received from his leaders and mentors through the years, because those relationships have helped him develop into the leader he is today. “There’s a long list of them,” says Jeff, who began his Averitt career in 1989 in Louisville while he was in college. “I spent most of my career with (Region 2 Vice President of Operations) MIKE MONIN . He and I have been together for 37 years. If I were to go down the list, I’d probably miss a few. But the easy ones are also (Vice President of Corporate Business Development) MIKE WISE and (Vice President of Sales) ROGERS LUNA . They are quality individuals who have helped me out in my career.” Jeff says another key to his success has been surrounding himself with like-minded people in every role he’s served. “My path has been made easier through the people around me,” he says. “I don’t know where I’d be if I didn't have the support that I’ve had throughout the years.” CONSISTENT GROWTH After starting on the dock, Jeff became a relay dispatcher and was later promoted to a quality leader position that included guiding OS&D and W&R associates. From there, he became an operations manager in Louisville, then moved to a corporate sales role. Eventually, he was promoted to a regional leadership position, and for about nine years he served as our Region 2 Vice President of Sales. All that experience set the table for where he is now. “About every five to seven years, a new opportunity presented itself,” Jeff
recalls. “And I would raise my hand and be fortunate enough to be chosen for whatever role I was seeking.” ‘CHALLENGE YOURSELF’ Jeff says that willingness to step up can help every associate make the most of their Averitt careers. “As the opportunities present themselves, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself,” Jeff explains. “Second, within any role, you have to learn as much as you can. Try to be a sponge. If you want to get in sales, for example, try to find out what that job entails. Find out everything you need to know to be successful in that role.” Jeff says our culture is yet another reason we’re able to build on our commitment to Promote From Within . “It’s sometimes hard to put into words. You have to be part of Averitt to understand it,” he says. “Once you’re in the culture, you quickly realize how special it is. We don’t have a lot of people who leave. And it’s funny how people who have left come back because we do have such a great culture.” NEW TOOL TO HELP YOU GROW We recently unveiled a new Jobs page, and it can help you be on the lookout for your next opportunity. Whether you’re looking to get into the driver’s seat, transfer to another position or facility, or be promoted to a leadership role, you can find all you need at InsideAveritt.com/Jobs . There you can find a list of all open positions and express your interest in any of them with a simple click of a button! T m
Develop safe habits in every aspect of your job. “ Injury-free starts with me. ” Say it. Mean it.
Watch our training module at InsideAveritt.com/InjuryPrevention
NEW LEADERS
RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team!
Jerry Butler David Henry Linda Johnson Larry McCargo Masceo Runnels
Darlington Corporate Corporate Memphis
Bobby Sisemore Kevin Slifka Cedric Thomas
Chattanooga Bowling Green
Miami
Amy Wilson
Corporate EXPEDITED LEADER
Otis Vasley
Milwaukee
Tisha Brewington
Corporate
Dallas
matters
vol. 8 2 0 2 5 vol. 1 2 0 2 6
4
8
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
In 2025, you demonstrated what it means to serve with the Power of One, by showing compassion, generosity, and empathy. You did so by giving back to our community through the ongoing Team Up Community Challenge that occurs all year round. From organizing food drives and volunteering at the cancer center, to delivering winter coats, raising awareness for meaningful causes, and so much more, you've been a true hero for our community. Stay tuned for a breakdown and summary of our teams ' achievements for 2025 Team Up Community Challenges. In the meantime, don’t forget that INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITIES 2025 TEAM UP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE TOTALS COMING SOON
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
every act of kindness and service to our community through the Team Up Community Challenge directly impacts the matching contribution to Averitt Charities ! There’s no better time than now to join the movement of giving and start planning your 2026 challenge. To learn more about how you can partake in a Team Up Community Challenge, visit InsideAveritt.com/TeamUp . T m
BUILDING TODAY FOR OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD STRATEGIC EXPANSIONS CREATE SPACE AND FLEXIBILITY 2025 was a landmark year for our team as we continued strengthening the foundation that supports our future. From new facilities in Dothan and San Antonio to improvements in Baton Rouge, Houston, Knoxville, Shreveport, and more, each project moves us closer to a network that’s ready for the opportunities ahead. Last year, new construction and expansion projects resulted in an additional 116 dock doors, more than 135,300 square feet of office, dock and warehouse space, and over 500 parking spaces. That forward-thinking approach continues into 2026. We have several exciting projects underway that will give us more dock space, more flexibility, more associate parking, and – most importantly – position us to grow across every service unit. These efforts help ensure we’re prepared for increasing freight volumes, changing customer needs, and the long-term direction of our industry. Here’s a look at what’s in motion:
Our Dothan team celebrated the opening of a brand-new facility in 2025.
• Completion of our Ocala location – expanding our reach into a brand-new market • New service centers in Fort Myers and Oklahoma City • A newly renovated service center in Tulsa • A new Distribution & Fulfillment facility in Jackson MS • Renovations in Atlanta East, Atlanta West, Miami, and Nashville Distribution & Fulfillment • Expansion in Columbia
These projects aren’t just about buildings – they’re about people. You, our associates, have made this progress possible through your commitment to delivering excellence every day. Your performance has created the need for more space, more capability, and more ways to serve our customers. And as customers increasingly look for solutions such as warehousing, drayage, local customization, and distribution, we must be equipped to provide them. Meeting those needs strengthens relationships, opens the door to
additional business, and keeps us moving forward. Thank you for everything you do. Your dedication is what keeps us a leader in the transportation industry. At the end of the day, we’re in the people business – and preparing our facilities for the future is one of the ways we support you for the long haul. We look forward to everything these 2026 projects will help us achieve as we continue to move more freight In And Out Of The South ! T m
vol. 8 2 0 2 5 vol. 1 2 0 2 6
9 5
FROM POINTS TO PARADISE
Celebrating 23 Years Of Marriage With Red Thinkin’ Rewards
In Dale’s words, “Use your points, find out how many you have, look on the catalog and you’ll see how many things you can get just by your points!” Red Thinkin’ Rewards is a program that gives associates the opportunity to turn everyday earned points into meaningful experiences, with options ranging from travel to electronics and household items. “You can earn points all the time by being consistent, safe, of course, and not having accidents. Everything you do, you’re rewarded with points,” Dale said. Eventually, that consistency led him to save 1,609,250 points . Once the points were there, putting them to use came just as easily, with a little help from corporate associate ALAINA DELOZIER . “It wasn ' t hard to do, that was a blessing. I just told Alaina during a cookout what I wanted and For Decatur city driver DALE WESTBROOK, a milestone anniversary became an unforgettable experience. He’s a longtime Averitt associate with 38 years of service who recently celebrated his 23-year wedding anniversary with his wife, Amy, on a seven-day, all-inclusive trip to Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, made possible through Red Thinkin’ Rewards.
Decatur city driver DALE WESTBROOK (right), pictured with his wife, Amy, recently used his Red Thinkin ' Rewards points to take an anniversary trip to Jamaica.
memories came from the people they met along the way. “We took a private snorkeling boat trip to a resort called Couples. We met lifelong friends from all over the place such as Texas, Nashville, Memphis, Atlanta, and we stay in touch till this day.” Looking back, the experience meant even more than the destination itself. “That was the most wonderful trip that I could have ever taken. Especially me and my wife, it happened to be our 23-year anniversary,” Dale said. Experiences like that are part of what keep Dale motivated — and part of why he’s stayed with Averitt for so long. When others ask how he’s stayed with the company for so long, he points to the value the company provides. “Things that Averitt does for us make it worth your while being there,” he said. With plenty of points still in mind, Dale is looking ahead and has his eye on what’s next — possibly a three-day cruise, more household items, or even saving up for a bigger television. Thank you, Dale, for sharing your story of how you redeemed your Red Thinkin’ Rewards points for an unforgettable experience — and for encouraging others to do the same. Don’t forget to check your point balance by visiting InsideAveritt.com/Rewards — your next memory could be waiting. T m
she started looking,” he said. MORE THAN A GETAWAY
What started as a rewards redemption quickly became something much more — an experience that Dale and Amy had long hoped to share. “This is somewhere we had wanted to go. We walked on the beaches and got to see where some of your world soccer players ' houses were,” Dale said. While the destination itself was memorable, one of Dale’s fondest
RED THINKIN’ POINTS JUST FOR YOU! Log In To Win First Quarter Red Thinkin’ Rewards Prize
InsideAveritt.com/Rewards . T m
Red Thinkin’ Rewards is a unique program that enables you to redeem prizes for all your efforts and devotion to the team. The anticipation is over, and the first quarter login contest is here! Hold on to your hats because this time, we’re doubling the excitement with two winners! All you have to do is log in to your account between Jan. 1 and March 31 for your name to be entered in a
drawing to win 50,000 Red Thinkin’ Rewards points! While you’re there, we highly encourage you to browse through the catalog, which features countless extraordinary prizes that’ll leave you speechless. Continue earning Red Thinkin’ Rewards points every day by simply reaching service milestones, making People Like You referrals, being safe, and achieving performance goals. Log in to your account now to
check out how many Red Thinkin’ Rewards points you have at
matters
vol. 8 2 0 2 5 vol. 1 2 0 2 6
10 6
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
SERVICE AWARDS
Below are the five-year milestones of associates WHO HAVE SERVED 25 YEARS OR MORE with our team. To view all available photos of our latest service awards, visit InsideAveritt.com.
Jackson TN associate CHRIS BOONE (left, 35 years) with Service Center Director Kyle Juan (right)
Tifton associate BRYAN DOBBINS (right, 30 years) with Service Center Director Todd Hall (left)
Corporate associate JUDY SAIN (30 years)
Knoxville associate ALFRED BEELER (left, 25 years) with Service Center Director Jeff Penley (right)
Nashville associate CRAIG GILBERT (left, 25 years) with Service Center Director Joe Paul Tackett (right)
Corporate associate STEPHANIE SNYDER (right, 25 years) with Director of Human Resources Laura Wettack (left)
Knoxville associate DAVID EDWARDS (left, 25 years) with frontline leader William Mize (right)
Dallas associate FRANCISCO VALDOVINOS (25 years)
When we go above and beyond to provide excellent service, it shows that Our Heroes Wear Red! These associates went the extra mile to represent Averitt with pride – and our customers said it showed!
SARA SELLS – National Call Center " I called in at 6 a.m., and Sara was so patient, helpful, and resourceful. When I typically call carrier customer service lines for other companies, it has always been a nightmare. Sara went above and beyond her duties to help me out. I very much appreciate it. " Lydia, TMD Oilfield Technology – Houston, TX VAL MORGAN – Atlanta West " Val is an exceptional driver and a huge asset to the Sauder Woodworking team. She is kind, timely, and always willing to lend a helping hand when a need arises. Thank you for all that you do to help the Sauder team each shipment! " Amber, Sauder Woodworking – Atlanta, GA
JEFF BRUTCHER – Savannah " When I see Jeff ’s truck pull onto the property, our entire day just gets better because Jeff always brings a smile with him. I appreciate Jeff for always taking care of all our needs and being so professional. " Hunter, Borowood – Statesboro, GA
MICHAEL EMBRY – Austin " Michael did an amazing job. We were not expecting this delivery today, so it took a little while to get prepared, but the driver was patient and helped get this delivered. He went above and beyond, and I wanted to let you all know that! " Ashley, ARM LTD – Austin, TX
vo l . 8 2 0 2 5 vol. 1 2 0 2 6
11 7
Catalogs Coming Soon; You Can Use Allotment Online Now Our purpose is to help people succeed. That purpose unites us, guides us and drives us forward. An important way we show our purpose is through the uniforms we wear each day. We’re excited about our growing relationship with uniform provider OOBE, and there are several important things to remember as we enter 2026: • Allotments for eligible associates have been reset with the new year, so that’s up to $150 that you can use to ensure your uniform is sharp and up to date. • We anticipate getting the 2026 catalogs mailed out in February. • In the meantime, you can still check out the online version at InsideAveritt.com/Uniforms and place your orders there. Refreshing your wardrobe is a great way to begin 2026 with professionalism. When you maintain our uniform standard, you show our customers the way we take pride in delivering excellence with safety and quality at the forefront of all we do. To learn more about how we raise the bar for professionalism, go to InsideAveritt.com/Uniforms . T m Order online at InsideAveritt.com/Uniforms or call 833-876-5293 How to log in to our uniform website: • Go to InsideAveritt.com/Uniforms and click on the “Order Uniforms” link • Your User ID is your 9-digit Associate ID Number, which can be found by accessing your profile at InsideAveritt.com/MyPortal. Or call 833-876-5293 for help. • Your Password is AVRT + the last 4 digits of your Associate ID (Example: AVRT6789) You can also call 833-876-5293 to place your order, receive log-in assistance, or get your order status. UNIFORM IN PURPOSE For questions regarding the uniform program, email uniforms@averitt.com.
20 26
matters
UNIFORM CATALOG
vol. 8 2 0 2 5 vol. 1 2 0 2 6
12 8
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter