INFORMING OUR ASSOCIATES ABOUT ALL THINGS AVERITT • NO. 5 • 2023 COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
PROFIT SHARING: OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE FIRST QUARTER P2 MOVING FORWARD: DESPITE SLOWER BUSINESS, YOUR EFFORTS HELP US SUCCEED P3 MENTORS: DOCK ASSOCIATES HELP COACH TEAMMATES P5
GARY SASSER (right) and other members of our leadership recently visited our Tampa service center to say thank you to associates, including city driver KELVIN NICKELS (left), for all they ’ re doing to deliver excellence each day. SAYING THANK YOU
INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE
we’re prepared for the long haul. Our industry – and the economy in general – has
and your performance has been much better than our competitors. That’s a testament to your commitment, and I thank you for everything you’re doing to make it happen. We anticipate increased freight levels as we P2
TEAM NOTES From Gary Sasser
Everything we do is with the future in mind. From hiring and training the best people, to providing state- of-the-art equipment , amenities and facilities , it’s all about making sure
recently experienced challenges. I’m proud of the way you have continued to focus on delivering excellence,
PROFIT SHARING TOTALS *Numbers represent amount equal to percentage of associate pay 4.51%
KEEPING UP THE MOMENTUM
9.40%
7.92%
6.73%
Outstanding Profit Sharing Performance In The First Quarter
3.93%
Our Profit Sharing motto says it all – “Share the Effort, Share the Reward.”
In the first three months of the year, your efforts helped us share an impressive reward, as an amount equal to 7.924% of your pay was contributed to your 401(k) retirement accounts! That’s more than twice the amount of the average match that many companies offer, and we thank you for all you’re doing to move us toward an even brighter future together. PRIDE IN OUR PERFORMANCE
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Q1
CALVIN RACKLEY of our regional leadership has been with Averitt for about 37 years, and he says Profit Sharing is all about taking pride in delivering excellence. “It's an investment in doing things correctly,” he says. “It doesn’t come out of your check. It comes out of your sweat
“We have a world-class Profit Sharing program, and it’s been here the entire time I’ve been with Averitt,” he says. “It’s always been unlimited, and it’s always depended on us all doing a good job. It’s how we prevent accidents, how we prevent claims, how we take care of our customers and how we grow our business. All of it works together.” Everything you do makes a difference, and we look forward to continuing our momentum for the rest of 2023! To see how you impact Profit Sharing, go to InsideAveritt.com/ProfitSharing. T m
CALVIN RACKLEY
equity and the pride you take in your performance.” Throughout his Averitt career, Calvin has seen how Profit Sharing has stood the test of time.
• Each month, 20% of our profits is set aside for Profit Sharing contributions. • That total amount is then shared with all associates based on individual compensation. • Profit Sharing is funded entirely by the company, and deposited directly into your 401(k) retirement account. • You receive Profit Sharing contributions whether or not you make your own personal contributions to your 401(k) retirement account.
• Your personal Profit Sharing contribution is reported monthly on MyPortal and in the quarterly summary you receive from Principal. • Our Profit Sharing program has stood the test of time. Since our plan began in 1984, we have never missed a quarterly Profit Sharing contribution. • You can learn more about Profit Sharing at InsideAveritt.com/ProfitSharing.
• Our Profit Sharing plan is an exciting opportunity to share in the rewards of our efforts, with a portion of our profits given back to you as monthly direct deposits into your 401(k) retirement account.
FROM GARY SASSER PG. 1 move forward. That’s why we’re focused on making sure we’re prepared to handle that extra volume by investing in infrastructure. While some of our competitors are closing facilities, we’re making investments in new ones. We’re also upgrading existing facilities, adding parking, and doing all we can to make sure our team enjoys the best quality of life
Circle – Our Customers, Our Associates and Our Future. As we deliver the best service through innovative and creative solutions, we’re able to invest in and take care of our associates. And doing those things helps us secure a brighter future together.
possible. Another way we’re preparing for the future is by showing The Power of One in the services we offer. That means providing local customization, drayage, distribution & fulfillment and more. All these help us build density and strengthen our relationships with our customers, which keeps us prepared for whatever comes our way. It all comes back to the Winner’s
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Positive Outlook For The Rest Of 2023 In the last several months, you’ve probably noticed the headlines regarding the overall economy and challenges in our industry. Some in the transportation media have used the term “freight recession” because of softer bill count numbers nationwide. For our team, first-quarter revenue was slightly down compared to last year. But our performance numbers continue to be very strong, including a record cargo claims performance and near-record operating ratio. And while the current challenges facing the industry are a reality, BARRY BLAKELY and KENT WILLIAMS of our executive leadership say our outlook is strong for the rest of 2023. “If you look at any of the industry news, you’ll see that a lot of other carriers are not producing numbers like ours,” explains Barry. Kent adds, “It’s never a good thing when revenue is down, but we have to remember that 2021 and especially 2022 were remarkable years for our industry. There was really more freight trying to move than there were carriers trying to move it all. I’ve been in the industry for well over 30 years, and it was a market that I’ve never seen before.” STAYING THE COURSE Kent says being an independent company allows us to stay with a proven plan that has brought us success for more than 50 years. BARRY BLAKELY
can move some of our resources around and share them, which makes us stronger.” Barry notes that our focus on the Power of One – serving as a one-stop shop for our customers – is an important part of our long-term strength. “If our LTL bill count is down, we are still able to do local customization or PortSide moves,” he explains. “That allows our associates to do other things during times when our bill count may be down a little bit.” Barry adds, “I am really proud of our team and the quality our associates delivered in the first quarter. Our service has been excellent.” ‘UP’ CYCLES AND ‘DOWN’ CYCLES Kent is confident that the transportation industry will soon be back on an upswing. “Our industry always has ‘up’ cycles and ‘down’ cycles,” he explains. “Some down cycles last longer than we’d like, but usually they’re fairly short, and we jump right back into an up cycle. And that’s what our hopes and expectations are for this one.” Kent adds that our associates’ commitment to excellence has put us in position to overcome whatever challenges come our way. “We have a lot to be proud of, and I’m excited about the remainder of the year,” he says. “I think we’re going to see improved business levels. It’s just amazing the job that our operations associates and entire team have done to maintain our performance during these softer business levels.” Thank you again for your commitment to excellence. Despite slower business levels, you helped us continue our momentum by doing things the right way. We appreciate all you do, and your efforts make a difference! T m
“We have the best service, the best quality and the best equipment in the industry,” he says. “We have the best people in the business, and we continue to invest in them. We do not overreact when we see a bit of a dip in business. We make sure we maintain our flexibility. Because of all the solutions we deliver, we
KENT WILLIAMS
New 25- And 35-Year Logos Now Part Of Uniform Program HONORING YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE Our Uniformity program offers several unique ways to show your pride for the Averitt team.
current or former military veterans; Averitt Cares for Kids for all the associates who support the good works of St. Jude through weekly Averitt Cares for Kids donations; and Driver Trainer for associates who are helping to shape the next generation of Averitt drivers. To take advantage of these new logo options, or to ensure your Averitt apparel is sharp and professional, place your order at InsideAveritt.com/Uniforms or through our print catalog. T m
In honor of the experience of our Over 20 Team associates, one of the newest is the recent addition of 25-year and 35-year logo options . These increments are in addition to our 20-, 30- and 40-year logos, and they’re available at no cost to Over 20 Team members. Remember, other logo options include U.S. Veteran for our associates who are
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Knoxville Driver’s Experience Spurs People Like You Referrals ‘AVERITT IS BY FAR THE BEST’ Knoxville home-daily Truckload driver TAMERA TAMERA O’CONNER has been with Averitt for five years, and her experience with our team has prompted her to be active in making People Like You People Like You referrals. Before coming to Averitt, Tamera was a part-time driver for another company in addition to her full-time job at an oncology pharmacy mixing chemotherapy. She also had previous over-the-road experience, and she wanted to get back into transportation full time. “For one thing, I’m the type of person who will go crazy if I have to sit in one room all day long,” Tamera jokes. “I like to get out and go. And truck driving pays a lot more. Even mixing chemo, which I went to school for, I make more driving than I did doing that.” Tamera referred her son and brother-in-law to Averitt, and she continues to refer people in the transportation industry who work for other companies. The referral of her son turned into a family team shuttle combo, as they drove
together for about a year before she recently moved into the home-daily role. The reason Tamera makes referrals is simple. “It’s because I like this company,” she explains. “I’ve worked for other companies, and Averitt is by far the best that I’ve seen. No other company I’ve ever seen has an owner who actually calls and talks to you and meets you. That’s impressive. Averitt seems to care more about the drivers. And the Profit Sharing is definitely good.” Thank you, Tamera, for helping us grow by referring People Like You! Your efforts help us build on our culture through like-minded associates, and they put us in position to share an even brighter future together. For more information about our People Like You referral program, including a list of open positions and information about referral rewards, visit InsideAveritt.com/PeopleLikeYou. T m Knoxville home-daily Truckload driver TAMERA O’CONNER refers People Like You to Averitt because her experience here is the best she’s had in the transportation industry.
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!
Atlanta East dock associate BILLY COKER
Chattanooga team shuttle driver PHIL PHILLIPS
Dallas Distribution & Fulfillment frontline leader KERMIT MCABEE
Kirkland's Inc. driver ANTONIO REDDICK
Corporate associate LEVI ROBERTS
Tupelo city driver JIM SMITH
Knoxville dock associate JOSEPH WANDERLINGH
Houston city driver RUSSELL WILLIAMS
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EXPERIENCE AT THE READY
Dock Associates Help Coach Teammates Through Mentor Program For many years, our driving force has had a driver-trainer program to help newer associates get acclimated to the road. That same thought process is now being taken to the dock, as we recently began a new Dock Mentor Program Dock Mentor Program. “If you’ve been out on the dock long enough, those associates who are experienced, when they speak up, people listen to them because they are respected,” says AMOS ROGAN of our LTL operations leadership. “That’s what we want to foster. We want to build on the respect that these mentors have earned because of the way they do their job, the way they carry themselves, how safe they are and how productive they are.” So far, we have nearly 40 dock mentors in place at 14 facilities. These are associates who have great experience and want to share what they’ve learned with their teammates. The program also provides our facilities with another set of eyes, helping ensure we deliver excellence with safety and best practices in mind. The early feedback has been outstanding, and we plan to grow the program as needed. “So far, it is paying great dividends for us,” says Atlanta West Service Center Director ZACH ERVIN . “We have people in these positions who are serious
Atlanta West dock associate ROD JOHNSON (center), pictured with operations manager DWAYNE GRIBBLE (left) and Service Center Director ZACH ERVIN (right), is one of our dock mentors who helps coach fellow teammates on the platform.
about teaching dock associates how to do things the right way.” Amos says the mentor selection process is designed to ensure we have the best associates ready to help their peers. “It’s an elaborate vetting process. You don’t just walk up and say, ‘Hey, I’m a mentor,’” Amos explains. “We try to make it a big deal. It’s something that gives them distinction. They have a different shirt that says ‘Mentor’ on it, there’s a compensation difference, and they receive a certificate from GARY SASSER and LARRY MASON. ” Amos adds that our Dock Mentor Program is a unique opportunity for associates who might be interested in a leadership role in the future. “Dock mentors are not required to move into leadership in the future,” Amos says. “But when a leadership position does come open, they can be better prepared to put their name in, if that’s what they want to do. The program definitely helps with associate development, and it helps us improve our productivity and safety on the platform.” Are you interested in becoming a dock mentor? Reach out to your leader to learn more about the program and the selection process. T m
2024 Children’s Art Calendar A Partnership With St. Jude SUPPORTING THE GOOD WORKS OF ST. JUDE Since 1971, one of our main goals as a team has been to help people succeed. An important way we do that is by supporting the good works of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through our special relationship with Averitt Cares for Kids.
$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. The deadline for the 2024 Children’s Art Calendar entries is Friday, June 30, 2023. For more information, visit InsideAveritt.com/Calendar. T m
As part of those ongoing efforts, we’re excited to say that we’re partnering with St. Jude for our 2024 Children’s Art Calendar. We want to see what the good works of St. Jude mean to your children or grandchildren. 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. Each child who enters will receive a
IN THIS EDITION Included in this edition of Team Matters is an entry form is an entry form for the 2024 Children’s Art Calendar. We look forward to seeing what the good works of St. Jude mean to your children and grandchildren!
Artwork by St. Jude
patient Amber
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Greg began his Averitt career in 1988 as a city driver, and not long after he was promoted to frontline leader. He spent close to seven years in that role, then moved to a transportation sales specialist position for about six months. In August of 1995, he was promoted to service center director, a role he’s held ever since. “ GARY SASSER believes in promoting from within, and all the leaders I’ve had believe in promoting from within,” Greg explains. “I do the same thing here. All my leadership started on the dock or as drivers. That’s the culture of Averitt to promote from within.” Greg says the best way to grow is to do your current job to the best of your ability, and good things will happen. “Make your leader’s and other associates’ job around you easier,” he says. “And be able to deliver answers and solutions for challenges that come up. I’ve been to other service centers and have helped, and other people have done the same for me. I think what got me to where I am is a willingness to help wherever and whenever I was needed.” In 35 years with Averitt, Opelika Service Center Director GREG CLARK GREG CLARK has seen two important aspects of our culture firsthand – our commitment to promoting from within, and our team-oriented culture. Opelika Service Center Director Started As City Driver ‘THAT’S THE CULTURE OF AVERITT’
Opelika Service Center Director GREG CLARK (right) welcomes city driver DAVID LOLLIS (left) to the Over 20 Team. Greg started his own Averitt career as a city driver in 1988.
Greg says our culture of teamwork is a 180-degree turn from what he experienced before coming to Averitt. “I worked with a couple companies as a member of leadership, and during that entire time, I may have met two other service center directors,” Greg recalls. “Other than a regional leader, I never met anybody else while working for those companies. But it’s a family atmosphere at Averitt. I’ve met a lot of people here, we work with everybody, and it’s been a great company to work for.” READY TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER Are you ready to take the next step in your Averitt career? You can call our Job Hotline at 800-991-1971 or visit InsideAveritt.com/Jobs. The Job Hotline is updated on Mondays and Thursdays, so check it out often to stay up to date on all our available positions, from local driver to leadership and other opportunities. T m
CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS! The Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship Program helps associates and their dependents further their college education, and we’re excited to announce the winners of this year’s awards. Scott Wolf Scholarship Continues Legacy Of Giving Back To Associates The winners are: • Noah Beaty , son of Bryan (Corporate) and Laura Beaty (Corporate) • Dallas Faircloth , son of Marshall Faircloth (Eastern NC) • Ryan Hall , son of Kim Hall (Corporate) • Lynnsey Saylor , daughter of Teddy Saylor (Knoxville) • Bethany Sims , daughter of William Sims (Tyler) so much about: his fellow Averitt associates. Additionally, in honor of our 50th anniversary in 2021, our team gave a $50,000 matching donation to the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship Program, increasing the amount to $1,000 for each student!
• Jake Stoneback , son of Bryan Stoneback (West Palm Beach) • Maggie Vinson , daughter of Jeffrey Vinson (Cincinnati) Scott 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, hoping to find a way to give back to those who Scott cared
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee determines the winners of the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship. Since the program began in 2013, there have been 83 winners representing 13 states . Learn more about the Scott Wolf Memorial Scholarship at InsideAveritt.com/Scholarships . T m
• Krianna Jackson , daughter of Temika Washington (Mercedes) • Shelby King , daughter of James King (BMW-TN Hub and Spoke) • Libby Quick , daughter of Clint Dickey (Decatur)
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SAFETY CHAMPIONS
Honoring Those Who Put A Focus On Safe Driving Year After Year
Today, the wall boasts more than 425 associates’ names with additional drivers earning their safety awards every month. Among those listed is Fort Smith shuttle driver DARREN VANMETER. Darren, who recently celebrated his 25th anniversary with our team, has also been a safe driving award winner since he came aboard in 1998. “I’ve always been a very safety-minded person,” Darren says. “Before I came to Averitt, I worked on an oil field, so safety is a major part of both jobs. You never want to put yourself in a position where you hurt yourself or someone else. Not only do you have your job to think about, but you also have to remember you have a family at home.” Like many of our drivers, Darren takes pride in upholding Averitt’s safety image. “When you see drivers out on the road who aren’t being careful, I think it is embarrassing,” Darren says. “It gives their carrier a bad name, and I like keeping Averitt’s appearance positive. I know accidents can happen that are out of our control, but driving carelessly is inexcusable and avoidable.” While on the road, Darren says there are two basic practices drivers should follow to ensure they’re driving safely. Displayed proudly just inside the doors of our corporate office in Cookeville is a wall of names labeled “Safety Champions.” The exhibit lists the names of every active driver who has at least 20 years of safe driving under their belt.
“Keep a safe distance and use signal lights. Both are extremely simple things to do, but both are keys to being safe. Trucks can’t stop on a dime, and we can’t predict when a vehicle you’re following may suddenly stop. And turn signals are our way of communicating our intentions with other motorists.” We are extremely proud of Darren and our long list of Safety Champions. Congratulations to each of you for being exemplary models of consistency and for your commitment to doing things the right way. Your efforts make a difference, and they help us to continue to be a leader in the industry! T m Fort Smith shuttle driver DARREN VANMETER recently celebrated 25 years of safe driving, and he says two important keys to his success through the years have been keeping a safe distance and using turn signals.
SAFETY SENSE
Speed Control Our Focus For Second Quarter Our Speed Control safety course is a great tool
An important part of driving a commercial vehicle is maintaining control, and that includes choosing the appropriate speed based on road conditions, speed limits and Averitt policy.
entered in a drawing for 10 winners of 250,000 Red Thinkin’ Rewards points. You can find the course at InsideAveritt.com/SpeedControl. T m
that can help you freshen up your skills, and we’ll be focusing on the course throughout the second quarter. As an incentive to watch the video, all driving associates who complete the course before June 30, 2023, will be
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Meeting Customer Needs At Every Level Local customization has been a staple of our team since our founding. We have always prided ourselves on our innovation, flexibility and ability to cater our services to customers at the local level. And though we’ve grown a lot over the past five decades, we’ve never lost sight of what helped get us where we are today and what will get us to where we want to be in the next 50 years. One thing that separates us from our competitors is that we empower our local service centers to offer custom solutions to our customers based on capacity. These solutions may not fit within traditional LTL or Truckload models, but it is these types of “Power Of One” projects our customers have come to appreciate from us. “Many companies, as they get bigger and more complex, tend to stifle innovation and creativity because they come up with a lot of rules and standard operating procedures,” says Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing KENT WILLIAMS. “There is certainly a place for rules and SOPs, but we have always made sure we allow for creativity from individual service centers and service units.” While some of these projects may be one-time moves, many have the potential to become permanent solutions. Drayage, a service that is now its own entity, evolved from local customization. Today, we offer a wide array of drayage options – from hauling freight from container ships to moving items from plants to warehouses every day. LEADING THE WAY IN LOCAL CUSTOMIZATION
One way we deliver unique solutions to our customers is local customization within the Kentucky bourbon and spirits industry. In fact, that service plays a key role in filling our Louisville Distribution & Fulfillment facility.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Region 2 and the work they are doing with local customization,” Kent says. “Louisville’s involvement with the bourbon and spirits industry is an excellent example of how our local associates recognized and helped meet the needs of their customers by thinking outside the box.” We recently opened the doors to a new distribution and fulfillment center in Louisville. A significant portion of that facility is dedicated to the bourbon and spirits industry, with both finished and unfinished goods being stored at the location. This focus is a prime example of local leadership utilizing its tools to cater to customers in the area and drive business, moving more freight In and Out of the South. Local customization is a great tool that allows us to attract more business and ensure the well-being of our drivers. We are proud of our ability to provide this service as option that very few, if any, other LTL carriers have at their disposal. T m
When you support Averitt Charities by participating in Averitt Cares for Kids or in Team Up Community Challenge events, you’re making a lasting impact on people in need. Check out some of the many ways you’re making a difference each day! LASTING IMPACT ON PEOPLE IN NEED
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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CLOCKING IN WITH RED THINKIN’ REWARDS
Truckload Driver Furnishes Home With New Grandfather Clock When Truckload driver MICHAEL MCCLEAN’S MICHAEL MCCLEAN’S Florida home was damaged by a recent hurricane, he decided to build a new home on his existing property, and he is using his Red Thinkin’ Rewards to help furnish the house. Michael’s house was tattered by Hurricane Michael in 2018. The storm ripped the utility room from the structure and water rotted his floors. Since then, he has been building a new home and searching for new items to fill it. “I was looking for furniture when I stumbled across a Howard Miller grandfather clock,” McClean says. “I had looked at a few to fit a specific place in my house, but they were either too big or too small. The one I found in the online catalog fit just right, and the oak wood was a perfect match.” Michael was happy to find the clock, but he might not have known he had enough points for the piece had it not been for a meeting at a recent cookout. “ DUSTY BARROW [of our Marketing & Communications leadership] was asking me about my Red Thinkin’ Rewards points at a cookout,” Michael says. “I don’t get online very much, and we found out I had a ton of points saved up! After that is when I found the grandfather clock. I didn’t have enough for it then, so I saved a little more until I could get it.” Michael says he is a fan of the Red Thinkin’ Rewards program and is thankful it is offered to associates. Associates are automatically enrolled in the program and earn points for everything from safe driving to work anniversaries! “I really like the selection!” Michael says. “I think I will go back soon and look for some bedroom furniture, tools or maybe a new push mower!” If you’re like Michael and you’ve never checked your points
balance, you could be missing out on some great items! Log on to InsideAveritt.com/Rewards to learn more about our rewards program and to view items available through points redemption! T m
BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OFFERS PROTECTION Identity theft is a serious problem that affects millions of people each year.
1-866-926-9803. You’ll need the activation code, which you can get from BlueAccess or by calling the Member Service number on your Member ID card. If you become a victim of identity theft, take action immediately. By being proactive and taking steps to protect yourself, you can minimize your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. Always safeguard your personal information (Social Security number, credit card numbers and bank account info), and monitor your credit report regularly for anything out of the ordinary. You can also protect yourself by being cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks. These networks are often unsecured, which makes it easier for
hackers to intercept your data. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data and keep it secure. Another way to protect yourself from identity theft is to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Weak passwords make it easier for hackers to guess your login credentials and gain access to your accounts. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. If you receive a suspicious email to your Averitt email account, do not click on any links and do not reply to it. Forward the email directly to cybersecurity@averitt.com, as it could be a hacking, phishing or scam attempt. T m
As an Averitt associate, you have access to ID theft protection with our partners at BlueCross BlueShield and Experian. Credit monitoring, fraud protection and Social Security number monitoring are all available at the click of a button. To access ID protection: • Log in to BlueAccess at bcbst.com/member.. • Look for the Benefits & Coverage section. • Click on Identity Protection Services. You’ll be taken to a secure site to enroll in the service. • You may also sign up by calling Experian at
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Longtime Associate Joins Ambassador Team After Recent Retirement DON ADCOX spent 41 years with Averitt, including the last 20 as a weight & research associate for our Chattanooga team. So when he recently retired, he knew he wanted to stay connected with his work family. STAYING CONNECTED TO AVERITT
do that and still be part of the team, you might say.” Don is also proud to continue to participate in Averitt Cares for Kids, helping us support the good works of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “I know it’s a good cause for the kids,” he says. “We’re able to help them a lot through the money that we donate. Being part of the Ambassador Team is one way to stay connected to that.” Are you nearing retirement and interested in learning more about the Ambassador Team? Email Dusty Barrow of our Marketing and Communications leadership at DBarrow@Averitt.com to learn how to join. T m Chattanooga weight & research associate DON ADCOX retired earlier this year after 41 years with the Averitt team. He is now a member of our Ambassador Team, contributing to Averitt Cares for Kids and helping current associates with questions they may have about our W&R operations.
“That’s one of the reasons Don joined the Ambassador Team, a special group of retired associates who remain part of our unique culture of giving back. Ambassador teammates are annual contributors to Averitt Cares for Kids and are welcome to participate in Team Up Community Challenge events, People Like You referrals and more. Ambassadors can also choose to serve as Averitt Mentors, retired associates who work on a limited schedule and pass on our culture to younger associates. “I knew the associate who was filling my former position, and I wanted to help make the transition even easier for him,” Don explains. “I knew I could WACO TAKES ON HUNGER HERO CHALLENGE
Associates at our Waco service center Team Up to help hungry Our team in Waco recently wrapped up the 2023 Hunger Hero Challenge, benefiting The Shepherd’s Heart. The Team Up Community Challenge called on associates to make monetary donations, and they answered with enough money to purchase nearly 200 pounds of food! Thanks to the giving spirit of our associates, The Shepherd’s Heart – the largest faith-based food pantry in Central Texas – was able to purchase kid- friendly, nonperishable items for children in the area. “The Shepherd’s Heart is a great organization, and we were happy to participate in the Hunger Hero
Challenge” Service Center Director MIKE ZUNIGA says. “The food drive was aimed at feeding school-aged children who may not have food at home when the school year comes to an end. So many kids rely on school lunches, and we wanted to help make sure no kid goes hungry this summer.” This is the second year
ASSOCIATES FROM OUR WACO TEAM partnered with members of The Shepherd's Heart to purchase more than 200 pounds of food for children in the Central Texas area.
difference in their community!
our Waco team has participated in the Hunger Hero Challenge. Our Waco group also teamed up with The Shepherd’s Heart in December for the “Toys From The Heart” toy drive that helped provide more than 1,000 children with Christmas toys last year. Since the relationship began last year, Averitt has helped The Shepherd’s Heart purchase nearly 1,000 pounds of food! We love seeing the many different ways our associates team up, and we are very proud of our Waco group for making a
SHARE HOW YOU TEAM UP If you have participated in a Team Up Community Challenge, we want to share your accomplishments! Your giving inspires us all to be involved, and every act of community service results in a matching contribution to 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! T m
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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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.
Corbin-London associate JAMES REID (35 years)
Atlanta West associate MARSHALL BONNER (middle, 35 years) with safety coordinator Andy Sparling (left) and Service Center Director Zach Ervin (right)
Tri-Cities associate SCOTT GRAY (left, 35 years) with Service Center Director Jackie Whitehead
Corporate associate JANICE FLOYD (right, 25 years) with Director of Customer Service Elaine Grossholz
Memphis associate ROBERT JORDAN (middle, 25 years) with Service Center Director Mike Maynard (left) and operations manager Brian Hopper (right)
Tupelo associate WADE HOOD (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director Roger Raines
Memphis associate MAURICE JONES (middle, 25 years) with Service Center Director Mike Maynard (left) and operations manager Brian Hopper (right)
Richmond associate MARSYAS TUCKER (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director John Beauchamp
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in May 2003:
SAFETY AWARDS MARCH
NEW LEADERS Dusty Barrow Associate & Community Engagement Leader CORPORATE Chris Bauer North American Truckload Customer Sales Leader CORPORATE Rodney Brockwell Director of Corporate Business Development CORPORATE Clint Eden Director of Operations CORPORATE Kermit McAbee On-Site Manager DALLAS DISTRIBUTION & FULFILLMENT Patrick Miller Frontline Leader BIRMINGHAM Kevin Riley Frontline Leader LOUISVILLE DISTRIBUTION & FULFILLMENT Peter Stump Frontline Leader HICKORY
RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team!
For a complete list of Safety Award winners, including five- and 10-year recipients, visit InsideAveritt.com.
Jeffrey Blair John Clark Jerry Collins Robert Dill Philip Dotson Tuffy Hampton David Hodges
Birmingham
Knoxville Nashville Nashville Hickory
David Drach Jesus Fuentes Anthony Glenn Joseph Kendall Eddie Matthews Winford Philyaw Artcell Summers
Eastern NC
Dallas
25 YEARS Marion Hill William Moore 20 YEARS Gary Carroll Lawrence Kris Robert McClurg Daniel Potter
Cincinnati
Knoxville Little Rock
Auria Solutions USA
Jacksonville Shreveport Winchester
Atlanta East Montgomery Jackson MS Jackson MS Ft. Smith Dallas
Lawrence Hofsiss Anthony Macon Wesley McGee John Newkirt Ronald Pressley Clarence Sibbett Michael Smith
Decatur Houston
Orlando Hickory
Ricardo Cobio Trevino Ronald Woods Eldon Woodward
Little Rock Lexington
Atlanta East
Asheville
Fayetteville NC
For a list of May milestone service awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com .
Jackson MS Takeitha Smith Daikin Comfort Technologies Charles Wells Charlotte Levell Williams KAMTEK Thomas Witherspoon Charlotte John Worsham Richmond
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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
ERIC JOHNSON – Decatur
PEGGY THURMAN – Corporate “I deal with a lot of carriers, and I believe customer service is the most important part of how your business is perceived. Peggy was so helpful, and her response time was awesome. Hats off to her! It was a pleasure working with her.” Beth, TForce Worldwide – Greenville, SC COREY TYLER – Fayetteville NC “Corey was very professional and provided excellent customer service! I was the only one in the store, and he was patient and very helpful in helping me receive my delivery. Corey is a great representation of your company!” Mary, Ed Newsom’s Hardwood – Wilmington, NC
PHILLIP HUDGINS – Nashville “Phillip was very friendly and provided excellent customer service! He arrived on time, stood in the cold and helped us hold the doors while we unloaded. You can tell he loves his job and Averitt!” Judith, Monogram Health – Nashville, TN “Eric did an amazing job delivering our shipment! He delivered a washer, dryer and a stacked washer/dryer combo with a liftgate. He went above and beyond for a job well done. He deserves to be praised, and I sincerely wish that we had more people like him in the world these days.” Vijay, Motel 6 – Huntsville, AL
Don ’ t let your schedule dictate your driving.
Be patient. Control 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!
UPCOMING COOKOUT EVENT SCHEDULE
Make plans to attend a cookout near you! View more appreciation cookouts on the Events Calendar at InsideAveritt.com .
AUGUS T
J UN E
J U LY
Aug. 22 Atlanta East Aug. 23 Atlanta West Aug. 24 Birmingham
2-8p 2-8p
July 18 Tri-Cities July 19 Knoxville July 20 Chattanooga
7-10:30a
June 27 Greensboro June 28 Charlotte June 29 Greenville
11a-5p
2-8p 2-8p
2-8p 7-11a
11a-5p
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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