COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters INFORMING OUR ASSOCIATES ABOUT ALL THINGS AVERITT • VOL 8 • 2023
GOING STRONG: OUTSTANDING PROFIT SHARING IN 2Q P2 'SKY'S THE LIMIT': BIRMINGHAM ASSOCIATES GROW IN CAREERS P3 'I LOVE IT HERE': TEAMMATES STAY FOR THE LONG HAUL P5
SHOWING OUR APPRECIATION
Driver Appreciation Week is a special time for our team to say thank you to the best team in the business. Here, Tampa city driver KELLY ESTRILL (left) and transportation specialist AL ECKELMAN (right) spend some time together during a cookout. See P2 for more information about this year ’ s Driver Appreciation Week .
STABILITY SETS US APART I frequently have the pleasure of talking with associates from across our network, and a common theme I hear is the stability we enjoy at Averitt. There are many
reasons that stability is possible, and it starts with you. Because you deliver excellence each day, our customers know they can count on outstanding service. And that’s exactly what they’ve done for
more than 50 years. We’re recognized as a leader in the transportation industry for professionalism and a commitment to safety, and customers continue to trust us to show The Power of One P2
TEAM NOTES From Gary Sasser
Celebrating The Best Team During Driver Appreciation Week COOKOUTS, PRIZE DRAWINGS AND MORE! We’re proud to have the best team in the transportation industry, and that’s why Driver Appreciation Week is such a special
Several of our Dallas teammates spend some time together during last year ’ s Driver Appreciation Week festivities. This year ’ s event is scheduled for Sept. 10-16.
and much more. We’ll also have cookouts, and individual facilities will host their own events. Another tradition we’re excited to continue is our drawing for an assignment of a brand-new Freightliner for five Truckload drivers! Each day during the week, we’ll update our Driver Appreciation Week page to let you know who won our daily drawings. So we encourage you to visit InsideAveritt.com/DAW2023 each day to see if your name was chosen. Thanks again for all you do! T m
For several years, we made a tradition of daily giveaways. We’re continuing that once again, and beginning Monday, Sept. 11, we’ll have drawings for prizes such as gift certificates, Red Thinkin’ Rewards points, Amazon Fire TV sticks, Apple AirPods, an iPad, a Samsung 55-inch smart TV time for us! This year’s celebration is scheduled for Sept. 10-16, and we can’t wait to show how much we appreciate our driving force. PROFIT SHARING KEEPS GOING STRONG! 8.142% In The Second Quarter
Our Profit Sharing plan is a perfect example of how we Share the Effort, Share the Reward. And your efforts continue to make a difference. In the second quarter, an amount equal to 8.142% of your pay was contributed to your 401(k) retirement accounts. That’s slightly better than our first-quarter total of 7.924%, and it’s close to three times as much as the average match that many companies offer! We’re thankful for all you do to keep us going strong. Your commitment to excellence is why our customers continue to trust us to deliver transportation solutions, and it’s why we continue to perform well as a team. You can help us continue that momentum with the little things you do each day, such as:
• Showing appreciation for our customers, and asking for more business • Handling our customers’ freight as if it were your own • Taking care of our equipment • Avoiding accidents and injuries • Limiting idle time and fuel consumption
To learn more about how our Profit Sharing plan works, go to
InsideAveritt.com/ProfitSharing. And to see your personal account, log on to Principal.com. T m
FROM GARY SASSER PG. 1 - provider. Another reason for our stability is our team-oriented culture. Regardless of what comes our way, we have an open door of communication that helps us overcome any challenge we face – together. Our success is also driven in part by our Always Averitt plan. This strategy ensures we remain independent and
debt-free, and that our leadership always comes from those who are steeped in the Averitt culture. And it helps us make the best long-term decisions for Our Customers, Our Associates and Our Future. Your dedication, our team culture and our long-term plan continue to deliver success. We’ve experienced record Profit Sharing numbers in recent years, and those results remain
very strong. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, because it truly is a team effort. Thank you for making Averitt a team that’s built for the long haul. I’m more excited than ever to see what we can do together in the future.
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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Birmingham Teammates Started On Dock, Growing In Careers ‘THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FROM HERE’ ROBERT GURLEY and TYLER BAUGHMAN joined our Birmingham team at the same time five years ago as dock associates. And since then, they’ve both taken advantage of opportunities to grow in their careers. Robert completed our Dock-To-Driver Training Program and is now a city driver, while Tyler moved into a frontline leader role, where he helps in dispatch for city and shuttle drivers. IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT Robert had forklift experience from his previous job, so he knew a dock role could be a good fit. But he was also intrigued by what else he could do at Averitt. “About three or four months after I got here, I wanted to learn how to operate a yard truck,” Robert recalls. “They taught me how to operate it, and I thought, ‘One day I’d like to be a driver for Averitt.’ Another associate came to me and told me about the Dock-To-Driver program and said he was going to do it. I said, ‘I’m going to get in it too!’” Robert has been a city driver for two years, and he says the Dock-To-Driver experience gave him all the tools he needed to succeed. “I feel like the sky’s the limit from here,” he says.
Birmingham city driver ROBERT GURLEY (left) and frontline leader TYLER BAUGHMAN (right) started their Averitt careers on the dock five years ago, and they ’ ve both taken advantage of growth opportunities.
‘AVERITT HAS BEEN VERY GOOD TO ME’ Tyler also had forklift experience in his previous career at a warehouse, and he wanted to join a team that promotes from within. He’s certainly found that at Averitt. After starting on the dock, Tyler was promoted to frontline leader, and he wants to move forward even more in the future. “You just don’t see that a lot with other companies, especially the company I was with before,” Tyler says. “Averitt has been very good to me and my family. Averitt has given me opportunities to continue to grow, not only as a frontline leader but also as a person. I’ve really, really enjoyed my five years here.” Robert shares that same enthusiasm. “I love Averitt,” he says. “I have nothing bad to say about it. We have great pay, great people. All around, it’s a great company. I don’t see myself ever leaving Averitt.” READY TO TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP? If you’re ready to take your next step with Averitt, check out our Job Hotline at 800-991-1971 or online at InsideAveritt.com/Jobs . The hotline is updated on Mondays and Thursdays, so we encourage you to check it often to stay up to date on the newest openings. If you want to get in the driver’s seat, ask your leader for more information about our Dock-To-Driver Training Program. You can also find details and associate testimonial videos at InsideAveritt.com/ DockToDriver. T m
STAYING FOCUSED ON SAFETY Quarterly Safety Videos A Valuable Tool
DON’T SLEEP ON FATIGUE Our Fatigue Management video is our safety focus for the third quarter, and it’s an outstanding resource that shows the signs of fatigue and how to respond in a way that can help you prevent an accident. From now until Sept. 30, we’ve got a special incentive to learn how to fight fatigue. All drivers who complete the video during this time will be entered in a drawing for 10 winners of 250,000 Red Thinkin’ Rewards points! You can learn more at InsideAveritt.com/Fatigue. T m
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve gone to a place dozens of times, pay attention to what you’re doing,” Shawn explains. “Basically, don’t get complacent. One thing could change that could lead to a problem, so you’ve always got to focus and pay attention.” And what does Shawn plan to do with the 250,000 Red Thinkin’ Rewards points
he won?
“They’ve already been spent,” he says with a laugh. “Me, my wife and my son have updated the home theater. We got a newer TV and soundbar, and we moved the old one upstairs and put the nicer stuff downstairs.” Congratulations to Shawn and all our second-quarter winners, and thank you for showing Our
In the second quarter, our Speed Control video was our safety focus, and we’re thankful to the thousands of associates who watched the video and sharpened their safety skills! SHAWN MCGREGOR is a Cincinnati city driver who began his Averitt career in Truckload, and he was one of our second-quarter safety drawing winners. Shawn has seven years of safe driving under his belt, and he says staying focused is one of his keys to staying safe.
Driving Concern Is Safety!
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RACKING UP THE HONORS
Averitt Recognized With 5 Quest For Quality Awards An important part of our track record for success is a culture of teamwork. And this year’s Quest for Quality Awards demonstrate just how true that is. Because of your commitment to teamwork and the way you deliver outstanding service, we earned an incredible five Quest for Quality Awards! These awards are based on feedback from thousands of customers, and they are announced each year by Logistics Management, one of the most respected and widely read publications in the transportation industry. The winners were determined by criteria such as performance, value, technology, customer service, equipment and operations. This year, we were recognized in the following categories:
“We are honored to be recognized again by the shipping community for our continued dedication to quality and service,” says President and Chief Operating Officer BARRY BLAKELY. “Our team is committed to ensuring reliable and quality service to our customers, and we are eager to continue delivering on that promise.” The 2023 haul marks the 25th consecutive year we have been recognized with at least one Quest for Quality Award. It also represents another step forward in our consistent streak of excellence, after we earned four Quest for Quality Awards in each of the last four years. In fact, no other carrier in the South has earned more Quest for Quality Awards than Averitt! Thank you again for your efforts that make milestones like these a reality. Your dedication truly makes a difference, and our customers continue to take notice!
• South/South Central Regional LTL – First Place • Truckload – Third Place • Expedited – Third Place • Transportation Management Systems – First Place • Value Added Services – First Place
For more information about this year’s awards, visit InsideAveritt.com/QuestForQuality2023. T m
GROWING FOR THE FUTURE
Charleston Expansion Part Of Our Continuing Commitment
We’re proud of our longtime track record for growth and stability, and one reason we’re able to do that is investing in our facilities and infrastructure. As part of that commitment, we recently expanded our Charleston facility!
The enhancements include an extra 35,000 square feet of warehousing space, as well as additional parking and fuel tanks that will help support 12 new associates. This investment helps us stay prepared for increased demand for bills moving in and out of the Port of Charleston. When we can accommodate more demand from our customers, we’re able to build more density in our core footprint and move more freight throughout our network! “Expansion in port cities like Charleston is always a plus, not only for Averitt but for both our current and potential customers, as well as the port authorities themselves,” explains ED SMITH,
our Vice President of Distribution & Fulfillment. “The South Carolina State Port Authority has been an incredible partner for Averitt, and as we expand and grow, so does their ability to attract more import and export container volumes, knowing they have an extremely qualified carrier that can ensure these containers are processed in a safe and timely manner.” Charleston Service Center Director JEREMY CRAWFORD is also excited about the possibilities that are available at his facility. “One, we have more space that allows us to bring on more volume with our existing customers,” he says. “Also, it helps us be able to expand to other customers that maybe in the
past we had to tell them no because we didn’t have room. We’re able to open it back up to them and bring them on board.” The Port of Charleston is one of
the nation’s most strategic logistics hubs, so we’re thrilled to see how this investment helps us meet the needs of our customers now and keep us strong for the future. T m
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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‘I’M WORKING BECAUSE I LOVE IT HERE’ Longtime Associates Share Why They Stay With Averitt
AVERITT IS ‘THE REAL DEAL’ Richmond shuttle driver MARSYAS TUCKER is an associate who makes no bones about why he continues to keep rolling with Averitt. He is a 25-year teammate who has served in Truckload, Dedicated, sleeper shuttle and his current role. “When you’re having a good time, time goes fast,” Marsyas explains. “I’m very fortunate.” Marsyas says he was initially intrigued by Averitt because of our equipment and strong professional image that he saw while working for another carrier. “When I got to be a part of it, I realized it was the real deal,” he says. “It’s the way Averitt takes care of the drivers with things like the service center facilities, how they’re maintained and what they have to offer. And we have a lot of programs to keep the team informed about our operations, safety and service. That doesn’t just happen by itself. People work together to make it happen.” Going back to his days in Truckload, Marsyas appreciates our team’s commitment to weekly home time because it has allowed him to be involved with his church. “People would say, ‘That must be some kind of company that you’re with,’” Marsyas recalls. “That made me proud to be with Averitt.” ‘BEST COMPANY I’VE EVER WORKED FOR’ Corporate associate BETTY SPECK brings a unique background to our safety team. She grew up in Tennessee, but she made her initial career for 40- plus years in Michigan as a human resources leader in the banking industry. When her husband retired, they moved back to Tennessee, and she decided to jump back into the workforce. Based on the referral of retired Cookeville city driver David Tollett, Betty came to Averitt. And nearly 14 years later, Betty has a simple answer for why she stays with our team. “I’m working because I love it here,” she says. “Averitt is the best company I’ve ever worked for, and I mean that. The people are so nice. They’re teammates. I consider this my second family.” Betty brings a go-getter mindset to her role. “I love learning new things,” she says. “The more I learn, the happier I am.” STABILITY WITH AVERITT Montgomery Truckload driver MACK PHILYAW came to Averitt 20 years ago after his former carrier went out of business. Seeking a stable team with There are many reasons associates choose Averitt for the long haul. From the work environment and the equipment to the family culture and the benefits, we have many teammates who are committed to staying with us as long as possible.
strong benefits, Mack chose Averitt. Mack says he likes to stay busy, and in addition to our benefits, he’s thankful for our culture. “I’ve got to do something. I’m not going to just sit around the house,” Mack jokes. “If I weren’t here, I would be doing something else.” Having seen the other side with a company that went out of business, Mack knows a solid foundation when he sees one. “I’m one who believes in not jumping from job to job just because the grass might look greener on the other side,” he explains. “When people do that, they’re hurting themselves in the long run.” Thank you to Marsyas, Betty and Mack for the experience you bring to Averitt! We’re stronger for it, and you’re outstanding role models for all of us! T m Corporate associate BETTY SPECK (at top) came to Averitt almost 14 years ago after more than 40 years in Michigan in the banking industry. Above middle, Richmond shuttle driver MARSYAS TUCKER is a 25-year teammate. Above bottom, Montgomery Truckload driver MACK PHILYAW recently joined our Over 20 Team.
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‘YOU GET A GUT FEELING’
Orlando City Driver Trusts His Instincts With Referrals DAMIEN CAMACHO has helped bring several associates to Averitt over the last couple of years through People Like You referrals. That success has been aided by strong instincts that help him know who will be a good teammate. “Whenever you’re referring somebody, you get a gut feeling whether that person is somebody you would want to work with,” explains Damien, who is an Orlando city driver. “It’s like looking at yourself in a mirror and seeing the reflection in the other person. If that person looks like you and is motivated, I go with that feeling. And it’s worked so far.” Damien has been with Averitt for about two years, initially coming here as a member of our PODS team. His People Like You referrals have been a mix of family members, friends he’s worked with in the past, and others he meets during his daily travels. Damien mostly uses the Averitt Team App referral tool, but also relies on referral cards and word-of-mouth. And he’s careful to make sure his referrals
Orlando city driver DAMIEN CAMACHO has used his strong instincts to help him find People Like You.
are good long-term candidates. “I want somebody who isn’t just looking for a paycheck, but who wants to do whatever is necessary to help out,” Damien says. “I don’t want to give my recommendation to just anybody.” It’s all about building on our family atmosphere that Damien has come to love during his time here. “We have great benefits, and Averitt treats us as family,” he says. “That’s how I see it. You’re not just a number.” Thank you, Damien, for referring like-minded people to Averitt. Your efforts help us deliver excellence today and keep our culture strong for the future! To learn more about our People Like You referral program, including information about referral rewards, visit InsideAveritt.com/PeopleLikeYou . T m
SHOWING THE POWER OF ONE MORE People Like You are very important for our future success, because you know others who would be a great fit for
Associates Referring People Like You, Earning Referral Rewards
our culture. These associates earned referral rewards after their referrals were hired to the Averitt team!
Chattanooga weight & research associate KYLE COFFELT
Birmingham operations manager BOBBY HORNE
Corporate associate CRAIG FOSTER
Knoxville team shuttle driver ROBERT AYTES
Roy Pulliam James Reid Gary Smith Wayne Spain
Baton Rouge Corbin-London
Shane Hershey
Frontline Leader ORLANDO Area Coordinator CORPORATE
NEW LEADERS
RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team! Gregory Bayens Louisville John Buck Dallas James Burgess Chattanooga David Cook Louisville Duane Fields Lexington Michael Hoover Tri-Cities Robert Jordan Memphis Timothy Kesner Winchester Gary Newman Gadsden
Crystal Keener
Corporate Corporate
Juan Acevedo
Frontline Leader COSTCO FLORIDA Frontline Leader ATLANTA EAST Frontline Leader JACKSON MS
Brendan Miller
Transportation Specialist DALLAS
Sidney Gary
Jeff Wallace Bruce Warner William Weiman
Atlanta West Atlanta West
Deanna Sonnenburg
On-Site Manager HOUSTON PORTSIDE Frontline Leader MERCEDES Frontline Leader ATLANTA EAST
Jack Harrison
Petco
Rick Wey
Corporate
Leonard Thompson
Earl Hatcher
On-Site Manager EXPEDITORS MEMPHIS Frontline Leader EXPEDITORS MEMPHIS
Ronald Williams
Essex
James Wilson
Jonathon Hawkes
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.
Puerto Rico Service Center Director RAFAEL MUNOZ (center, 30 years) with Region 4 Vice President Jason Whitaker (left) and Vice President of Operations Larry Mason (right)
Nashville associate RANDY EMMITT (left, 35 years) with Service Center Director Joe Paul Tackett (right)
Mobile associate JERRY ROBERTSON (right, 35 years) with Service Center Director Mark Walters (left)
Knoxville associate KEITH DAVIS (left, 30 years) with Service Center Director Jeff Penley (right)
For more Over 20 Team photos, log on to InsideAveritt.com and check out our photo galleries!
Birmingham associate RANDALL DUKE (right, 25 years) with Service Center Director Matthew Smith (left)
Orlando associate PEDRO ROMAN (left, 25 years) with operations manager Henry McCarthy (right)
Oklahoma City associate LARRY WOOTEN (25 years)
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
STORMY BROWN – Corporate “Stormy was amazing, and I told her how awesome and rare it is to find companies with awesome customer service these days. I wanted to be sure to take the time to recognize her for her dedication, kindness and professionalism. It was much appreciated.” Kelly, Trane Technologies – Fort Myers, FL LOWRAN KNIGHT – Nashville “I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for Lowran Knight. He overheard my need to get a shipment out urgently, and although we had already started working with another carrier because we didn’t want to hold him up, he immediately took action to get Averitt dispatch on the phone and helped us get this shipment out the door with Averitt ASAP! Lowran is always helpful and is a pleasure to work with.” Tracy, SFEG – Fairview, TN
MICHAEL MCGUIRE – Norfolk “Michael was extremely helpful, and I feel like he went above and beyond to help the product get delivered. What the world needs more of!” Christy, Aireco Supply – Ashland, VA
CHAD WILSON – Mobile “Chad Wilson went above and beyond to get my shipment delivered. It was an oversized crate. He provided pictures without having to ask, communicated quickly, and worked with me to get this shipment delivered and find a solution to get it off the truck. I ’ ve NEVER had this great of service in my 10 years of LTL experience!” Kerry, Priority One – North Little Rock, AR
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Yawning means fatigue is dawning.
Know the warning signs. Act acco r dingly. InsideAveritt.com/Fatigue
Watch our video by September 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 .
S E P T EMB E R
OC T OB E R
NOV EMB E R
Nov. 14 Jackson MS Nov. 15 Memphis Nov. 16 Memphis
7-11a 2-8p 7-10a
Oct. 17 Cincinnati Oct. 18 Cincinnati Oct. 19 Lexington
11a-5p
Sept. 11 Memphis Sept. 12 Jackson TN Sept. 13 Nashville Sept. 14 Knoxville Sept. 15 Mercedes
2-8p
2-8p
11a-5p 11a-5p 11a-5p
11a-5p
2-8p
25 YEARS Shuford Bishop William Hale Jerry Manning William Moseley Antonio Robles Darren Vanmeter Jeffery Yarrel 20 YEARS Phillip Duke Joseph Moore Brian Patterson
15 YEARS Robert Guyot Otis Hayes Jr. Christian Ikpeh Roger Mayfield Jeffrey Neal Scott Perando David Shook Sr. Russell Weaver Walter White Chad Wilcher
OVER 20 TEAM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in August 2003: Tony Allison Atlanta East Tiffany Anderson Corporate Michael Atkinson Norfolk Leatha Dunn Corporate Brandon Fox Bowling Green Marvin Hil Jonesboro Sonja Jackson Tampa Charles McGee Corporate Gerzie Smith Greenville James Wells Birmingham
For a list of June milestone service awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com . SAFETY AWARDS JUNE For a complete list of Safety Award winners, including five- and 10-year recipients, visit InsideAveritt.com.
Memphis Birmingham Corbin-London Owensboro San Antonio Fort Smith Eastern NC
Houston Savannah Atlanta East Indianapolis Winchester Asheville Columbia Decatur Jackson TN Nashville
Tupelo Knoxville
35 YEARS Bennie Johnson David Taylor
Cookeville Birmingham
Birmingham
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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