COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters INFORMING OUR ASSOCIATES ABOUT ALL THINGS AVERITT • DECEMBER 2022
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
As we celebrate the holidays, we want to say thank you for the way you deliver excellence during this special time and throughout the year. We encourage you to check out our holiday video at HappyHolidaysFromAveritt.com.
PROFIT SHARING: OUR BEST THIRD QUARTER EVER! P2 SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: LOTS OF OPTIONS FOR YOUR CAREER P3 AN INSTANT HIT: CUSTOMERS FILLING
NEW MEMPHIS WAREHOUSE P5
FAMILY CULTURE SETS
us closer.
commitment to helping others succeed. We celebrate successes together, we step up to face every challenge together, and through teamwork we all move forward. Because of P2
Those things are also part of what helps make our team successful. I’m so thankful for the family culture we enjoy. You truly are my Averitt family, and we’re brought together by our
TEAM NOTES From Gary Sasser
US APART, HELPS US SUCCEED
During the holidays, I’m reminded of good times with family, strong bonds and what brings
ANOTHER RECORD QUARTER
11.514%
Profit Sharing Contributions Continue Upward Momentum
9.659%
9.077%
In the third quarter, we were able to contribute an amount equal to 9.077% in Profit Sharing to your 401(k) retirement accounts. That’s our best third quarter on record, and it marks eight consecutive quarters in which we’ve set a company standard! Additionally, our operating ratio was 82.6 , which is our best third quarter on record. And we tied a quarterly record by limiting our cargo claims to 0.31%. Those results are a testament to your dedication to doing things the right way, and we thank you for making it happen! Your commitment to excellence can help us finish out 2022 on a strong note and continue our momentum into 2023. Some ways you can help us include: Our success is a result of our entire team working together, and your efforts continue to help us move toward an even brighter future.
7.221% 7.023%
6.690%
5.877%
4.529%
4Q 1Q
2Q
3Q
4Q
1Q
2Q
3Q
• Conducting quality pre-trip inspections • Avoiding accidents and injuries • Recycle paper and conserve resources • Making the most of your fuel efficiency • Referring People Like You to Averitt
2020 2021
2021
2021
2021
2022 2022 2022
For the last eight quarters, your efforts have helped us achieve a quarterly Profit Sharing contribution (i.e., our best first quarter on record, our best second quarter on record, etc.). Check out how you’re making a difference.
For more information about how you can help us win as a team and win individually, visit InsideAveritt.com/ProfitSharing. T m
Applications for the 2023-24 Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship Program are currently underway, and they’ll run through Feb. 1, 2023. Because of a donation from our team in 2021, the amount of each scholarship will continue to be $1,000 for each student! Scott Wolf served as our Vice President of SCOTT WOLF SCHOLARSHIP ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Corporate Services until his passing in 2012. The scholarship recipients are determined by the Wolf family and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Since the scholarship began in 2013, there have been 73 recipients representing 13 states. Honoring his wishes, the Wolf family set up a scholarship fund in Scott’s name as a way to give back to his fellow Averitt associates. The Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship is open to full-time and part-time associates who have been employed no less than one year at the time of application, as well as their dependents who seek to continue their education beyond high school.
For more information about the scholarship, visit InsideAveritt.com/Scholarships . T m
FROM GARY SASSER PG. 1 - everything you do, we’re a leader in the transportation industry, and we have a bright future. Our outstanding performance in 2022 is more proof that we have the best associates and the best plan. As a result of that
performance, we continue to deliver record Profit Sharing contributions, and we continue to have the ability to invest in our associates, our equipment and our facilities. As we get ready to move into 2023, I’m more excited than ever about what
we can accomplish. And I know that our strong family culture – combined with a focus on professionalism, safety, innovation and creativity – will help us reach new heights. Thank you for making Averitt such a great place to call home. I wish you
a safe and happy holiday season, and I hope you are able to enjoy time with family and loved ones. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
ENHANCEMENTS to Truckload plus OTL growth lead to more driving opportunities Our team has developed a culture of innovation and creativity that relies on listening to both our customers and our associates to secure our future. That's why we continue to adapt and adjust to provide outstanding service while also making Averitt the best destination to build a career in the transportation industry. HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN One of the biggest adjustments we’ve made recently is to adopt more of a “hub-and-spoke” model to our Truckload operation. Traditionally, a single driver or team picks up a loaded truckload trailer from a customer and transports it to its final destination. Over the past few months, we’ve been offering our regional Truckload drivers the opportunity to transition
available driver for a load midweek. But that’s not an issue anymore. “Truckload home daily drivers are just that, at home. We’re able to pick up freight that we weren’t available for previously. That’s making a huge difference from a sales and growth standpoint, as well as providing more opportunities for our driving force,” says Bryan. ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? Our production and event team, On Tour Logistics, is also experiencing exceptional growth. From multiweek concert tours to sports events to trade shows, we’re seeing more and more opportunities open up for our driving force. An example of that is Cookeville OTL driver SCOTT BONNER, who recently wrapped up a stint as lead driver for the Tim McGraw tour. He says he loves the lifestyle that OTL provides. “There are a lot of benefits to it,” Scott says. “The crew that I’m with, you pretty much become part of the family with them. And you get to see a lot of the country that you wouldn’t normally get to see in regional Truckload. I’ve gotten to see Canada and 48 states.” As a retired Air Force veteran, Scott likes the structure of his schedule on the road. “I’ll know what’s going on pretty much the entire year,” says Scott, who makes hub runs when he’s not on tour. “There may be a couple events that drop off or get added, but it’s more predictable. Yes, I’m away from home a lot more, but Averitt is flexible with me. If you’ve got something that’s urgent, Averitt will make sure someone is able to come out there and fill in. We work together as a team to help people.” As we have for the past 50-plus years, we will continue listening to our customers and make changes that help them achieve success, while also providing our associates with opportunities to grow. If you’re interested in learning more about furthering your career, visit InsideAveritt.com/OTL or talk to your leadership. T m Cookeville On Tour Logistics driver SCOTT BONNER started with our team as a regional Truckload driver and recently completed serving as lead driver for the Tim McGraw concert tour.
into“home daily” positions, which calls for them to pick up truckload freight from a customer and bring it back to the service center. A “hub” driver then moves the freight to a service center, where it is then delivered
to the customer by another home daily driver. This hub-and-spoke model provides more consistent pay and home time for Truckload drivers. Our Tennessee team is one of several that is seeing success with this enhancement.
BRYAN SNYDER
“Drivers moving into these new roles love it,” says BRYAN SNYDER of our regional leadership. “Instead of being out all week, these Truckload drivers are home every night. And they’re still hauling no-touch freight and picking up or delivering to areas that accommodate 53-foot trailers.” Bryan explains that the benefits for drivers go even further. “I’ve personally talked with several Truckload drivers who have moved to home daily roles, and one of the biggest positive changes has been going to hourly pay. So even if they get to a customer location and the load isn’t ready, they’re still on the clock and getting paid,” says Bryan. “It isn’t about the wheels turning anymore, and that leads to peace of mind and consistent pay.” We’re also seeing new growth opportunities develop that weren’t available before. Because our regional drivers may have already been dispatched on runs starting early in the week, we didn’t always have an
SHOWING YOUR PROFESSIONAL PRIDE
Our 2023 Uniformity catalog will be arriving in your mailbox in January, and the new year brings a great opportunity to make sure your uniform attire is sharp, professional and up to date! In the meantime, you can also place your order through our online catalog. Uniform-eligible associates can take advantage of an allotment of up to $150, and you have an extra incentive to
take advantage of that benefit in the first quarter of 2023. Use your full allotment between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, and you could win a gift card of up to $500 ! For more information about our uniform program or to place your order, log on to InsideAveritt.com/Uniforms. T m
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Four Grow Into Leadership Roles JACKSONVILLE PROMOTES FROM WITHIN
Three of the four started out as drivers, and another joined our team as a part-time dock associate. Since beginning their Averitt careers, each has graduated into leadership roles. ADAM ROWELL, the service center’s operations manager, started as a city driver in 2007. He showed interest in learning the duties of a frontline leader, setting himself up for a promotion when the opportunity presented itself. “I let TOMMY WEBB, our service center director, know I was interested in moving up,” Adam says. “I was trained to back up the frontline leader, and I was promoted to that position when it became available. I served in that role until we moved over to our new, bigger building and we needed an operations manager.” MICHAEL ORCHARD, who was promoted to frontline leader in 2019, worked for a competitor until moving and beginning with Averitt in 2013. He got his start as a city driver through a temp service but was hired on as a full-time driver just two months later. He instantly appreciated our culture and knew he had found his new work home. “You always hear about our culture and the Averitt Way, but it truly is different from any other company I’ve worked for,” Michael says. “You’re treated like a person here – not a number like at other companies. You’re made to feel like family, and it’s a joy to come to work every day.” Frontline leader DENISE DARGITZ was once an over-the-road driver for a Jacksonville is filled with associates who earned their current positions through Promoting From Within. Four recently shared their stories of success and how they seized opportunities to rise through the ranks.
From left, operations manager ADAM ROWELL and frontline leaders MICHAEL ORCHARD , DENISE DARGITZ and BARRY WIDENER were each promoted from within into leadership roles.
competitor who often heard about Averitt from fellow drivers while out in the field. The frequent conversations piqued her interest and she joined our team as a city driver in 2014. She was promoted to frontline leader last year. “Drivers talk all the time while we’re waiting for freight to be loaded and things like that,” Denise said. “Every Averitt driver I met always talked about what a good company it is to work for, so I began looking for local positions with Averitt. Everything I heard was true. Our team is like family, we have a great environment and it’s enjoyable to come to work. I think all those factors contribute to your quality of life, and I value that a lot.” Frontline leader BARRY WIDENER got his start with our team as a part- time dock associate. He joined by way of a staffing agency in 2004 and headed up an off-site account for a couple of years before coming over to work the inbound dock. He transferred to the outbound dock after some time and was soon named frontline leader for the outbound dock. “I love the culture, and that’s why I look forward to coming to work every day,” Barry says. “Everyone works so well together, and it’s just a group of high-quality people. Everyone I’ve met – from the executive team down the line – is top-notch.” READY FOR CAREER GROWTH? Are you ready to take the next step in your career like these associates? Call our Job Hotline at 800-991-1971, talk to your leadership, or visit InsideAveritt.com/Jobs to find out about local driving, leadership and other available opportunities. Remember, our Job Hotline is updated on Monday and Thursday, so be sure to check it often to stay up to date on all our available career opportunities! T m
SHOWING THE POWER OF ONE MORE
Associates Referring People Like You, Earning Referral Rewards
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!
Decatur city driver MICHAEL PRICE (left) with transportation specialist Tanner Rimmer
PODS Meridian driver THOMAS RAY
Corporate associate JUSTIN MARTIN
Knoxville city driver TAMERA O’CONNOR
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Memphis Distribution & Fulfillment Facility Popular With Customers OVERWHELMING RESPONSE
We recently opened a new Distribution & Fulfillment warehouse in the Memphis area, and it’s proving to be a popular facility for our customers. The 260,000-square-foot facility – known as MDF – is located in nearby Olive Branch, Miss., and it’s in a prime location just a short haul from the Memphis rail terminal. Three customers have already requested more than three-quarters of the available space. “We’ve been excited to announce the opening of our MDF facility,” says ED SMITH of our Distribution & Fulfillment leadership. “The response has been overwhelming.” Ed adds that the MDF facility is part of what has been a long-term strategic plan. “We’ve been anticipating opening this market for quite some time,” he says. “It just took the right partnership with the right facility. And once we found that, it created the perfect opportunity. Memphis is one of the largest
Our Distribution & Fulfillment services are a perfect example of The Power of One, helping to feed our other service units and building deeper relationships with our customers.
intermodal markets in the country. There has been a plan in place, and we’ve taken the time to execute that plan. Now we’re going to reap the benefits.” Our Distribution & Fulfillment services are a perfect example of The Power of One, as they feed our other service units and help us build deeper relationships with customers. Because when they see our commitment to excellence, they’re more likely to take advantage of more service offerings and create more bills throughout our network. “That’s a wonderful thing,” Ed says, “and that’s the reason we do this.” T m
We were recently honored as Coca-Cola’s LTL Carrier of the Year for our work with its Parts and Equipment division. AVERITT NAMED COCA-COLA’S CARRIER OF THE YEAR Award Expected To Open More Doors With Soft Drink Giant
“This award is a great achievement for our team,” Regional Vice President CALVIN RACKLEY says. “Coca-Cola is a globally recognized brand, and earning this honor shows that Coke has a high level of confidence in us and our abilities to deliver outstanding service.” Averitt powers Coca-Cola’s supply chain efforts in the Dallas and Louisville areas with equipment for its various soda dispensing machines. “Receiving this award is a reflection of our engagement at the local level,” Director of Corporate Business Development BRENDAN MAZUR says. “It is a testimony to the results produced when excellent customer service combines with local operations to work toward a common goal.” Brendan works closely with Coke and has helped to grow our relationship with the brand since he joined our team 15 years ago. “I have worked with Karen Pirkle of Coca-Cola for a
From left, Kim Alcorn, Ben Grace, Karen Pirkle and Matt Smith of Coca-Cola present Director of Corporate Business Development BRENDAN MAZUR with Coke’s Parts & Equipment Supply Chain LTL Carrier of the Year award.
very long time, and she is always very complimentary of our work when I meet with her and the Coke team,” Brendan says. “They are a great partner, and they understand the importance of trusting their product with our experienced drivers.” Brendan says Coca-Cola is undergoing a new operations approach and has shown it is willing to entertain new ideas for growth and innovation. He believes the changes, coupled with Averitt’s recent award, could present new opportunities for both
parties. “It is my hope other business units under the Coca-Cola umbrella will see the work we’ve done with their Parts and Equipment division and work with our team,” Brendan says. “There is a lot of room for growth between our teams.” Congratulations to all involved in earning this outstanding honor! We are excited about the prospect of building and strengthening our relationship with the Coca-Cola brand. T m
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in December 2002:
Garry Cagle Randy Dedmon Loyd Wheeler Ray Wilkins
Decatur Nashville Louisville Corporate
For a list of December milestone service awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com .
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RECOGNIZED IN OUR INDUSTRY
Averitt Named A Top Company For Women, Military Friendly
WOMEN IN TRUCKING HONOR For the third consecutive year, WIT named Averitt as one of its Top Companies For Women To Work For In Transportation! According to WIT, to be considered for the award, companies must have “cultures that foster gender diversity, competitive compensation and benefits, flexible hours and work requirements, professional development opportunities and career advancement opportunities." “We’re proud to have a culture that offers a wide variety of opportunities for women,” says Averitt President WAYNE SPAIN . “From the dock and driver’s seat to operations and leadership, we’re committed to hiring the best associates and making Averitt a place where everyone can make their career home.” This is the fifth year WIT has sponsored its “Top Companies” survey. The winners were identified through a two-step process, with Women In Transportation receiving nominations and carefully reviewing the qualifications, followed by a final ballot to select the winners. For more information about the award, visit InsideAveritt.com/WITAward2022 . MILITARY FRIENDLY AWARD Approximately 15% of our associates are military veterans, and our unique We’re proud of our team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for everyone, and we were recently honored by the Women In Trucking Association and Viqtory with a pair of awards. STEPHEN LONG recently moved from our Savannah service center to take on an operations support role at our Petco warehouse. Being new to the Atlanta metro area, Stephen decided to use his Red Thinkin’ Rewards as a way to get familiar with downtown and catch a basketball game. RED THINKIN’ REWARDS ARE A SLAM DUNK PETCO Associate Uses RTR Points For Basketball Tickets
culture was recently honored in a national survey. Averitt was named as a Military Friendly Employer by Viqtory, a veteran-owned small business that connects the military community to employers. According to Viqtory, “Military Friendly Employers strive toward and succeed in the areas that matter most in helping veterans and other members of the military community make the transition from the military to satisfying employment in the civilian world. Having the designation shows that your organization is better for veterans, with the hiring, retention, advancement and employee development programs in place to help them reach their career goals.” This year’s recognition was based on a survey of nearly 2,000 companies, and it marks the third consecutive year we have been named a Military Friendly Employer. “Military veterans are a perfect fit for our culture because they are well- acquainted with professional image, teamwork and service,” says GARY SASSER, who served in the Marine Reserves. “We’re proud to be the career home of many veterans throughout our network, and we know that our team is stronger when we hire veterans.” To learn more about the career opportunities that we offer military veterans, as well as see profiles of associates with varying service backgrounds, visit AverittSalutesYou.com . And for more information about the Military Friendly Employer survey, visit MilitaryFriendly.com . T m
Stephen says. “If you are out there performing your job, getting good fuel mileage and driving safely, you get rewarded for that! It’s something I never really thought about, but when I got my envelope telling me I had a certain number of points, I was surprised. There are so many things and experiences you can buy with your points. “If you have never visited the Red Thinkin’ Rewards online catalog, log on and see what you can get!” All associates are eligible to earn Red Thinkin’ Rewards points. To learn more about our rewards program and to view items available through points redemption, log on to to InsideAveritt.com/Rewards . T m
myself. “I really enjoyed the experience,” Stephen continues. “I had never been to an opening-night game at any venue, and I got to see a lot of great players.” Stephen says he greatly appreciates the Red Thinkin’ Rewards program for giving him the chance to attend the game and hopes more associates take advantage of the points system. “I think the program is greatly underrated,”
Using his Red Thinkin’ Rewards points, Stephen scored a pair of tickets to the Atlanta Hawks’ season opener at State Farm Arena against the Houston Rockets. “I’m not really a Hawks fan, but I like basketball,” Stephen says. “I thought it would be a good way to get out and get acquainted with the area. I had been saving up my points for a while and wanted to treat
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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.
Asheville associate DAVID MILLER (center, 30 years) with frontline leader Lawrence Sluder (left) and Service Center Director Todd Cochrane (right).
Mayfield associate FRED ALDRIDGE (30 years).
Vice President of Marketing & Communications GINA BILLINGS (left, 35 years) with Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing Kent Williams.
Director of Dedicated Operations STEVE ANDERSON (left, 30 years) with Vice President of Dedicated Operations Dan Singer.
Memphis associate PAUL COKER (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director Mike Maynard.
Memphis associate HATCH KIRKPATRICK (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director Mike Maynard.
Corporate associate MISTY MOSS (center, 25 years) with Carter Watson (left) and Christy Hensley (right) of our North American Truckload Operations leadership team.
Atlanta East associate KENNY PICKETT (right, 25 years) with Operations Manager Darrell Richardson.
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
RODNEY SIMPSON – Dallas “Rodney recently delivered to us, and he was very friendly, professional and had a great attitude. Every Averitt driver who has ever delivered here has been great, and I like that. Keep up the good work!” Art, Marble Life – Dallas, TX
JAMES CHESTER – Tampa “I have had the pleasure of working with James for the past two years. This man has always gone above and beyond for us as a company! He is simply a joy to work with.” Norman, StoneHardscapes – St. Petersburg, FL
CHARLES WILSON – Raleigh “Charles is a fantastic driver to work with. Our location struggled in the beginning of the year with heavy, backed-up deliveries, but Charles was outstanding and earned the respect of everyone in the warehouse. He will always have priority when picking up or dropping off here.” Colin, Poolcorp – Raleigh, NC
SARA BAILEY – Corporate “I want to express my thoughts on Sara’s help and getting our delivery. The shipment was handed off to a third party and became an unpleasant situation, but Sara stayed pleasant throughout and went above and beyond to resolve issues.” LaDonna, residential customer – Venice, FL
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The deadline to host a last-minute Team Up project is Dec. 31 . Even in the waning days of the year, each Community Challenge donation hour recorded by serving your local charity results in a matching contribution to Averitt Cares for Kids! 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 STILL TIME LEFT TO TEAM UP As the 2022 Team Up Community Challenge Team Up Community Challenge season nears its end, we want to remind everyone there is still time to make a difference in the lives of those in your community!
Region 2 associates pack cases of Play-Doh to be distributed to patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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! YEAR IN REVIEW We love looking back on all the things we’ve accomplished over the past year. To view a photo gallery of great 2022 Team Up moments, visit InsideAveritt.com/TeamUp! Thank you for being shining examples of the Averitt Way and volunteering so generously! T m
Hailey Denson
Truckload Dispatch Coord. CORPORATE Transportation Specialist CINCINNATI
Justin Schebel Truckload Area Coordinator CORPORATE Demond Thomas Frontline Leader BATON ROUGE RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team! David Butler Macon
Steve Garner Dallas Dennis Gillette Daikin Comfort Technology Jay Horvitz Peoria John Jenkins Fayetteville NC Chad Osborne Cookeville Adrian Panquerne Baton Rouge David Saylor Toyotetsu
NEW LEADERS
Joel Emsweller
Marlon Berreondo Frontline Leader FULTON CO. DISTRIBUTION & FULFILLMENT Noah Brien Frontline Leader MAYFIELD Alfis Coleman Human Resources Coord. CORPORATE
Jacob Morano
Frontline Leader MEMPHIS
Judy Sain
EDI Leader CORPORATE
don’t cause a Backcident.
Backing your truck in traffic could be an accident waiting to happen.
Watch our video at InsideAveritt.com/backing
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