COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters INFORMING OUR ASSOCIATES ABOUT ALL THINGS AVERITT • VOL 6 • 2023
'NUMBERS DON'T LIE': DRIVERS DISCUSS PROFIT SHARING P2
ALWAYS AVERITT
THE POWER OF ONE: PORT, TRANSLOAD SERVICES SEE GROWTH P4 NEW HOME FOR FAMILY TRADITION: SOFTBALL TOURNEY COMES TO COOKEVILLE P6
WAYNE SPAIN (right) is retiring after more than four decades with our team. Thanks to his leadership, Averitt is positioned for successful growth and a strong future. Chief Operating Officer BARRY BLAKELY (left) will add the role of President to his responsibilities upon Wayne's retirement, which is effective July 1. Read more about Wayne's Averitt career and our plans for moving forward on P3
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU, AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE We like to say that we’re proud of our past and even more excited about our future. That’s because we have a
Future. It cements our commitment to remaining independent. And it charts a clear path forward for our leadership team. For more than 40 years, WAYNE SPAIN has been one of P2
plan in place – we call it Always Averitt – that will help our culture thrive for years to come. This plan is very unique, because it keeps our focus on Our Customers, Our Associates and Our
TEAM NOTES From Gary Sasser
‘THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE’
Driving Associates Discuss Profit Sharing Our Profit Sharing program is a unique opportunity to Share the Effort Share the Effort, Share the Share the Reward. And since it began in 1984, associates have received contributions every quarter, proving that the program stands the test of time. ‘IT REALLY ADDS UP’ Knoxville shuttle driver RANDY FREELS is one teammate who has seen the benefits of Profit Sharing. He started as a dock associate in 1988 soon after he graduated from high school, and in 1991 he got in the driver’s seat in a city role. Since 1998, he’s served in shuttle. “I’m just amazed – especially last year – at the big deposits that were made,” Randy says of his Profit Sharing 401(k) account. “I look at the big numbers that are getting dropped in there every month, and I look at my account, and it’s like, ‘Wow, it really adds up.’” BIG DIFFERENCE AT AVERITT CHRIS YOHN has been a member of our driving force since 2014. Chis is on our Truckload team, and he has served as a driver-trainer and as a member of our Driver Advisory Council before recently moving to a dedicated Truckload route out of Cartersville. Chris says the difference in our Profit Sharing plan is obvious. “Other companies will mention profit sharing, but it’s kind of a wash,” Chris explains. “They don’t put a lot of money into it, and it’s more of an advertising thing to get you to join their company. But here at Averitt, every year has been great, especially the past few years. It’s been amazing how
Knoxville shuttle driver RANDY FREELS (left) and Cartersville Truckload driver CHRIS YOHN (right) have both seen how our Profit Sharing program helps us Share The Effort, Share The Reward.
much Averitt is dumping into your 401(k) account. That’s free money.” Chris is very open to others who want to know how our Profit Sharing plan works. “I just show them my numbers, because I’m not shy about that,” he says with a laugh. “I show people how much Averitt has put into my 401(k). It’s not bragging or anything. The proof is in the pudding. When you can show them the numbers, the numbers don’t lie.” EVERYONE CAN MAKE AN IMPACT Randy and Chris agree that every associate’s actions make an impact in maximizing our Profit Sharing. “For example, in shuttle, not unnecessarily idling our trucks, keeping up our equipment and trying to avoid roadside breakdowns with tires and stuff like that,” Randy explains. “We can all do our part.” Chris adds that getting fuel at Averitt facilities, avoiding accidents and performing pre-trip inspections are important actions. “All those little things really add up,” he says. Want to know more about our Profit Sharing plan and how you can make a difference? Log on to InsideAveritt.com/ProfitSharing. T m
WORKING HAND IN HAND Profit Sharing, Your Contributions Help Your 401(k) Grow When you began your career at Averitt, we started planning for your future by setting up and auto-enrolling you into a 401(k) retirement account. There are two ways this account grows: the funds you elect to contribute, and through our Profit Sharing plan. To allocate additional funds from your paycheck: • Log on to Principal.com • Click the “Contributions” dropdown menu
• Select “Manage Contributions” – there, you can decide how much, if any, additional funds you would like to deposit to your account
FROM GARY SASSER PG. 1 - the strongest representations of our culture. He has been an invaluable member of our team, serving the last several years as President. Wayne is retiring on July 1, and he leaves an incredible legacy that I am forever thankful for. Under his thoughtful, grounded leadership, we have built the strongest team in the transportation industry.
His exceptional ability to execute our vision has helped us achieve outstanding, sustained performance. Wayne is widely respected by our associates, our customers, and throughout the industry. Quite simply, we are who we are today in large part because of Wayne. Moving forward, I’m excited that Chief Operating Officer BARRY BLAKELY will be assuming the title
of President and COO. Barry has been with us for more than 35 years, and he’s an excellent example of career growth and promoting from within. Because of his experience and outstanding track record of leadership, I’m confident that we’re in a great position to continue the Averitt legacy while moving forward toward an even brighter future. I want to say a heartfelt thank
you to Wayne for his remarkable contributions to Averitt, and I congratulate Barry on his expanded role with our team and look forward to building our culture for years to come.
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Wayne Spain Retiring, Barry Blakely Named President And COO MOVING FORWARD WITH THE PLAN For nearly 43 years, WAYNE SPAIN WAYNE SPAIN has played an integral part of the success of Averitt. Now, after those decades of leadership and helping us grow into a true Power of One provider, Wayne is retiring from his position as Averitt President effective July 1. As part of our ongoing Always Averitt leadership plan, longtime associate BARRY BLAKELY is moving into his expanded role as President and Chief Operating Officer. COMMITMENT TO THE POWER OF ONE Wayne’s arrival in 1980 was a sign of our commitment to delivering a wide array of services to our customers. After we focused on LTL services in our early days, he was hired to help launch our Truckload service. In true “promoting from within” fashion, Wayne grew into other leadership positions including general sales manager, Vice President of Sales, Executive Vice President, and eventually President and Chief Operating Officer. In late 2021 as part of our long-term plan, Barry was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, while Wayne retained the role of Averitt President. “I am so thankful for everything Wayne has done for the Averitt team to lead us to where we are,” Barry says. “In 2022 we experienced a record year, and that is a testament to Wayne’s leadership. That leadership has also put us in position to weather a slower transportation market nationwide, and I know we will be stronger in the long run because of his guidance. I am grateful to have been able to learn from Wayne throughout my career, and I look forward to building on his legacy of excellence.” LOTS OF AVERITT EXPERIENCE Barry brings decades of Averitt experience to the table. He came to our team in 1986 in sales, and he too has grown in his career. Barry was promoted to leadership as a Service Center Director, and has also served as a Regional Vice President and Vice President of Operations before being named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. As Vice President of Operations, Barry was instrumental in guiding us
WAYNE SPAIN (right) shares some advice with BARRY BLAKELY (left). Barry will add the title of President to his role as Chief Operating Officer when Wayne retires on July 1.
through economic and pandemic challenges that have resulted in steady growth and record-setting performance numbers. “Barry has done an excellent job since he joined our executive team, and his promotion has been part of our plan,” Wayne says. “Barry will continue to build on our people-focused culture, and I’m confident that with his experience and vision, great things are ahead for Averitt.” ALWAYS AVERITT Our Always Averitt plan is all about making sure our culture stays the same for the next generation and beyond. That plan includes remaining independent, continuing to recruit, hire and develop the best people, and promoting from within so our leadership can stay focused on Our Customers, Our Associates Our Associates and Our Future. We’re excited to welcome Barry to his expanded role, and we’re thankful for Wayne’s remarkable contributions throughout his career. We are who we are in large part because of their commitment to providing innovative and creative solutions, delivering outstanding service, and making a difference in the lives of others. We look forward to seeing how Barry helps us build on our legacy and move our team forward toward a bright future! T m
25 YEARS Bryan Dobbins 20 YEARS Jeffrey Price Gregory Toomer 15 YEARS Floyd Bagsby Kenneth Lucier Richard McCloud William Mills
Sam Langston Leigh Ledbetter Nathan Parrish Michael Ruiz Timothy Thomas
Jackson MS Corporate Cookeville Charlotte Mercedes
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in June 2003: Philip Baumhardt Ft. Myers Cliff Brown Cincinnati Kineta Carmack Corporate Henry Daland Louisville John Dulworth Corporate Scott Eilerman Cincinnati Kathy Farley Corporate
SAFETY AWARDS APRIL For a complete list of Safety Award winners, including five- and 10-year recipients, visit InsideAveritt.com.
Tifton
Eastern NC Birmingham
For a list of June milestone service awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com .
35 YEARS Jeffery McAlpin 30 YEARS Hercules Bond Michael Hans
Chattanooga
Houston Tampa Tampa Springfield
Memphis Louisville
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The Power Of One Shines With Increased International Freight Port, Transload Enjoy Growth When people think about Averitt, ocean, air and rail may not be the first things that come to mind. But our PortSide operations and transloading services continue to rise in popularity with our customers. “We aren’t just an LTL company with a Truckload unit,” Director of Port & Distribution Sales TIM SHUSTER says. “Our port solutions are gaining popularity with our customers. We’re very good at what we do at the ports, and customers are noticing.” Although West Coast ports remain the most popular destination for shipping vessels, the recent buildup of ships and days-long wait times have led to a rise in business for port cities on the East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. The bottleneck of port congestion, rail delays from the West Coast to the South and Midwest, and overflowing container yards have caused many challenges for shippers and receivers. Not only were products not reaching their final destinations for months on end, but containers sitting long periods were prime targets for theft. When international customers began sending their goods to the Southeast to avoid the West’s congestion issues, our team was in perfect position to handle the influx of freight. Along with the major port cities on the East Coast, reaching from Norfolk to Jacksonville, we are also actively supporting customers’ drayage and transloading needs in the Gulf port cities of Mobile, New Orleans and Houston. Our inland port operations in Virginia, Georgia and South Carolina, as well as access to rail ramps in Chicago, Dallas and Memphis, provide us with the means to meet a customer’s every need.
“With our quality associates and the investments we’ve made in facilities and equipment in these key port markets, we can offer a multiservice solution,” Tim says. “Dray, transload, LTL, truckload, fulfillment space to distribute out of – even a dedicated fleet. If you can name it and it fits our customer’s needs, The Power of One is ready.” Just last year, we completed 55,000 dray moves and transloaded more than 25,000 international containers. Once containers were emptied, The Power of One shined with our LTL, Truckload, Integrated and Distribution & Fulfillment services providing customers with everything they could ever want to keep their business going. Once freight is on a truck, much of our network can be reached in as little as one day. We have more than 110 drivers dedicated to daily port drayage, along with nearly 70 Truckload drivers possessing government credentials to dray directly from ocean ports. We also doubled our number of chassis from 500 to 1,000 in 2022 – ensuring we have the ability to serve our customers at all port and rail ramp locations. “I tell our sales teams all the time that if you can find the opportunity, we’ll put a truck under it,” Tim says. “We can flex up and compete with any company in the Southeast, Midsouth and Texas, and that’s something we’re very proud of.” The East and Gulf coasts are rapidly becoming major destinations for international freight, giving our team more opportunities to move shipments In and Out of the South. This will enable us to gain more freight bills, create more job opportunities and secure a brighter future for our team! T m
TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER
who are looking to take the next step in their careers. “Averitt will help you every step of the way,” Ashanti says. Want to know more about the program? Ask your leader, or visit InsideAveritt.com/DockToDriver to see more details and video testimonials from dock-to-driver graduates. T m Scan the QR code to see Dallas associate Ashanti Butler’s dock- to-driver testimonial video.
Dallas associate ASHANTI BUTLER completed the Dock-To-Driver Training Program, and it’s a move he recommends for other associates Our Dock-To-Driver Training Program is an exciting way to get in the driver’s seat of your Averitt career. With this on-the-job training program, dock associates continue to get paid working on the dock while learning the skills to earn their CDL. Take Advantage Of Our Dock-To-Driver Training Program
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VACATIONIN’ WITH RED THINKIN’ REWARDS
Associate Redeems Points For Niagara Falls Getaway
Jim says Renee has always wanted to visit Niagara Falls, and they were recently browsing the Red Thinkin’ Rewards catalog when they came across the redemption listing. “I once used my points to buy a Fitbit, but I had just been letting the points build up since then,” Jim says. “When we saw the trip in the rewards catalog, we knew it was too good to pass up. Renee has always wanted to see Niagara Falls, so it was a no-brainer!” Jim says he is thankful for the Red Thinkin’ Rewards program and believes it is a great benefit. “I really like that it’s offered to all associates, and there are so many ways to earn points,” Jim says. “I like collecting them, and my wife usually checks in to see how many I’ve earned. It’s fun to see your points total grow and dream Raleigh shuttle driver JIM NICHOLSON JIM NICHOLSON is planning an October trip to Niagara Falls with his wife, Renee, and it’s all thanks to his Red Thinkin’ Rewards points.
about all the items you can purchase with them.” All associates are eligible to earn Red Thinkin’ Rewards points, which are awarded for meeting KPI goals, referring People Like You, achievements in safety and service anniversaries. To learn more about our rewards program and to view items available through points redemption, log on to InsideAveritt.com/Rewards or scan the QR code. T m Raleigh shuttle driver JIM NICHOLSON redeemed his Red Thinkin' Rewards for a trip to Niagara Falls for him and his wife, Renee.
SHOWING THE POWER OF ONE MORE
Associates Referring People Like You, Earning
Referral Rewards
Corporate associate NICK LEMMONS
Birmingham shuttle driver BRANDON DUNCAN
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!
Tri-Cities shuttle driver KEITH GRINDSTAFF
Orlando city driver DAMIEN CAMACHO
Atlanta East frontline leader LUKE REEVES
Corporate associate REBECCA PAGE
Knoxville shuttle driver DAVID PERRY
Dothan city driver TREVOR WHITTEN
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Averitt Family Softball Tournament In Cookeville On Aug. 26 NEW HOME FOR A FAMILY TRADITION The softball tournament is a free, family-friendly event that supports the mission of Averitt Cares for Kids. Food and drinks will be provided, and there will be children’s activities throughout the day. If you’ve never attended the We're excited to have a new home for the Averitt Cares for Kids Family Softball Tournament, as this team tradition will take place Saturday, Aug. 26 at Cane Creek SportsPlex in Cookeville, TN.
tournament, we encourage you to make plans to come this year! If you’re interested in playing in the tournament and want to know more, please talk with your leader. For more information about the tournament, contact AMOS ROGAN at ARogan@Averitt.com. T m
‘FORE’ A GREAT CAUSE Scott Wolf Memorial Golf Open On Aug. 12 The Scott Wolf Memorial Golf Open is returning to a familiar course this In addition to building on our team-oriented culture, the golf tournament is an important fundraiser for the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship Program. This year’s event will feature breakfast, 18 holes of golf, lunch, a goodie bag, entrance into prize drawings, and a putting contest that raises money for the scholarship. Last year’s putting contest raised a record of more than $11,500! Signups begin July 3. If you’re interested in participating and want to learn more, contact TREVOR HOWARD at THoward@Averitt.com. summer, taking place Saturday, Aug. 12 at Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle Golf Club in Cookeville, TN.
Submit Your Child Artist’s Entry By June 30 LAST CALL FOR CALENDAR ART
As a reminder, our 2024 Children’s Art Calendar is a partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We want to see what the good works of St. Jude mean to your children or grandchildren. Because those good works are at the heart of our special relationship through Averitt Cares for Kids.
We’ll choose the best entries for the calendar, and St. Jude has provided artwork from some of its patients that will be part of the calendar. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 30, 2023. Each child who enters will receive a $10 gift card. The young artist whose
submission is chosen for the cover will get a $100 gift card, while the others whose entries are featured in the calendar will win $50 gift cards. For more information, visit InsideAveritt.com/Calendar. T m
Artwork by St. Jude
patient Amber
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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.
Director of Corporate Business Development MIKE EVERETT (center, 35 years) with Vice President of Sales Rogers Luna (left) and Vice President of Corporate Business Development Mike Wise (right)
Knoxville associate DALE PRATT (40 years, left) with Regional Vice President Bryan Snyder
Dothan associate DEXTER CRAWFORD (left, 35 years) with Service Center Director Alan Jimmerson
Asheville associate PAUL DOBSON (center, 30 years) with frontline leader Lawrence Sluder (left) and Service Center Director Todd Cochrane (right)
Cookeville associate KEVIN DUNCAN (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director Sammy Talent
Charleston associate MICHAEL HOWARD (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director Jeremy Crawford
St. Louis associate ALBERT LATIMER (left, 25 years) with Service Center Director Scot Hollocher
Dallas associate TOMMY "GLEN" WHITLEY (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! COMING THROUGH ON OUR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
RANDY GOETTE – Waco “Randy is an absolute pleasure. He is extremely polite, on time and very respectful of my property. I cannot say enough good things about him. Thanks, Randy!” Kirsten, Residential Customer – Milano, TX sure every delivery is correct and undamaged, and he always has a smile on his face. I have also seen him out on the roads, and I would say he is one of the safest drivers I have ever seen! Thank you, Jimmy, for being a bright part of my day!” Amanda, Comfort Systems USA – Panama City, FL JIMMY WHIPPLE – Dothan “Jimmy has been a true blessing for our business. He makes
RASHIDAH JONES – Savannah “Rashidah does an excellent job. She is always polite, professional and most efficient in handling the loads she delivers. I see a lot of different drivers from many freight companies. Rashidah’s professionalism makes her stand out far above most of them. She is truly appreciated at my warehouse. I wish all the drivers who came to my dock were like her.” Nichole, FleetPride – Savannah, GA ANTONIO ROBLES – San Antonio “Antonio is a great driver! He went above and beyond to help us unload freight on a hot day. He was wonderful!” Laurie, Texas Health & Human Services – Uvalde, TX
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UPCOMING COOKOUT EVENT SCHEDULE
Make plans to attend a cookout near you! View more appreciation cookouts on the Events Calendar at InsideAveritt.com .
S E P T EMB E R
J U LY
AUGUS T
September 11 Memphis September 12 Jackson TN September 13 Nashville September 14 Knoxville
2-8p
August 22 Atlanta East August 23 Atlanta West August 24 Birmingham
2-8p 2-8p
July 18 Tri-Cities July 19 Knoxville
7-10:30a
11a-5p 11a-5p 11a-5p
2-8p 2-8p
11a-5p
July 20 Chattanooga
SHARPEN YOUR SPEED CONTROL SKILLS Our Speed Control course is our safety focus for the second quarter, and it’s a great tool that can help you sharpen your skills. Maintaining control is an important part of driving a commercial vehicle, and that includes choosing the
Get Entered In Red Thinkin’ Rewards Drawing
appropriate speed based on road conditions, speed limits and Averitt policy. As an incentive to watch our Speed Control video, all driving associates who complete the course before June 30, 2023 will be entered in a drawing for 10 winners of 250,000 Red
Thinkin’ Rewards points!
You can find the course at InsideAveritt.com/SpeedControl .
Stay aware of your surroundings. Mind the conditions. Control Control your speed. your speed.
Watch our video by June 30 to be entered in a drawing for Red Thinkin’ Rewards points! Ten drivers will each WIN 250,000 POINTS!
Brett Sloan
Senior Operations Manager CORPORATE
NEW LEADERS
RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team! Vickie Crain Corporate David Garrett Gadsden Kathy Ledbetter Corporate Larry Lord Jacksonville Tim Maze Lexington Glenn Morrow Corporate Richard Schroeder Milwaukee Terry Smith Birmingham Larry Stolowski Gadsden
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
Zack Walters Frontline Leader DALLAS DISTRIBUTION & FULFILLMENT John D. Walton Senior Operations Manager CORPORATE Drema Will Frontline Leader ZF CAROLINA
Caleb Acker
Frontline Leader MERCEDES
Devin Malone
Transportation Specialist NASHVILLE Director Truckload Sales CORPORATE
Jennifer Morris
Scott Potter Dir. Business Development CORPORATE Misty Simmons Recruiting Admin Leader CORPORATE
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