INFORMING OUR ASSOCIATES ABOUT ALL THINGS AVERITT • VOL. 9 • 2025 COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
LONG-TERM STRENGTH: YOUR EFFORTS PRODUCE STRONG PROFIT SHARING P3 AMONG THE ELITE: AVERITT NAMED A TOP COMPANY FOR WOMEN P4 DRIVERS FOR DRIVERS: GEORGIA ASSOCIATES USE REWARDS FOR GOLF EQUIPMENT P6
OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW
Winchester shuttle driver JOSHUA KARLOSKI-LUTZ has taken advantage of several growth opportunities in his Averitt career after starting as a part-time dock associate. Joshua was recently honored by NextGen Trucking as a Next Top Talent award-winner. Read his story on P5
TEAM NOTES BUILT FOR SERVICE FROM GARY SASSER
Some of the most important reasons we remain a leader in the transportation industry are our commitment to service, the way we work together as a team, and our professional image that sets us apart from the competition. In honor of Veterans Day this month, I’m proud that we continue to be a career home for military veterans. As someone who served in the Marine Corps Reserves, I’m humbled that we have a sizable number of associates who also served in the armed forces. I believe there are several reasons military veterans choose Averitt for their civilian careers. Perhaps the most visible is the sharp uniforms we wear. When customers see the Averitt red, they know they’re partnering with the best. And when veterans see a team of the best looking sharp, it lets them know we’re ready to answer the call. Our team-oriented culture also makes us unique. And it's made possible by each associate. I’m thankful to be part of a team that is committed
to helping people succeed. We have the best people, and veteran teammates play an important role in the way we work together. It’s also clear our service makes us stand out in the industry. Customers know we can meet all their needs. And they know when they choose us, they’ll receive their freight On Time, On Target and Intact. And who better to build on that tradition of service than those who have served in the armed forces? If you served in the military, I want to thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made while wearing the uniform. I also want to thank you for joining a team that values service. We're proud to have like-minded individuals on board, and I’m confident our future is bright because of your efforts, and those of all associates who wear the Averitt uniform . T m
Make plans to attend a cookout near you! View more appreciation cookouts on the Events Calendar at InsideAveritt.com . UPCOMING COOKOUT EVENT SCHEDULE D E C EMB E R NOV EMB E R
Nov. 11 Costco College Park 2-8p Nov. 12 Costco College Park 7-11a Nov. 13 Costco Eastaboga 10a-4p
Dec. 9 Jackson MS Dec. 10 Mercedes Dec. 11 Decatur Dec. 17 Nashville Dec. 18 Nashville
2-8p 2-6p 2-8p 2-8p 7-11a
Milestone Safe-Driving Awards
Atlanta East shuttle driver PAT MELVIN (right), pictured with operations manager Darrell Richardson (left), recently achieved 30 years of safe driving!
Knoxville team shuttle driver GARRY ATCHLEY was also honored for reaching 30 years of safe driving!
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 9 2 0 2 5
2
LONG-TERM STRENGTH
Your Efforts Keeping Profit Sharing Strong
In the third quarter, an amount equal to 6% of your pay was contributed to your 401(k) retirement account. That announcement was in conjunction Our Profit Sharing program has stood the test of time for more than three decades, and that’s because of your efforts. Despite recent market challenges, your commitment to excellence helped us keep Profit Sharing contributions at strong levels.
with our Share Day celebration, which marks each quarter’s Profit Sharing performance. Just like the last several years, Profit Sharing has remained remarkably stable. Since 2021, our yearly contributions have equaled at least 6%. Because of your dedication to the fundamentals, the sky truly is the limit for how well we can perform and secure our future together! Want to see how the things you do each day make a difference? Visit InsideAveritt.com/ProfitSharing to learn how our Profit Sharing plan works and the steps you can take to keep us moving forward toward a bright future. T m
NEW LEADERS Jorge Andujar Preventive Maintenance Leader ORLANDO Madison Krisch Frontline Leader CHARLESTON Keseia Marshall Frontline Leader SAVANNAH Dan Mason Operations Leader DALLAS
RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team! Thomas England Chicago Jerry Hampton Corbin-London Lupion Jones Little Rock Ramon Ramirez Miami David Stinson Traulsen Ronald Walker Chattanooga
Nick Ortiz
Frontline Leader EXPEDITORS HOUSTON
Steven Wallace Hardware Support Leader CORPORATE Virshina Wilson Frontline Leader CHARLESTON
Allison Phillips
Intermodal Leader CORPORATE
William Sams
Transportation Specialist LOUISVILLE
David Smalls
Frontline Leader SAVANNAH
vol. 9 2 0 2 5
3
PROUD TO BE AMONG THE ELITE! Our Team Named A Top Company For Women We’re thrilled to share that we’ve been named a 2025 Top Company For Women to Work in Transportation for the sixth year in a row by Redefining the Road, and we’ve earned a spot on the prestigious Elite 30! Each year, the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) recognizes the top 30 companies that receive the highest number of industrywide votes in its annual survey, and we have proudly secured a spot among them. WIT is a non-profit organization with the mission to champion the employment and advancement of women in trucking. “We are honored to be recognized by the Women in Trucking Association and the transportation industry for our team’s efforts,” says ELISE LEESON , vice president of human resources. “We will continue fostering an environment built on equal opportunity — ensuring everyone has a lasting career home at Averitt, whether on the dock, behind the wheel, or in leadership.” This distinguished award recognizes companies that excel in competitive compensation and benefits, flexible hours, professional development,
and career advancement opportunities. Our recognition was validated by an industrywide vote involving more than 21,000 professionals in transportation, including operations teams, safety experts, HR and talent leaders, executive management, and professional drivers. This commendation is more than just an award – it's a recognition of our culture, our people, and our continued leadership in offering opportunities for women in transportation. To learn more about the Women In Trucking Association, visit WomenInTrucking.org . T m
HONORING OUR HEROES Averitt Recognized As A Military Friendly Employer As part of our cultural values, we
the Marine Corps Reserves. “We take pride in being a career home for many veterans across our network. Their experience and leadership continue to strengthen our team every day.” Viqtory is a service-disabled, veteran-owned business that connects the military community to civilian employment. The Military Friendly survey is a comprehensive evaluation that highlights companies excelling in support of the military community.
The evaluation considers multiple components, each with specific criteria and processes. Companies must exceed in at least three of these four segments to qualify: Military Friendly Employer, Military Friendly Spouse Employer, Military Friendly Supplier Diversity, and Military Friendly Brand. Averitt’s recognition demonstrates our well-rounded commitment to supporting military personnel, veterans, and their families.
We believe that the contributions and sacrifices of American veterans and military personnel should never be forgotten. That’s why we strive to be the place veterans can call home when they return to the civilian workforce. This honor reflects the values we live by every day, and we are proud to be among the few recognized in this way. T m
take pride in supporting our nation's military veterans. Because of this commitment, Viqtory has recognized Averitt as a Military Friendly Employer for 2026. This year, we are especially proud to have risen to rank No. 5 in our category! “Veterans align naturally with our culture, bringing a strong sense of professionalism, discipline, teamwork, and service to everything they do,” says GARY SASSER , who served in
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 9 2 0 2 5
4
'AVERITT WILL WORK WITH YOU' AWARD WINNING DRIVER Has Grown In His Career
If anyone has seen our commitment to developing associates, it’s Winchester shuttle driver JOSHUA KARLOSKI-LUTZ . Joshua began his Averitt career in 2021 as a part-time dock associate in Tulsa. He completed our Dock-To-Driver Training Program, and in 2022 he became a full-time CDL-A qualified dock associate. In 2023, Joshua became a driver for our Dedicated Greenheck account, and earlier this year he transferred to Winchester. “I’m very blessed,” Joshua says. “There are a lot of different companies, and having these opportunities presented to me through Averitt, I’ve been able to take advantage of that and move forward in my career.” LIMITLESS POTENTIAL From the beginning, Joshua knew Averitt was a unique company. “My mother was a security guard, and she was able to talk to one of the Averitt drivers who delivered to her company, PETE UPTON . He explained how Averitt is different,” Joshua recalls. “He talked about how Averitt promotes from within, and even if I didn’t have my CDL, that’s something Averitt would encourage and teach me.” Following Joshua’s Dock-To-Driver Training Program experience, a position with our Greenheck account turned out to be the right option at the right time. “Greenheck was less than eight minutes away,” Joshua said. “I had been doing a dedicated LTL run for just over a year. The Greenheck opportunity came up, so I put my name in the hat and was chosen for that.” As for his move from Oklahoma to Virginia, Joshua was thankful to learn about the roles we have available throughout our network. “My girlfriend is in the Winchester area,” Joshua explains. “I wanted to move over this direction eventually. As I was doing research, I found out there was an Averitt service center here. When I came and visited, I was able to talk to
everybody here. I got some phone numbers and made some connections, and I said, ‘If there’s another opportunity, I would like to try to make a transfer." “I thought that might happen further down the line,” Joshua continues. “But luckily, the shuttle role did open up, and it was offered to me.” It's just further proof to Joshua that he made the right decision for his career. “It just shows that Averitt cares about offering open positions to people who already work here,” he says. “Averitt is basically saying, ‘We would rather have an Averitt driver than try to find somebody else.’ And Averitt was willing to work with me as I made a big move like that. That made me feel good.” Joshua encourages other associates to be willing to take their next career step with Averitt. “Opportunities are there. As long as you’re applying yourself, leadership acknowledges that and sees it,” he says. “We Promote From Within. If you’re willing to take a chance and try something new, Averitt will work with you to see if it’s a good fit. Averitt doesn’t make you stick to one area.” Joshua’s career growth is one reason he was recently chosen as the winner of the Next Generation in Trucking Association’s Next Top Talent award. Founded to promote careers in the transportation industry by connecting tomorrow's workforce to today's carriers, NextGen's award program recognizes CDL drivers and diesel technicians under 30 who are redefining what it means to be a professional in our industry. To learn more about how you can grow in your Averitt career, visit our Opportunities page at InsideAveritt.com/Opportunities . There, you’ll find a list of open positions, information about our Dock-To-Driver Training and Leadership Development programs, and video testimonials about how we Promote From Within. T m
SNEAK PEEK AT 2026 UNIFORM OPTIONS See Some New Uniform Options That Will Be Offered By OOBE We’re thankful for our new uniform
NEW WOMEN’S SHIRTS AT THE COMPANY STORE Our Company Store features lots of ways for you to “Averitt-ize” your daily life, from men’s and women’s apparel to gifts and collectibles, as well as our Averitt Cares For Kids Collection. Some of our newest professional wear items are three stylish women’s polo shirts – the Birdseye, Horizontal Texture and Tonal. We think they’re pretty sharp, and we think you will, too! Please note that these shirts are not part of our uniform program and are not meant for uniform use. To see what is available at the Company Store, log in to InsideAveritt/Store . T m
partnership with OOBE, and we’re excited to give you a sneak peek at some of the clothing options that will be available for 2026! Among the new options are the Unisex Shipley T-shirt, the men’s Hudgens short-sleeve polo and the women’s Hudgens short-sleeve polo. Please note that these items are not available for pre-sale, but they will be part of our offerings before the end of the year, as well as our 2026 uniform program. To see more Uniformity options – and to use whatever remaining 2025 allotment you may have – log in to InsideAveritt.com/Uniforms .
vol. 9 2 0 2 5
5
DRIVERS FOR DRIVERS
Atlanta West city driver BRAD PHILYAW had purchased almost every piece of golf equipment he owns through Red Thinkin’ Rewards: his bag, golf balls, shoes, Callaway irons, driver, 4 hybrid, 3 wood and even the head covers. What about his putter, you might ask? He won that in a drawing at the Scott Wolf Memorial Averitt Golf Open. “I don’t save my points,” explains Brad, a 23-year Averitt associate. “There are other people who I’ve read about in Team Matters who save up for a cruise or other things. And that’s OK if that’s what they want to do. “I want golf stuff,” he says with a laugh. SIMILAR SUCCESSES Fellow Atlanta West city driver RONNIE JOHNSON and PetSmart Newnan driver DAREN HANEY have also cashed in their Red Thinkin’ Rewards points for golf equipment. Ronnie purchased a TaylorMade 3 wood, hybrid, driver and his shoes through the program. Daren, meanwhile, snapped up multiple sets of irons – Callaway and Wilson – along with a driver and his shoes. “Averitt makes us feel like a million bucks,” says Ronnie, who is also a Georgia Associates Cash In Red Thinkin’ Rewards For Golf Equipment With Red Thinkin’ Rewards, you can get just about anything when you earn points for safety and service awards, operational achievements and People Like You referrals. And as several of our Georgia-based associates have found out, golf clubs are among the options.
driver-trainer and has been with Averitt for close to three decades. “Brad and I spend our points on golf, because that’s what we enjoy doing. We play maybe three or four times a year, but we enjoy it.” Daren – a 17-year team member who started his Averitt career in Truckload and has also served as a shuttle driver – is thankful to be able to take advantage of the program. “I would definitely encourage other associates to check out Red Thinkin' Rewards,” says Daren, who, like Brad and Ronnie, has earned his points through service milestones, safe driving and operational achievements. “They can use their points for whatever they want to get. There’s a big selection.” Brad agrees. “I was surprised at the selection. When you have three different golfers, we might all like three different things,” Brad says. “Ronnie likes TaylorMade. I like Callaway. But they’re all top of the line. There’s a wide range available.” VALUE OF BEING AN ASSOCIATE For these teammates, Red Thinkin’ Rewards is just one piece of the total Averitt package. “I tell people who I do road tests with and train that you know you love your job when you enjoy getting up every morning and coming to work,” Ronnie explains. “That’s the way I am.” Thank you to Brad, Ronnie and Daren for sharing your stories with us! To see how many points you have and what you could earn, log in to InsideAveritt.com/Rewards . T m From left, driving associates DAREN HANEY , RONNIE JOHNSON and BRAD PHILYAW have all cashed in Red Thinkin' Rewards points for golf equipment.
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN IS HERE! Log In And Enter To Win The 4TH Quarter Prize
Are you looking to upgrade your home entertainment setup? Then all you need to do is log into your account by Dec. 31 for your name to be entered in a drawing to win a 40-inch smart TV! While you’re logged in, take a moment to explore the catalog and see what you could take home next with your Red Thinkin’ Rewards points. This program is a special way to recognize your ongoing commitment and contributions to the team by allowing you to redeem your points for prizes. Don’t see anything that catches your eye? Visit the Just For You tab, a unique way to customize your own reward beyond the catalog. Whether it’s new sports gear, appliances, live entertainment, or a memorable getaway, the sky’s the limit! And don’t forget, you can continue earning Red Thinkin’ Rewards points every day through safe driving, People Like You referrals, service milestones, and achieving performance goals. Check your current points balance anytime at InsideAveritt.com/Rewards .
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 9 2 0 2 5
6
SERVICE AWARDS
Below are the five-year milestones of associates WHO HAVE SERVED 20 YEARS OR MORE with our team. To view all available photos of our latest service awards, visit InsideAveritt.com.
Director of Risk Management Claims TERESA SCHEBEL (center, 30 years) with Executive Vice President & CFO Johnny Fields (right) and President & COO Barry Blakely (left)
Dedicated Central Staff associate SHERRI FERGUSON (center, 30 years) with senior pricing & analysis manager Andy Ussery (right), and Director of Analysis & Administration Nick Fields (left)
Director of Corporate Business Development GREG HILL (center, 35 years) with VP of Corporate Business Development Mike Wise (right) and VP of Sales Rogers Luna (left)
Director of Safety & Compliance JASON BOLTON (right, 35 years) with President & COO Barry Blakely (left)
Tampa associate SAMONE VINTHAXAY (left, 25 years) with Service Center Director Dick Wiggins (right)
Tampa associate BRIAN MAGRUM (left, 25 years) with Service Center Director Dick Wiggins (right)
Mercedes associate ANTHONY CARLTON (right, 25 years) with Site Manager Randy Sartain (left)
Corporate associate LYLE DANIELS (right, 25 years) with Truckload operations manager Brian Dudney (left)
GOT A JINGLE IN YOUR STEP? It's time for our Jingle Bell 5K! You can complete a virtual 5K walk or run all December long, or come to our onsite event at our Corporate campus on Dec. 6. More information can be found by visiting InsideAveritt.com/averitt5K.
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
KAREN WALLER – Corporate “Invoicing can often be an uncomfortable topic to discuss, but Karen answered all my questions with patience and ease. I was impressed with how kind, helpful, responsive and a pleasure to work with she was. Thank you for all that you do, Karen!" Annette, MOL Logistics (USA) Inc. – Atlanta, GA VAL MORGAN – Atlanta West “Val is one of the best drivers I’ve worked with. Val is kind, timely, dependable and hardworking. She’s not only an extension of our team, but also a personal friend. Thanks for always lending a listening ear, being a great friend and for all that you do, Val!” Ken, TNT Parts Inc. – Forest Park, GA
MARC COOPER – Nashville "Marc is phenomenal! Every time he has come to our school, he has been wonderful to work with, and I hope he does our future deliveries. He really deserves praise. Great job Marc!” Beth, Johnson Elementary School – Franklin, TN DONALD MCCADNEY – St. Louis “It is incredibly refreshing to have a driver like Donald whose thoughtfulness, patience, and positivity make a real difference for us. We are so grateful for his wonderful service and appreciate him for helping make our work a little easier, and a lot brighter.” Lindsey, Operation Shower – University City, MO
vol. 9 2 0 2 5
7
Fuel efficient driving starts with you.
Small choices can make a big impact.
Learn more at InsideAveritt.com/FuelEfficiency
11.25 Remove poster by November 30
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in November 2005: Dennis Blackmon Raleigh Cleveland Brown Jackson MS Marc Cooper Nashville Jeff Cope Charlotte Jeffrey Dreher Dallas David Drummonds Atlanta West Steven Fulper Nashville James Sapp Jacksonville
40 YEARS Michael Wilson 35 YEARS Gary Chesnut 25 YEARS David Gurley 20 YEARS John Brown
John Shaw
Jacksonville
Willie Crawford Denver Jackson III Claude Myers Robert Thomas Harold White
Macon Cincinnati
Kerry Washington Mercedes For a list of November 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.
Jackson TN
Yorozu Automotive Cracker Barrel
Knoxville
Atlanta East
15 YEARS Stanley Adkins Cedric Ayers Jeffrey Clark Carey Krieger
Gadsden Memphis Memphis Beaumont Tifton
Tifton
Mercedes Atlanta West Cincinnati
Anthony Lanzarotto
Kenneth Chambers
Eric Combs
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
vol. 9 2 0 2 5
8
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter