Longtime Dock Associate Earns CDL, Moves Into Driving Role MOVING TO THE DRIVER’S SEAT For more than 30 years, ROBERT SLATON ROBERT SLATON worked as a dock associate for our Louisville team. But some encouragement from leadership to try moving trailers piqued his interest. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to take advantage of our Dock-To-Driver Training Program, and he has since moved to Houston and become a city driver. “My wife and I wanted to be near our grandkids,” Robert explains. “My wife had retired, so it was a good time to broaden my opportunities and transfer within Averitt.” GAINING CONFIDENCE Robert says the initial moves around the Louisville yard gave him the confidence that he could excel in the driver’s seat. “When I saw that I was able to do the moves in the yard, I know that drivers make a considerable amount more, so I thought, ‘This is a good time to put in the work, get my CDL and become a driver,’” Robert recalls. He says our Dock-To-Driver Training Program was a good experience. “It definitely prepared me,” he says. “My very first day that I did my training with a driver-trainer, I was already able to maneuver a truck. It was just translating the yard work to the road. I wasn’t super-nervous. I felt like it was a smooth transition.” EXTRA EXPERIENCE When Robert moved to Houston, he initially moved into a shuttle role,
hoping to eventually transfer to city. His shuttle experience was exactly what the doctor ordered. “It turned out to be perfect, because I needed that extra confidence and time on the road,” Robert explains. “My first nine months, I was shuttle. Then I felt comfortable driving. Houston is not an easy city to drive in, and when I moved down here, I really didn’t know anything about it. But doing the shuttle routes, at least I knew the interstates coming in and out of Houston.” MAKING A CAREER Robert says there are several things that have led to him choosing Averitt for the long haul – now 35 years and counting. “It’s the culture and the pay ,” he says. “I like the fact that the people are nice. We’re serious, but we also have fun together.” WANT TO TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP? 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. You can also take advantage of our Job Hotline at 800-991-1971 or InsideAveritt.com/Jobs. The Job Hotline is updated on Mondays and Thursdays, so check it often to stay up to date on all our available positions, from local driving to leadership and other opportunities. T m Houston city driver ROBERT SLATON (left), pictured with Region 6 Vice President CALVIN RACKLEY (right), was a dock associate with our Louisville team for more than 30 years.
STAYING FOCUSED ON SAFETY 10 Drivers Win 250,000 Red Thinkin’ Points!
DRAWING WINNERS
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in April 2003: Ken Hahn Charlotte Seth Roberts Jacksonville Ronnie Thompson Charlotte Melvin Warren Memphis Robert Young Tulsa Our first quarter safety focus was our Adverse Driving Conditions course, and associates throughout our network took advantage of the opportunity to freshen up their knowledge. In fact, thousands of drivers completed the course! As a special incentive, all driving associates who completed the course
during the first quarter were entered in a drawing for 10 winners of 250,000 Red Thinkin’ Rewards points! We want to thank everyone who took the course, as well as congratulate the winners of our drawing!
• Darlene Chaney, Atlanta West • Kenneth Crain, Dallas • Phillip Duke, Tupelo • Elvis Florian, Cracker Barrel • Justin Liles, Raleigh
• Juanita McCleaves, ZF Carolina • Darren Moore, Mercedes • Charles Owens, Cincinnati • DLori Walker, Bessemer • Michael Wambles, Montgomery
Scottie Love Mike Scott
Tifton
SAFETY AWARDS FEBRUARY
Lexington
For a list of April milestone service awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com .
For a complete list of Safety Award winners, including five- and 10-year recipients, visit InsideAveritt.com. 30 YEARS Paul Box Memphis Jammey Bryant Bowling Green David Davis Columbia SC
25 YEARS Tony Robinson Jerry Vaughn Michael Webster Jeffrey Youmans 20 YEARS Jon Miles
Cookeville Louisville Columbia SC
Macon
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