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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