COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters INFORMING OUR ASSOCIATES ABOUT ALL THINGS AVERITT • JANUARY 2023
ACFK: SAVING LIVES, THANKS TO YOU! P2
CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH
BUILDING TOWARD THE FUTURE: INVESTMENTS HELP US STAY READY P3 QUICK THINKING: TYLER DRIVER SAVES LIVES P6
Associates Dajae Williams, Joe Ramsey, Domitilo Ramos, Walinda Brown, Joseph Anderson and Kenney Brown are featured in this year’s Uniformity catalog. See P5 to learn more about how you can look your professional best in 2023.
CREATIVITY, INNOVATION SECURE OUR FUTURE year, I’m filled with pride when I think back to what our team has accomplished in the last As we roll into a new
12 months.
This gives our team more opportunities to say “yes” to customers in need of our services, which leads to growth and greater profit sharing. We’re also continuing to invest in our associates P2
An important adjustment we made to continue delivering creative and innovative service to our customers is moving to a hub-and-spoke operation in Truckload.
TEAM NOTES From Gary Sasser
Saving Lives, Thanks To You!
Our Team’s Special Relationship With St. Jude Over the past 32 years, we’ve developed a special relationship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through Averitt Cares Averitt Cares for Kids. That bond has been reflected in a number of ways, including through our annual contribution to the hospital. And we’re excited to announce that thanks to you and your teammates, we’re making a record-setting a record-setting donation of $1,200,001 to St. Jude! That’s four straight years of at least $1 million going to the hospital and its patients, all thanks to associates like you. How are we able to provide this difference-making contribution? The driving force behind our annual donation is made possible by associates giving just $1 per week, as well as through a company match made in recognition of associate milestones and anniversaries. Plus, the hours our associates put into the Team Up Community Challenge result in an additional contribution to Averitt Cares for Kids. Thanks to the thousands of hours you and your teammates gave back to your communities in 2022, the total matching contribution for the year was an astounding $750,000! “This is such an exciting time for our team, and I’m so proud of what we’re able to do for St. Jude through Averitt Cares for Kids,” says GARY SASSER . “I’m humbled by the way our associates come together to help others in need, and Averitt Cares for Kids is a wonderful example of what’s possible through teamwork. As we continue to reach milestones and give back through the Team Up Community Challenge, there’s no limit to what we can give to St. Jude.” Are you one of the more than 94% of associates who are members of Averitt Cares for Kids? If not, now is the perfect time to start contributing $1 a week to bring hope to others. Just visit InsideAveritt.com/AverittCares or talk with your leader about joining the team! T m
Vice President of Information Systems TIM SAYLOR spends some time with a patient's family during a visit to St. Jude. Our team recently donated $1,200,001 to the children's hospital through Averitt Cares for Kids, marking our largest-ever contribution.
AVERITT CARES FOR KIDS GIVING THROUGH THE YEARS
$ 1,200,001
$ 1,050,001
$ 1,000,001 $ 1,000,001
$ 750,001
$ 550,001
2022
2020 2019
2017
2018
2021
IN THIS EDITION Included with this month's edition of Team Matters: an updated
FROM GARY SASSER PG. 1 - with infrastructure enhancements, new equipment and additional career growth opportunities . Our culture is as strong as ever, and investing in our people helps to secure a bright future together. I am impressed with the caring and giving nature of our associates. Thanks to you, Averitt Cares for
Kids has set an incredible milestone with a $1,200,001 contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These funds go a long way toward helping these precious patients and their families. And our Team Up Community Challenge continues to hit new benchmarks as well. You and your teammates have given back thousands of hours to the communities we serve, maintaining
the values we hold as a team. I hope you take as much pride in these achievements as I do. The opportunity to do even bigger and better things is there for the taking. I’m excited to see what 2023 and beyond has in store for our team!
version of our Key Contacts card.
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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BUILDING TOWARD THE FUTURE
Infrastructure Investments Show Our Commitment To Growth
East Coast markets, which are in line to see more growth as shippers divert freight from the West Coast. “With a lot of the congestion we’ve seen at different ports around the country, and with the dredging they’re doing in Mobile to allow some bigger ships, we’ve experienced a lot of growth in Mobile this year,” explains DAVID MCGONAGILL of our regional leadership. “In 2022, our PortSide business alone was up almost 100% over 2021.” Barry says the ports are an important part of our long-term strategy. “All of our East Coast ports and Gulf Coast ports are positioned for significant growth for years to come,” he says. “That is why we are investing so heavily in all of those facilities. It is to prepare us for that growth.” Barry adds that the infrastructure plans are part of our overall vision to be prepared. “We have to continue to look well in advance,” he says. “If we wait until we find ourselves in need, it is too late. We are very forward-thinking in terms of properties, equipment and people.” Those commitments can play an important role in helping us secure our future. “Being able to invest in our facilities and our people and our future is much needed, and it creates a lot of excitement,” David says. “I feel like as we continue to upgrade and expand, it gets a lot of people’s juices flowing, it creates excitement, and I think it attracts people from our competition as well.” We’re in this exciting position because of your commitment to delivering excellence. Thank you for those efforts, and we look forward to being in an even stronger position for the future as we lay the groundwork now through our infrastructure enhancements. T m Our new Savannah service center is one of many facility enhancements we’ve made in recent years, and we have a long-term plan to stay ready for the future. One enhancement currently underway is a new facility in Mobile, which will be similar to Savannah.
And right now, there may be no better example of our eye toward the future than our infrastructure enhancements. We currently have 50-plus projects underway throughout our network, from updating our facilities, to dock and yard expansions, maintenance renovations, lighting projects, and new properties purchases. “We are putting together a one-year, three-year and five-year plan, and then a 10-year plan after we get that accomplished,” explains BARRY BLAKELY of our executive leadership. “We want to make sure we have the flexibility and the infrastructure that we need for growth. Commercial real estate is both a significant investment and a challenge to find in some markets. As they say, you are not going to be able to create land opportunities, so we are focused on finding them now.” Infrastructure enhancements are important for our future because they show our customers that we’re ready to partner with them and grow our business. It’s also important for our associates, because we can provide you with the best amenities and quality of life. Additionally, we’re able to attract high-quality people who want a better career for themselves. MOVING IN MOBILE One of our key projects is taking place in Mobile, where we’re building a new facility that will have about 50% more dock doors, a roughly 120,000-square-foot warehouse, more parking, and the ability to provide transloading services. That is particularly important in our Gulf Coast and Our commitment to a bright future is at the forefront of everything we do. It’s why we invest in hiring the best people, and it’s why we focus on having the best equipment and best image through our uniform program.
If you haven’t submitted your application for the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship, now is the time to do so. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 1 for the 2023- 24 school year. LAST CALL FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS Scott Wolf Scholarship Applications Run Through Feb. 1
SCOTT WOLF served as our Vice President of Corporate Services until his passing in 2012. 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
Because of a donation from our team in 2021, the amount of each scholarship continues to be $1,000 for each student! 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.
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HELP ON TOUR LOGISTICS GROW
More Referral Rewards For On Tour Logistics Through Feb. 28
Our On Tour Logistics team is a unique group that serves the concert and events industry. This group is experiencing exceptional growth, as more multiweek concert tours, trade shows and sporting events are reaching out to Averitt to deliver innovative solutions.
If you know any of your friends or family who would be interested in joining our On Tour Logistics team, now is a great time to refer them to Averitt. That’s because between now and Feb. 28, when one of your OTL referrals is hired, you’ll earn $1,500 in referral rewards! Additionally, if one of your referrals comes to Averitt as a Truckload driver and transfers to OTL after 30 days, you’re also eligible for the $1,500! For more information about our People Like You referral program, including referral rewards information, referral tools and a list of open positions, visit InsideAveritt.com/PeopleLikeYou . 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!
Dallas shuttle driver PEDRO MENDOZA
Jackson TN administrative leader SHERRY DAVIS
Atlanta East dock associate JWAYNE CLIVENS
Tampa city driver JESUS DIAZ
Tupelo city driver PAT PAYNE
Raleigh city driver JEREMY WARD
Chattanooga city driver MATT WHITESELL
Little Rock transportation specialist STACEY ZOBRIST
25 YEARS Daniel Deal Danny McDaniel Jeffrey McGuire Michael Roosa Charlie Wilder 20 YEARS Dwight Coleman Rexford Gilbert II Timothy Henschel Brian Hollister Larry Isaac Rodney Lymon Kirk Perkins Henry Spicer
15 YEARS Moses Asiamah Marty Baker Sr. Wayne Budzik Jamie Collins Alfred Denham Victor Gonzalez James King John Maddox Robert Muchmore Johnny Neal
SAFETY AWARDS OCT.-NOV.
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in January 2003: John Buck Dallas Linda Gray Corporate Annabella McCormick Corporate Marc Robinson Corporate For a list of January milestone service awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com .
Greensboro
Atlanta East Decatur Winchester
Norfolk
For a complete list of Safety Award winners, including five- and 10-year recipients, visit InsideAveritt.com. 35 YEARS Tony Moore Jackson TN Bobby White Jackson TN 30 YEARS William Frick Charlotte
Greensboro Oklahoma City Greensboro Richmond Louisville Roanoke Charlotte Lexington Little Rock Fayetteville NC
Costco Tifton
Greensboro DBH Distributing Chattanooga Cincinnati Baton Rouge
Carl Sowell
El Paso
Matthew Whitesell
Chattanooga Ft. Myers
Paul Young
Dallas
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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UNIFORMITY: CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH
Keep Your Uniform Apparel Sharp, Professional In 2023
This year’s Uniformity catalog will be arriving in your mailbox soon, and it’s the perfect time to make sure your attire is sharp, professional and up to date. That’s because uniform-eligible associates can take advantage of an allotment of up to $150. You can also use your allotment online at InsideAveritt.com/Uniforms. Additionally, if you use your full allotment Our associates are cut from the same cloth, because we’re committed to professionalism in everything we do. One way we show that is through our uniforms.
before Jan. 31, you could win a gift card of up to $500! Another incentive to use your allotment now is our early-bird discount. Between now and March 31, you’ll save 20% on your order – that’s more bang for your Uniformity buck! For more information about our uniform program or to place your order, log on to InsideAveritt.com/Uniforms . T m
An important part of our unique culture is our commitment to promote from within. New Birmingham frontline leader BARRY STONE is an excellent example of that, having begun his Averitt career in 2015 as a driver for our Mercedes team. DETERMINATION Creates Growth Opportunities Barry also served as a city driver and shuttle driver before his recent promotion, and he chalks that growth up to a few things. “When you’re upfront with your leaders about your career goals, that will put a bug in their ear,” he says. “And when it comes down to it, don’t be afraid to make the move. Don’t be scared. Do it. Because you’ll never know unless you try.” ‘THE SKY IS THE LIMIT’ Memphis transportation sales specialist HATCH KIRKPATRICK is another associate who has been able Birmingham Frontline Leader Started As Dedicated Driver BARRY STONE
the limit.” Building on Barry’s advice, Hatch says it’s important to be open to opportunities.
“Always have the mindset of being willing to learn and try something new,” he explains. “Obviously working hard is important, but also having a willingness to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.”
“Most of it has been determination, and coming in and working hard every day,” Barry explains. “That’s the main thing. When you work hard, opportunities will open up for you.” Something else that has stood out to Barry during his time at Averitt is our team-oriented atmosphere. “I look forward to coming to work every day,” he says. “Some people get to where they don’t look forward to going to work, but that’s not the case here. It’s like my second family.” Barry says associates who want to grow in their own careers should make sure leadership is aware of their goals.
HATCH KIRKPATRICK
to take advantage of varying career opportunities. He started in 1995 as a part-time dock associate, and has also served as a full-time dock associate, city dispatcher and frontline leader before moving to his current role in 2014. Additionally, Hatch earned his CDL and has at times helped out as a driver. “I think that says a lot about Averitt’s culture,” Hatch says. “I’ve been here 27 years now, and I’ve always heard about Averitt’s culture. Averitt has created an environment where if you’re willing to work, the sky is
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP Do you want to grow in your Averitt career? 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 check it often to stay up to date on all our available career opportunities! T m
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
Darius Privett
Jackson TN Corporate Jacksonville Corporate
NEW LEADERS
RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team! Martin Alley Opelika Alvin Bates Richmond Timothy Ford Cookeville Jerome Franklin Memphis Lloyd Meek Petco Stephen Meyer Tri-Cities Linda Parrish Meridian
Gail Pullen
Gene Schmitt
Timothy Waters Frontline Leader MEMPHIS DISTRIBUTION & FULFILLMENT Myla Sells Truckload Fleet Leader CORPORATE Derek Loepker Operations Leader ATLANTA EAST
Joe Smith
James Sullen Johnny Worthen
Opelika Macon
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QUICK THINKING BY TYLER DRIVER SAVES LIVES
Accident Before Thanksgiving Holiday Has Happy Ending The day before Thanksgiving, Tyler city driver BOBBY NICHOLSON was traveling along I-20 on his way to his final stop. He was just a few miles away from his exit to Kilgore when he felt the impact of a car slamming into his trailer’s bumper. When he looked in his side mirror, he could see only half of an SUV with smoke emerging from the car. He soon realized the car was stuck to his bumper and the driver had no control of the vehicle. “It was such a scary sight,” Bobby says. “I figured out the smoke I was seeing was debris from the car’s air bags. All of them had deployed, and I couldn’t see anyone who was in the car.” Knowing that braking could cause the car to become loose of his bumper, Bobby let off the gas pedal and began coasting to a stop. His quick thinking allowed him to guide his tractor and the damaged car safely to the shoulder of the interstate. Once he came to a stop, Bobby grabbed his emergency kit and immediately called 911 and our Risk Management team. “I went through all of the steps you’re supposed to after an accident,” Bobby says. “ TRACY DISHMAN from Risk Management walked me through everything and calmed me down. I was afraid to get out of the truck because of what I might see, but I knew I had to.” When Bobby climbed down from his cab and reached the end of his trailer, he saw two passengers and the car’s driver standing off the road in the
Tyler city driver BOBBY NICHOLSON recently maneuvered a dangerous situation by using quick thinking and a commitment to safety.
middle of a field. “I’ve never been so happy to see a bunch of people walking around in a cornfield!” Bobby laughed. “I felt nothing but joy when I knew they were OK.” The vehicle’s driver, his wife and his son were shaken up but were able to exit their vehicle without problem. Bobby says they were all thankful to have walked away from the accident without injury and talked until emergency crews arrived to separate the SUV from the truck and tow it away. “Before we parted ways, I gave him a hug, shook his wife’s hand and wished them a happy Thanksgiving,” Bobby says. “We were all so relieved to be going home to be with our families.” A few days later, a gift basket arrived at the Nicholson residence as a thank-you from the family. Bobby said he was surprised by the gesture and grateful for their appreciation. “Bobby displayed outstanding driving and critical thinking skills during a dangerous and unique situation,” Director of Safety and Compliance JOHN WALTON says. “He kept calm and followed his safety training, and his performance likely saved several lives that day. He is a perfect example of our many safe drivers.” Thank you, Bobby, for maneuvering a dangerous situation with such grace – a situation that could have been much worse without your levelheadedness! It’s obvious you share Averitt’s driving concern! T m
We’re proud to be a military-friendly employer, and one new way we’re showing that is through an enhancement to our military leave program. MILITARY LEAVE ENHANCEMENTS
Associates Can Be Compensated For Up To 30 Days
Effective immediately, associates who are members of the military and are called to active duty or training camp can now be compensated for their short-term leave of absence. For leaves of less than 31 days, they are eligible to receive the difference between the military pay and the base pay they would have earned at Averitt, up to a maximum of 30 days each calendar year. “Our active military associates bring important skills and experience, and we’re stronger with veterans on our team,” says ELISE LEESON of our human resources leadership. “This enhancement is one of the many ways we’re giving veterans ‘the right to be at ease’ as they wear the uniform.” For more information about our military leave policy, log on to InsideAveritt.com/Handbook and click on “Attendance.” T m
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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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 GREG ANDERSON (left, 25 years) with frontline leader Mylon Morgan
Cincinnati associate ANDY MAGEE (right, 30 years) with Service Center Director Darrell McComas
Cincinnati associate GENE GILLESPIE (right, 30 years) with Service Center Director Darrell McComas
Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing KENT WILLIAMS (left, 35 years) with President Wayne Spain
Memphis shuttle driver JOHN KELLEY (center, 35 years service, 34 years safety) with Service Center Director Mike Maynard (left) and operations manager Brian Hopper (right)
Corporate associate SHERRY ANDERSON (left, 35 years) with Vice President of Pricing and Traffic Mark Davis
Atlanta West associate BRIAN MAULDIN (left, 30 years) with Service Center Director Zach Ervin
Knoxville associate TIM CUPP (30 years)
Corporate associate TOM ADCOCK (center, 35 years) with Director of Dedicated Operations Steve Anderson (left) and Vice President of Dedicated Operations Dan Singer (right)
Mobile associate MARION MARTIN (left, 30 years) with Service Center Director Mark Walters
Asheville associate LAWRENCE SLUDER (right) with Service Center Director Todd Cochrane
Memphis associate KEVIN COWAN (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director Mike Maynard
INCREDIBLE SAFE DRIVING MILESTONES
At near right, Jackson TN city driver TONY TONY MOORE (left) is presented his 35-year safety award by Service Center Director Doug Granito (right). At far right, Jacksonville city driver TONY ADAMS (right) is recognized by Service Center Director Tommy Webb (left) for 25 years of safe driving. Thank you for your commitment to doing things the right way!
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Life preserver. Don’t drive drowsy. Get the proper sleep.
Watch our video at InsideAveritt.com/fatigue
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
SCOTT CLOUSE – Corbin-London “Scott is the best driver! He is always helpful and professional. He will even stay and help us get something ready to ship so that it can be taken on the truck that day. He is 99% of the reason we are so loyal to Averitt.” Misty, Architectural Cabinetry & Casework – Bronston, KY HARVEY BROOKS – Savannah “Harvey is a great guy, and he is always professional and polite! He makes shipping freight easy, and we appreciate him very much!” Marty, Rotary Corporation – Glennville, GA
MARC ROBINSON – Corporate WHITNEY REID – Corporate
“I ordered a safe door from a company, and the previous freight carrier damaged it. They shipped it through Averitt next time, and that’s where Marc and Whitney shined! They helped ensure my freight was safe and secure, and they were efficient and courteous. Thank you!” Job, residential customer – Cookeville, TN
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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