COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters INFORMING OUR ASSOCIATES ABOUT ALL THINGS AVERITT • NOVEMBER 2022
PEOPLE LIKE YOU: DALLAS ASSOCIATE REFERS MANY TO AVERITT P4 SEAMLESS TRANSITION: CIN CITY DRIVER GOES THROUGH DOCK-TO-DRIVER PROGRAM P5 TEAM UP: GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITIES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON P6
Houston team shuttle driver LEITH CAMDEN (center) referred his sons NATHAN (left) and ANDREW (right) to Averitt. Nathan is Leith’s fellow team driver, while Andrew is a Houston Truckload driver. Read more about their story on P3 REFERRING FAMILY
MANY REASONS TO BE THANKFUL At this time of year, I’m always reminded of the many reasons I have to be thankful. First, I want to say a special thank you for your continued
efforts that have helped us experience another exceptional year. Because of your commitment, we’ve been able to contribute unprecedented amounts to our Profit Sharing Plan , and we’ve
continued to invest in our team to make sure we have the best facilities, amenities and quality of life for our associates. It’s all about securing a bright future together, because when we win as a team, P2
TEAM NOTES From Gary Sasser
CELEBRATING DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK
Watch the video at InsideAveritt.com/2023FreightlinerWinners
The winners of our Driver Appreciation Week drawing for new Freightliner truck assignments were (from left) THOMAS SAYMAN THOMAS SAYMAN (Cookeville), MARK KIBLER MARK KIBLER (Fayetteville), MICHAEL HOWE MICHAEL HOWE (Atlanta West), TAMMY MAZZULA-THOMAS (Meridian) and EDGAR CASTILLO EDGAR CASTILLO (Mayfield).
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! COMING THROUGH ON OUR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
RODERICK MCCLENDON – Jacksonville “Roderick worked with our maintenance man to safely get a heavy pallet off the truck. He truly went out of his way as a driver – and in the Florida heat no less. He is a great addition to the Averitt family, and we highly commend him for his customer service and willingness to go above and beyond.” Sandra, Duval County Extension/City of Jacksonville – Jacksonville, FL THOMAS SIEGEL – Louisville “Thomas delivered a much-needed order that will enhance safety and security in our workplace. He was courteous, dropped the pallets in our preferred locations and offered suggestions for efficiency as we maneuver around the pallets. Thank you for a job well done!” Kendra, Home of the Innocents – Louisville, KY
ADRIANE LEDFORD – Corporate “Adriane was very patient and a huge help! I really appreciate her! Thank you so much!” Kathy, Coastal Valet Trash Services – Houston, TX location without a scratch. That makes our customers happy, which makes us happy! Thank you for such a dependable driver! Everyone here at Wade's RV very much appreciates him.” Trisha, Wade’s RV – Goldsby, OK EDWIN ANGLIN – Oklahoma City “Edwin successfully delivered two different windshields to our
FROM GARY SASSER PG. 1 - we also win individually. I’m thankful for the way our team pulls together to help others, especially through Averitt Cares for Kids and the Team Up Community Challenge . This time of year, I know you and your teammates are giving back in a lot of
ways, whether it's food drives, clothing donations or other events. And I look forward to seeing the many ways you’re making a difference as we hit the home stretch for 2022. Your commitment to excellence makes a difference. Our customers see how you go the extra mile in
professionalism and safety, and they see your involvement in our communities. All these things help show what it means to be part of the Averitt team. And I’m thankful to be part of a team that has such a family- oriented culture. I look forward to seeing us end this
year on a strong note and move forward next year with continued momentum. And I’m thankful for everything you do that helps us enjoy this journey together .
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FATHERLY REFERRALS
Houston Team Shuttle Driver Refers Sons To Averitt
That’s because Leith's son NATHAN is his fellow team driver, combining to make one of more than 100 teams who help us keep freight on the move with weekly runs to multiple service centers throughout our network. Additionally, Leith’s son Andrew is a Truckload driver out of Houston. Leith referred both to Averitt. “When I came here, I wanted to eventually work in city because you get to be home every night and not just on the weekends,” explains Leith. “But when Nathan came to Averitt, I knew I wanted to have the opportunity to be a team driver with him. Not everybody gets the opportunity to work with their family, so I’m glad we get to have that experience.” All three worked for another carrier before coming to Averitt. After Nathan and Andrew gained enough experience to make the switch, they jumped at the chance to join their father. “My experience with Averitt has been night and day compared to the previous company we worked for,” Nathan says. “It really is second to none. Averitt always makes sure we’re able to get home on the weekends, and that wasn’t the case where we were before. Home time is very important to us, so we appreciate that.” Andrew is thankful to have his family as part of the same team. “It’s pretty awesome,” Andrew says. “We all get to come home and talk Our family culture is something that’s important to our success. And for Houston team shuttle driver LEITH CAMDEN, it truly is a family atmosphere. We know that state-of-the-art facilities and amenities improve the quality of life for our associates, enhance safety and security, and prepare us for the future. That’s why we invest in enhancements throughout our network. ENHANCEMENTS IN THE WORKS Just a few of the facility upgrades in the works: Lots Of Facility Projects Throughout Our System
Houston team shuttle driver LEITH CAMDEN (center) referred his sons NATHAN (left) and ANDREW (right) to Averitt. Nathan is Leith’s fellow team driver, and Andrew is a Houston Truckload driver.
about our trips. It’s nice to know that I have other family members I can talk to or get advice from. That helps with the learning process. It’s a big learning curve coming out of school. But when you have two other people who can tell you how to do things and where to go, that’s very important.” A WELL-OILED MACHINE Leith has gotten to take advantage of several opportunities since coming to Averitt in March of 2021. He started in Dedicated Flex and served as a PODS over-the-road driver before moving to team shuttle with Nathan. Now that he’s in LTL, Leith has gotten to see the team effort of other service centers as he moves throughout our network. “Everything is set up to make sure drivers are able to move and serve our customers,” Leith says. “That objective seems to be laced throughout Averitt. That goes a long way. Our experience at the other company was that they didn’t seem to care.” Nathan adds, “It makes you want to keep working every day for Averitt and our customers. You get up, and you’re happy to go to work every day.” Our team shuttle positions are important for our success because they help us increase flexibility, build density throughout our network and grow for the future. They also happen to be among our highest-paying positions. If team driving is something that interests you, visit InsideAveritt.com/Jobs for a list of available team shuttle positions. T m
CHATTANOOGA and LOUISVILLE – Lighting project at both facilities increases visibility at night, which improves overall safety and also helps with efficiency on the dock. ST. LOUIS – Milled and overlaid the parking lot, which should aid driver comfort while also protecting our customers’ freight. Enhancements like these are made possible by the outstanding service you provide each day. Thanks for all you do, and we look forward to even more improvements in the future! T m
NASHVILLE – The entire facility is undergoing a complete overhaul, from yard and dock expansions to increased parking and updated LED lighting. These upgrades are expected to be completed in 2023. Additionally, we have replaced the truck wash to feature an undercarriage wash. This helps equipment last longer, and better removes dirt and grime.
KNOXVILLE – Replacing truck wash with anticipated completion by the end of this year. CHARLESTON – Expanded warehouse by 30,000 square feet for a total of 80,000 square feet. Also working to complete a new fuel island.
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OUR REPUTATION PRECEDES US
‘Everyone I Talk To Always Tells Me They Hear Great Things About Averitt’ Dallas city driver MAGDALENO MARTINEZ MAGDALENO MARTINEZ enjoys telling others about Averitt. Just this year, Magdaleno has seen three of his referrals hired, and he aims to add more to his recruiting resume in the future. He says referring potential associates is easy when you work for an establishment with as strong of a reputation as Averitt. “Everyone I talk to tells me how they always hear great things about us,” Magdaleno says. “Before I even mention our outstanding pay and benefits, they already know our associates are valued and treated like family.” Along with referring friends and family, Magdaleno says most of his referrals come from people he meets on the job. “I talk to a lot of drivers from other companies and to people working the dock at places I deliver to,” Magdaleno says. “There’s always interest from drivers, and the people on the dock like that we offer the Dock-To-Driver Training Program .” Magdaleno was a referral hire himself, joining our team in 2021. He left a competing carrier with the help and encouragement of a friend.
Dallas city driver MAGDALENO MARTINEZ has been very successful at referring People Like You to Averitt.
“Like a lot of people I talk to, I had heard about Averitt. When my friend told me about the benefits and pay, that’s what really got my attention. I am very happy I joined the Averitt team. Everyone is friendly and treats you so well.” We have open positions throughout our network, and just like Magdaleno, we encourage you to refer people you know who would be a good fit for our culture! For more information about the People Like You program, including a list of open positions and details about how you can earn referral rewards, visit InsideAveritt.com/PeopleLikeYou . T m
SHOWING THE POWER OF ONE MORE
Associates Referring People Like You, Earning
Referral Rewards
Corporate associate SARA DUFF
Corporate associate HEATHER MILLER
Tampa preventive maintenance associate FRANK BENNETT
Knoxville transportation specialist TERESA GRAHAM
People Like You are very important for our future success, because you know others who would be a great fit for our culture. These associates earned referral rewards after their referrals were hired to the Averitt team!
Lubbock city driver CHRIS RAMIREZ
Raleigh shuttle drivers HERNAN ROMERO & CAMERON WALLACE
Roanoke freight clerk CHRIS SMITH
PODS driver CURTIS THOMAS
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A SEAMLESS TRANSITION
Cincinnati Associate Takes Advantage Of Dock-To-Driver Training Program If there’s one word ADAM MILLER ADAM MILLER could use to describe our Dock-To-Driver Training Program, it’s “seamless.” Adam came to Averitt 11 years ago as a dock associate, and after two years, he decided to take advantage of the opportunity to grow in his career. “The idea was presented to me by former service center director Eddie Adkins,” Adam recalls. “We were out on the dock one day, and he pulled us into a group out on the dock stand and asked if anybody would be interested in our Dock-To-Driver Training Program. I raised my hand, and I’ve been here ever since – nine years going.” Adam was impressed with the process. “It was really seamless,” he says. “They kept it easy on me for the first little bit. Mainly switches. No pedaling city freight. It was a good transition from basics to more advanced driving techniques while keeping safety at the forefront the whole time." In addition to having opportunities to grow, there are more reasons Adam
Cincinnati city driver ADAM MILLER came to Averitt as a dock associate, and he took advantage of our Dock-to-Driver Training Program.
has made the Big Red his career home. “I stay at Averitt because it’s a great work environment,” he explains. “Averitt is very professional. I feel like I’m taken care of. Averitt is very veteran- friendly and owns up to the slogan Our Driving Force Is People.” Adam encourages his teammates to take advantage of the Dock-To-Driver Training Program like he did. “Averitt has really good driver-trainers. They know what they’re talking about,” he says. “Obviously it’s more pay, and everybody likes that. Of course, there’s more responsibility that comes along with that pay. “I would say just do it. You’ve gotten on the forklift. It’s just a little bit bigger,” Adam adds with a laugh. Are you interested in our Dock-To-Driver Training Program? Visit InsideAveritt.com/DockToDriver to see video testimonials from associates, and talk to your leadership to learn more about the program. T m
We’re proud of our culture of doing things the right way, and the Tennessee Trucking Association recently recognized our team with several awards for our commitment to safety. TOPS IN TENNESSEE For the first time, we were honored with the TTA’s Grand Champion Trophy! We also won first place in Truckload Safety and LTL Safety. The safety awards were determined by Tennessee transportation providers’ safe-driving records. The TTA measures a carrier’s performance by the number of accidents within a specific mileage category. Our LTL team was honored in the 15,000,001-plus miles group, while our Truckload team was the winner in the
TTA Honors Our Team For Commitment To Safety
7,000,001-plus miles division. The Grand Champion designation is determined by the best overall accident frequency rate of all carriers in Tennessee that entered in the 3,000,001-plus miles category. “We’re humbled by this recognition from the TTA,” said WAYNE SPAIN of our executive leadership. “These awards are the result of a team effort, and we’re thankful for the efforts of our associates to make it possible.” Thank you to every associate for helping us show Our Driving Concern Is Safety! For more information about our dedication to safety, visit Averitt.com/Safety . T m
Clarksville associate and Tennessee Road Team Captain JOHN TETREAULT and Director of Safety JOHN WALTON accept our team's first place and Grand Champion hardware.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY TTA also honored us for our commitment to environmental responsibility, presenting us with its Clean Diesel Award. The Clean Diesel Award is given each year to a Tennessee transportation and logistics provider for efforts in improving fuel conservation and sustainability within its fleet. Some of our many environmental efforts include using only ultra-low-sulfur diesel at our fueling stations, operating new low-emission diesel tractor engines, providing sleeper tractors with APUs, and recently introducing electric forklifts to our fleet. To learn more about our environmental initiatives, visit Averitt.com/Green Averitt.com/Green. T m
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TEAM UP FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Nov. & Dec. Present Excellent Opportunities For Giving Back To Your Community The holidays are here, and there are only a few weeks remaining in the 2022 Team Up Team Up Community Challenge season! Now is the time for you and your team to come together, demonstrate the Averitt spirit of generosity, and help those less fortunate enjoy this special time of the year. Region 9 recently began a cold-weather clothing drive, deeming the challenge “Feel the Warmth in Georgia.” Service centers across the state are collecting hats, socks and gloves for children in their communities. Associates have been donating since October, and they will begin distributing the items in December to those who need them most. Last season, 95 teams participated in Team Up projects. Those teams totaled more than 6,300 volunteer hours and served 148 organizations. Combined with other matching contributions in honor and on behalf of associates, this led to a $500,000 company contribution to Averitt Cares
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
for Kids ! You can give back to your community this season in a number of different ways. From collecting toys to brighten a child’s Christmas morning, to serving a hot meal at your town’s local community kitchen, there’s no end to the charitable possibilities. SHARE HOW YOU TEAM UP If you have participated in a Team Up Community Challenge, we want to share your accomplishments! Your giving spirit inspires us all to be involved, and every act of community service results in a matching contribution to Averitt Cares for Kids. Please send your Team Up Community Challenge project updates and photos to TeamUp@Averitt.com so we can share your success stories with the team! T m
In 2018, Sunlogix Global sought our help to warehouse and deliver solar panels across the state of Illinois. WE’RE DELIVERING THE FUTURE WITH KINECT SOLAR Solar Panel Partnership Covers Illinois’ Power Needs
100,000 square feet of freight to a job site in Texas. Our outstanding customer service, as well as our ability to provide drayage, storage, and Truckload and LTL delivery is a textbook example of the Power of One . “Kinect really appreciates the quality of our team’s service,” Ted says. “Our network and equipment gives us a lot of flexibility, and the care our associates show makes the partnership so successful. Solar panels can be easily damaged, but Kinect knows they can count on our drivers to make safe, timely deliveries.” With interest in alternative energy sources mounting and the number of incentives available for the installation of solar panels at an all-time high, Ted believes there is no direction but up for growth in the solar power industry. “We want to grow with solar power,” Ted says. “It fits well with our infrastructure, and the alternative energy industry is booming. The possibilities are endless.” The rise in solar power is a chance to provide more opportunities to deliver freight In And Out Of The South, and adding density via alternative energy is the type of forward-thinking, innovative and creative solution that keeps us moving forward! T m
“They were needing statewide coverage, and we had just the network they were looking for,” says TED VAN HYFTE of our regional leadership. “They were seeking to store product and needed a carrier that would deliver to job sites.” When the partnership first began, our Peoria warehouse was dedicating around 3,000 square feet of storage space, and LTL was handling the majority of moves. That all changed in 2019 when Sunlogix was purchased by Kinect Solar. Once the merger was complete, Averitt’s involvement in the solar industry rocketed to new heights. “Volume more than doubled once the merger was complete,” Ted says. “Today, more than 80,000 square feet of our Peoria warehouse is product for Kinect. Along with our storage capabilities, our relationship with Kinect is strong because of our willingness to deliver to job sites.” A normal job site, whether it’s an open-field solar farm or a building’s construction zone, can use anywhere between seven and 12 full truckloads.
Acting as a final-mile carrier, two of our Truckload drivers per day can complete a full job site in one week. “We’re in a unique position because many carriers do not like delivering to job sites,” Ted says. “That really sets us apart from our competitors, and it has allowed us to get to know and maintain great working relationships with site managers.” Since 2018, our team has delivered solar panels to more than 14 states across the Midwest. Our team in Houston also handles warehousing and final-mile delivery for Kinect and recently delivered more than
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SERVICE AWARDS
These are just some of the associates who are celebrating 25 or more years with our team! To view all new Over 20 Team members and five-year milestones, visit InsideAveritt.com.
Chattanooga associate REGGIE MCMAHAN (left, 35 years) with service center director David Harlan (left)
Corporate associate JOHN WALTON (right, 35 years) with chief operating officer Barry Blakley (left)
Corporate associate LYNELL ELMORE (35 years)
Jackson TN associate DOUG MORGAN (left, 30 years) with service center director Doug Granito (right)
Knoxville associate BILL PORTEOUS (25 years)
Knoxville associate CASEY CHITTUM (25 years)
Knoxville associate MIKE FITZPATRICK (35 years)
Lexington associate ROBERT FOSTER (right, 25 years) with service center director Craig Taylor (left)
For more Over 20 Team photos, log on to InsideAveritt.com InsideAveritt.com and check out our photo galleries!
Memphis associate CHARLOTTE MARSHALL (center, 30 years) with operations manager Brian Hopper (left) and service center director Mike Maynard (right)
Lexington associate TRACY SIPES (right, 35 years) with service center director Craig Taylor (left)
25 YEARS Tony Adams Robert Japp 20 YEARS Rudy Eads Robert Holbert 15 YEARS Michael Bradley Dean Clary Jerry Collins David Crosson
Norfolk Nashville Costco Greensboro Cincinnati Lexington Chattanooga Dallas
Gregory Curtis Rickey Flippo Leon Fountain Jeffrey Parker Jim Randolph Jeffery Samson Matthew Smith Robert Vanzant
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in November 2002: Willie Crawford Macon Randy Deck Corporate Lisa Huddleston Corporate Gary Kelley Virco Neil Singletary Lexington For a list of November milestone service
awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com . SAFETY AWARDS SEPTEMBER For a complete list of Safety Award winners, including five- and 10-year recipients, visit InsideAveritt.com. 30 YEARS Frederick Anderson Nashville Jeff Wallace Atlanta West
Jacksonville Greensboro
Cookeville Nashville
Mercedes Owensboro Nashville
Costco
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Get out and look whenever it’s safe to do so. it’s not just a “goal.”
Learn more at InsideAveritt.com/backing
UPCOMING GRAB-AND-GO EVENT SCHEDULE
December 13
Birmingham
7a-11a
December 14
Atlanta West
7a-11a
December 15
Atlanta East
7a-11a
Kevin Ryder Joseph Smith
Nashville Mercedes Cincinnati Richmond
Sean Lamb
Operations Leader NASHVILLE On-Site Manager MEMPHIS WAREHOUSE
NEW LEADERS
RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team! Larry Akins Little Rock Johnny Basinger Traulsen Ray Crabtree Owensboro Henry Eason Houston Randall Grove Peoria Bruce Joyce Atlanta East Jack Hooten DRiV Virgil Hooper PODS Charles Jones AO Smith Robert Kilburn Decatur Monty Latham Owensboro Larry Norton Tifton
Eric Maxwell
Timothy Williams Jeffrey Wilkerson
John Bogart
Truckload Fleet Leader CORPORATE
James Rossetti
Frontline Leader MERCEDES
Samona Bumgardner Frontline Leader ESSEX TECHNOLOGY GROUP Michael Coburn Software Support Leader CORPORATE Lucio Cossio Operations Leader HOUSTON Oscar Garcia Frontline Leader LAREDO Michael Kaczmarek After Hours Customer Service Lead CORPORATE Matthew Laird Frontline Leader DALLAS
One way our retirees can stay connected to Averitt is by becoming a member of the Ambassador Team, a special group of retired associates who stay connected to our unique culture of giving back. Ambassador teammates are annual contributors to Averitt Cares for Kids and are welcome to participate in the Team Up Community Challenge, People Like You Referral Rewards, and more! Email Dusty Barrow in Marketing and Communications at dbarrow@averitt.com to learn how to join. STAY CONNECTED THROUGH THE AMBASSADOR TEAM
Barry Stone Frontline Leader BIRMINGHAM Rachel Woodcock Equipment Maintenance Leader CORPORATE
CORRECTION: In the October issue of Team Matters, Charleston city driver Reco Robinson was incorrectly referred to as a Charlotte associate. We apologize for this error.
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