Team Matters May 2022

Team Matters May 2022

C O M M U N I T Y C H A L L E N G E matters I N F O R M I N G O U R A S S O C I A T E S A B O U T A L L T H I N G S A V E R I T T • M A Y 2 0 2 2

ANEYE TOWARD THE FUTURE: ELECTRIC TOWMOTORS ENTERING OUR NETWORK P2 TRUCKLOADSOF EXCELLENCE: TRUCKLOAD PLAYS IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE POWER OF ONE P3 PEOPLE LIKE YOUSUCCESS: COSTCO DRIVER SHARES 'HOW GREAT AVERITT IS' P4

AtlantaWest associate WILL BALLARD took advantage of our culture of career growth by going through our Dock-To-Driver Training Programand our Driver Development Center training. Readmore about these programs on P6 FROM THE DOCK TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT

3 + 2 = THE POWER OF ONE For more than 50 years, our team has delivered innovative and creative services to our customers. And because we do that with professionalism and an eye toward safety, we’ve

built density in our core network, and a strong reputation in the industry as a team that can deliver excellence In And Out Of The South. Our commitment to building density and strengthening our footprint

in the South is why we recently announced the addition of two more distinct service units – Averitt Integrated and Averitt Distribution & Fulfillment. These join our existing services – LTL, Dedicated and P2

TEAM NOTES From Gary Sasser

Electric Tow Motors Entering Our Network, And More To Come AN EYE TOWARD THE FUTURE

Our team has invested in four electric tow motors, we've ordered 14 more, and we plan to add more throughout our system moving forward.

We currently have four electric tow motors at distribution centers and warehouses, and we’ve already ordered 14 more. Because of the many benefits of this technology, we plan to add more throughout our system moving forward. “Using electric tow motors is better for the environment, and it helps us with ease of ‘refueling,’” explains DOUG LLOYD of our maintenance leadership. “With this technology, we will not need to stockpile liquified petroleum gas at these The technology of electric vehicles continues to advance, and we’re excited to introduce electric towmotors in our system.

locations.” To simplify the recharging process, we’re installing charging stations at facilities where we have electric tow motors. It’s all part of taking advantage of innovative and creative technology while at the same time saving money on our largest cost – fuel. Electric tow motors are just one of the many ways we can work smarter, not harder. And doing that will help us earn more Profit Sharing for our entire team and put us in position to share an even brighter future! T m Averitt Named A 2021 Top Green Fleet BIG RED HONORED FOR GREEN EFFORTS

commitment to growing even more for the future. Averitt Integrated includes international, rail, expedited and other specialized services. By offering services like these, our customers can see the difference in partnering with Averitt, and it opens the door for more opportunities to use our other services. Adding these two new services also provides more career paths for Make plans to attend a cookout near you! View more appreciation cookouts on the Events Calendar at InsideAveritt.com . *Please remember to follow up-to-date CDC guidance regarding illness prevention. June 9 Knoxville 2:00p-8:00p July 12 Jackson MS 2:00p-8:00p July 13 Meridian 11:00a-5:00p July 14 Birmingham 7:30a-11:00a U P C O M I N G G R A B - A N D - G O E V E N T S C H E D U L E

current associates and for People Like You. We’re proud to be a team that encourages a culture of career growth. So if you’re interested in growing in your Averitt career, or if you know someone who would be a great fit for our culture, I encourage you to check out the opportunities that are available throughout our network. You‘ve probably heard us say that we’re proud of our past and even more Companies that are named to the Top Green Fleet list are those across the United States that have shown a dedication to minimizing their impact on the environment. In 2004, Averitt became a charter member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program. By investing in modern equipment, as well as using optimized fleet routing, we’ve made several achievements that have made a positive impact: recently recognized in the transportation media, as we were chosen as a 2021 Top Green Fleet by Heavy Duty Trucking. Our efforts to do the right things environmentally were

excited about our future. With the addition of Averitt Integrated and Averitt Distribution & Fulfillment, we truly are excited about what the future holds. By showing The Power of One with our array of services, the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish together! For more information about our efforts to limit our environmental impact, visit AverittExpress.com/Green . T m • 38% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions • 96% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions • 6.2 million gallons of diesel fuel saved The Heavy Duty Trucking award is one of several environmental awards we’ve recently earned. The other honors are: • Inbound Logistics’ 2021 Green Supply Chain Partner • Food Logistics’ 2021 Top Green Provider • Tennessee Trucking Association’s 2020 Clean Diesel Award • Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s 2020 Green Supply Chain Award

FROM GARY SASSER PG. 1 - Truckload – to help us become even more of a one-stop shop for our customers. Distribution & Fulfillment services have grown exponentially in the global economy, and they are very important to our customers. That’s why we’ve invested in recent years in building our warehousing infrastructure, and making it a distinct service shows our May 17 Louisville 11:00a-4:00p May 18 Cincinnati 2:00p-8:00p May 19 Lexington 11:00a-5:00p June 7 Memphis 2:00p-8:00p June 8 Nashville 2:00p-8:00p

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DELIVERING TRUCKLOADS OF EXCELLENCE Truckload Services Play Important Role In Showing The Power Of One

For more than 40 years, our Truckload services have played an important role in introducing our team's outstanding service and array of options to customers.

THE POWER OF ONE DANNY CROOKS of our Truckload leadership says our array of services helps open the door to build density throughout our network. For more than 40 years, our Truckload services Have boosted our team’s success. Throughout that time, our commitment to innovation and creativity has helped us deliver excellence.

positions. That helps our retention, because there are opportunities across the company.” On top of that, our state-of-the-art equipment is a huge plus. “Our average tractor age is less than three years, so we have good, quality equipment,” Danny says. “And the safety features that we have are very important in attracting drivers to Averitt.” NEW TRUCKLOAD MODEL One way we’re continuing our commitment to innovation is a new Truckload model we recently introduced at our Lexington KY service center. That model helps provide the possibility of daily home time during the week. “It’s much like a shuttle driver, because they run up into the lower parts of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and they bring back loads to Lexington and hand them off,” Danny explains. “It’s working pretty well. We started with five drivers, and we’ll soon be growing to 10.” Danny adds, “We want to replicate this position where we can in markets that lend themselves to that.” As with all of our successes, it’s a total team effort. Thank you to our Truckload team for delivering outstanding service and opening the door for more opportunities. Your commitment is helping us secure a bright future together! T m

“Many of our customers partner with us for other services, whether it’s Dedicated, LTL, Distribution & Fulfillment, etc. Not many of our customers use us for just one group,” Danny explains. “Having that wide array of services makes us a one-stop shop. Truckload is an important part of that overall package.”

DANNY CROOKS

STAB I L I T Y BEH I ND THE WHEEL Our Truckload services are backed up by a driving force that has a much higher retention rate than the industry average. “That has a lot to do with what we have to offer as a company,” Danny says. “Home time is important for our drivers, and we really focus on trying to improve the length and predictability of our drivers’ home time each week. We also have lots of opportunities at Averitt, from LTL positions to Dedicated and other

NEW ORLEANS SERVICE CENTER AN INJURY-FREE FACILITY Experience, Talent Lead To 2021 Safety Milestone

Our New Orleans Service Center was recently recognized for working injury- free in 2021. The hub enjoyed 365 consecutive days without a work-related injury both on campus and on the roads. “It is a big accomplishment we are very proud of,” service center director RICK MCMULLEN says. “It’s not something that happens by chance. We have a very experienced, talented group of dock associates who work well as a team. They are always there to provide additional help

when needed, and they do a great job of keeping the dock clear and free of debris. That same mentality filters through to our drivers. We have an exceptional team of drivers who are always very alert and focused both on the yard and on the road.” Rick attributes much of the service center’s success to excellent training and preparedness provided by our team. “All of our associates do a great job of following rules and regulations, and so much of that has to do with the efforts put forth by Averitt,” Rick says. “We get all the tools and instructions for how to keep a workplace safe and injury free. It is a total

Left to right: dock associate TROY COOKMEYER , service center director RICK MCMULLEN , city driver BRIAN POREE

effort by Averitt, our leadership and our associates.” Our New Orleans Service Center is home to 43 LTL associates. From the dock to the road, the facility is a shining example of safety in motion. Congratulations to our New Orleans

team for being an exemplary model for consistency and 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

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'I ALWAYS BRAG ABOUT HOW GREAT AVERITT IS'

Dedicated Driver Finds Success Referring People Like You

Costco driver CARLA FLEMING spreads the word to People Like You about the benefits of joining the Averitt team, and she has helped our team grow through her referrals.

was excellent and I like being able to work so close to home.” Among the numerous reasons why Carla prefers driving for Averitt, she says the friendly atmosphere and her family of associates are what make the job so enjoyable. “I always brag about Averitt,” Carla says. “It all started with the excellent training I received when I first came aboard, and it continues today through the culture Averitt has built. I actually just received a letter from Gary Sasser congratulating me on my work anniversary. Gestures like that really make you feel appreciated. “From leadership, to drivers to dispatchers, they are what make Averitt such a great company. And I have enjoyed working with our customers. I have worked with a few different accounts, and all of them have been fantastic.” Our People Like You referral program is all about finding like-minded associates so we can continue to meet our goals. By filling open positions with more People Like You, we perform better and continue to add to our Profit Sharing total! For more information about our referral program, including a list of open positions and how you can earn referral rewards, visit InsideAveritt.com/PeopleLikeYou . T m

“Anytime I have a conversation with someone in our industry, I make it a point to tell them how great Averitt is. I love my job driving the local routes because it allows me to come home every night.” Carla, who recently celebrated her fourth work anniversary, continuously spreads the word about our team in hopes others trade in their old uniforms for Averitt Red. As a result of a referral from Carla, MIRANDA CHISM joined the team in 2021 as a Truckload driver in Houston. “I am good friends with Carla’s cousin, and I had heard through her how great Averitt is to work for,” Miranda says. “Carla told me Averitt is a female-friendly company with a lot of female drivers, and how great all of the associates are to work with. I really value driving for Averitt. The training CARLA FLEMING is always on the lookout for people like her. Carla, who has driven for Averitt since 2018, loves her role as a dedicated driver for Costco and wants others to feel the same about their careers.

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 our culture. These associates earned referral rewards after their referrals were hired to the Averitt team! Associates Referring People Like You, Earning Referral Rewards

Atlanta West city driver left, with service center director ZACH ERVIN MARSHALL BONNER

Dallas dock associate ERIC AMOABENG

Tampa city driver GILBERTO ARIAS

Dedicated flex driver GREG BAKER

Corporate associate AMANDA CRAIGO

Houston city driver VINCENT EDWARDS

Atlanta East preventive maintenance associate TERRNIE LEE

Orlando dock associate JOSE MOJICA

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TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES

Greensboro W&R Associate Started As Truckload Driver

An important part of our culture is that regardless of what position you start out in, there are opportunities to grow and move into different roles.

pricing & traffic team, and she’s also served in leadership roles for our customer accounts, marketing and customer service teams. Gayla recently decided to make the jump to a new opportunity, transferring to our Chattanooga service center to become a transportation specialist. “I was just looking to grow in my career,” Gayla says. “I asked myself, ‘How am I going to finish my career strong with Averitt?’ I love talking with our customers, and I love growing our business.” Gayla says our culture has helped her develop to where she is now. “My previous roles have definitely given me a foundation to grow within the company,” she explains. “And I’ve had some really great leaders who have afforded me the opportunity to learn and grow.” Gayla has some simple advice for others who want to grow in their careers. “Learn something new every day, and be a sponge,” she says. “Take every opportunity to ask questions. Your leadership will help you, and associates around you will help you grow. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand, but be patient.” T m Greensboro weight & research associate ED PURVIS and Chattanooga transportation specialist GAYLA McBROOM have both taken advantage of our culture of providing new career opportunities.

Greensboro weight & research associate ED PURVIS is an example of those opportunities in action. Ed came to Averitt in 2002 as a Truckload driver in Louisville after he retired from a 22-year military career. He wanted to move his family closer to where he grew up, so he transferred to a dock role in Greensboro. And since 2006, he’s served in weight & research, helping ensure Averitt is compensated properly for the services we provide our customers. While driving for another company, Ed was drawn to Averitt by our professionalism. “I saw Averitt’s equipment on the road, and it looked all nice and clean,” he recalls. “And my wife said, ‘That might be a good company to work for. Their trucks always look nice.’ So I checked into it.” Ed says there are always opportunities at Averitt for those who seek them. “It’s kind of like the military,” Ed explains. “It’s about your work ethic and how you present yourself. If you take ownership of what you’re doing, and if you do it to the best of your ability in everything you do, you’re going to get noticed.” ‘ BE A SPONGE ’ Throughout her Averitt career, GAYLA MCBROOM has had many opportunities to grow. She started at our corporate office in 1990 with our

READY TO GROW IN YOUR CAREER?

Lots Of Opportunities On Our Job Hotline

Are you interested in other career opportunities at Averitt? Are you looking for a position that gets you home daily, such as city, Dedicated or local Truckload? Or perhaps a shuttle position that gets

you home daily and is exclusively drop and hook? The Job Hotline is updated on Monday and Thursday afternoons, so make sure you’re calling twice weekly so you don’t miss out on internal job opportunities.

For more information about all the job openings we have available – including leadership and other opportunities – call our Job Hotline at 800-991-1971 or visit InsideAveritt.com/Jobs . T m

Gayla McBroom Transportation Specialist CHATTANOOGA William Mize Frontline Leader LITTLE ROCK James Robertson

Anita Victory

Driver Support Specialist CORPORATE Operations Leader MERCEDES Multimodal Leader CORPORATE

NEW LEADERS

RETIREES Thank you for your service to our team! Patrick Bilderback San Antonio Steve Elbrecht Cincinnati Craig Evans Louisville Ernest Haddon Greenville Harold Johnson St. Louis Dewey Pruitt Mercedes Robert Simmons San Antonio Gene Spurger Mercedes

Temika Washington

Andrew Brown

Distribution Coordinator CHARLOTTE WAREHOUSE

Frontline Leader BOISE CASCADE Frontline Leader HOUSTON PORTSIDE Litigation Leader CORPORATE

Steven Watson

Thomas Davis

Frontline Leader SAVANNAH

Carolina Rodriguez

Samuel Wilkins

Frontline Leader BIRMINGHAM

Tina Davis

TL Equipment Manager CORPORATE Driver Support Specialist CORPORATE

Miranda Rogan

Christopher Hall

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'NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING’

Atlanta West Associate Takes Advantage Of Dock-To-Driver Training Program For quite some time, WILL BALLARD wanted to earn his CDL and get into the driver’s seat of his career. Our Dock-To-Driver Training Program and Driver Development Center training helped him make those dreams a reality. Will came to Averitt a little more than a year ago with our Atlanta Distribution & Fulfillment team. After transferring to Atlanta West and learning the ropes on the dock, he took advantage of our Dock-To-Driver Training Program there. And Will was impressed with what he saw. “It was nothing short of amazing,” says Will. “Everyone in the program gave me the confidence that I could do it. Leadership and the trainers made sure all the tools that I needed to do the program were available to me. It was just on me to get it done. Everyone in the program gave me extra confidence, telling me, ‘You’re going to do a good job with the program.’” According to Jason Bolton of our safety leadership, the Dock-To-Driver Program provides a minimum of 20 days of instruction with a local driver- trainer. From there, one of our safety coordinators meets with associates to sharpen their knowledge, and they must pass a safety test. 'THE POWER OF ONE' ON FULL DISPLAY New Style Of Blended Service A ‘Tremendous Success’

Atlanta West associate WILL BALLARD earned his CDL through our Dock-To-Driver Training Program and our Driver Development Center training.

After that, associates then go to one of our Driver Development Centers – we currently have two facilities, at Cookeville and Lexington KY – where they polish their backing and turning skills with the help of our instructors. When associates have honed their skills there, they can get their CDL and move to an available driving role. “We know our training is the best,” says Jason, who himself took advantage of our dock-to-driver program in 1990 and is a former driving associate. “When we have people in our culture, we are able to show them how to do things the right way. They get to take their time with it, and they’re not in a rush.” Will is thankful for the career opportunities he’s already seen at Averitt. “Whatever your ultimate career goal is and wherever it is you want to go, Averitt can provide it for you,” he says. “It’s just up to you to put the work in. Those possibilities are definitely right in front of you and accessible – you just have to grab it.” Are you interested in our Dock-To-Driver Training Program? Visit InsideAveritt.com/DockToDriver to see video testimonials, and talk to your leadership to learn more about the program. T m

Ascend Performance Materials, a company Rodney was familiar with thanks to his time as our Charleston service center director, wanted to increase its export volume to the Port of Charleston from its location in Greenwood, SC. Rodney’s solution was to combine both dray and truckload into one pull. “We have been handling exports for Ascend for a while now, and we would pull about two or three containers to the port each day,” explains Rodney. “Last year, they wanted to increase their pickup volume. That’s when we had the idea to marry our Truckload service with our port operation. We created this blended Last year, Director of Truckload Sales RODNEY BROCKWELL began exploring a new way to meet a customer’s every need by formulating an all-in-one operation.

to dray and deliver their containers, and Truckload drivers are happy to run the one-day routes, giving them regular home time. “These two accounts have been tremendous successes and it has been great for our Truckload drivers,” Rodney says. “These drivers are able to work Monday through Friday, get their miles and return home each night. Our goal is to create as many of these closed-loop routes for as many drivers as possible. Our drivers are happy to be able to come home at the end of each day, and I believe these types of hauls will be great for recruitment.” Both operations are terrific examples of the Power of One and display our team’s ability to be forward-thinking, innovative and creative. Solutions like this are why we’ve been a transportation leader for more than 50 years! T m

service, presented it to Ascend for one price and they were happy to sign on. Now, we have Truckload drivers picking up empty containers from the port, dropping them in Greenwood and picking up full containers from Ascend to be taken to the port. We have two Truckload drivers making this trip each day and it has worked out very well.” Once the operation was rolling, Rodney began looking for other clients to offer this service. That’s when Harbor Freight Tools presented Averitt with the opportunity to help simplify the retailer’s import operation. “Harbor Freight has a warehouse in

Dillon, SC, and they were looking for a better way to bring shipments from the port to their location. We saw this as an excellent opportunity to flip the script used for the Ascend account. Now we have two Truckload drivers from our service center in Darlington picking up full containers at the port, driving them to Harbor Freight’s warehouse in Dillon and picking up empty containers to return to the port. We’re now moving four containers per day with this model.” The pair of unique services has been an overwhelming success for all parties involved. Ascend and Harbor Freight no long have to worry about who is going

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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.

Corporate associate MIKE DURHAM (center, 35 years) with executive vice president and chief financial officer Johnny Fields (left), and president Wayne Spain (right)

Knoxville associate MIKE WEBB (right, 35 years) with operations manager Keith Davis (left)

Jackson TN associate MARK WILSON (right, 35 years) with service center director Doug Granito (left)

Owensboro associate KENNY DAUGHERTY (35 years)

Corporate associate ANGELA TALBERT (left, 35 years) with software support leader Greg Wilson (right)

Vi-Jon associate BILL BRADY (25 years)

Dallas associate KEITH DENSMORE (25 years)

Little Rock associate WILLIAM “BILL” MOORE (25 years)

When we go above and beyond to provide excellent service, that demonstrates The Power of One to our teammates, our customers, and our industry. These associates went the extra mile to represent Averitt with pride – and our customers said it showed! COMING THROUGH ON OUR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

THE POWER OF ONE

MATTHEW KRISTOFF – Atlanta East “Matthew is a great dispatcher! We had a last-minute order come in after our pickup. I explained its urgency and he made it happen even though it was a very busy day!” Mike, Lanier Textile Distribution – Suwanee, GA

LAKISHA DANCY – Austin “I want to commend Lakisha. I am disabled and was worried about a big shipment. There were two large pallets full of stuff for my wife’s beauty spa. She was extremely nice and helped me get everything into my garage all with an extremely pleasant attitude and upright demeanor. Thank you so much, Lakisha! It was a great pleasure having you as our delivery partner!” Robert, Brazilicious Beauty Spa – Round Rock, TX

BRIANNA KIRKLAND – Tampa “As far as I am concerned, Brianna is the best driver Averitt has. Well, all of them are good, but she goes above and beyond and has the best customer service." David, Skyway Mini Split Sales – Palmetto, FL

SHARL WHITAKER – Raleigh “I wanted to take the time to recognize Sharl Whitaker for his outstanding performance! He made an urgent delivery to one of our hospitals, and they were very complimentary of Sharl. He was super nice and told our staff if they needed anything to just let him know.” Andrew, UNC Health – Durham, NC

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DEDICATED DRIVER SCORES FINAL FOUR TICKETS

'RTR' Means More Than Just Red Thinkin’ Rewards For PODS Driver

While PODS driver BRETT LAUGHMILLER was browsing the Red Thinkin’ Rewards site recently, he was surprised to come across a certain “big ticket” item that caught his eye: tickets to the NCAA Final Four in New Orleans.

“I had built up enough points to get something, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to buy with them. And then I remembered there are trips and experiences in the store,” Brett says. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw Final Four tickets.” For the Alabama native and Southeastern Conference fan, the decision was a no-brainer. Brett exchanged his hard-earned points for the experience of a lifetime.

let you guess which one.” Brett began collecting points upon joining our team in 2016 and has used his points over the past six years to cash in numerous times. “Red Thinkin’ Rewards are a great perk to the job,” Brett says. “I’ve used my points many times in the past. The television in my truck came from points, and I’ve cashed them in for Christmas presents, too.” Associates earn Red Thinkin’ Reward points every day by reaching service and safety milestones, meeting KPI goals and referring new teammates to Averitt. Log on to InsideAveritt.com/Rewards to check your points balance and peruse the rewards catalog! T m

B R E T T L A U G H M I L L E R

“I am a moderate college basketball fan but a big Alabama fan, so I am hoping to see some SEC teams reach the Final Four. Well, except for one. I’ll

Good habits are your back ’ s best friend.

Practice your moves. Protect your back.

Learn more at InsideAveritt.com/InjuryPrevention

25 YEARS Fred Aldridge Don Adkins George Carter Michael Demarmels Jeff Landrom James Lynch Chad Sciple Darrell Wooten 20 YEARS Jerry Bell Timothy Brown Robert Cannon

Gregory Toomer Daniel Williams

Birmingham

Damon Monday Harry Pouncey Michael Sanford

Jackson MS Columbia

OV E R 2 0 T E AM We’re proud to add members to our Over 20 Team! The following associates joined our team in April 2002: Kenneth Benjamin Dallas Lewis Burke DRiV Eric Combs Cincinnati Jerry Dotson Memphis Jason Harris Nashville Johnnie Jones Memphis John Maddox Chattanooga Sebastian Marshall Memphis Michael Ryan Atlanta West

DRiV

Mayfield Houston Columbia Shenandoah

Macon

For a list of April milestone service awards, including the newest members of our Over 20 Team, visit InsideAveritt.com. S A F E T Y AWA R D S FEBRUARY For a complete list of Safety Award winners, including five- and 10-year recipients, visit InsideAveritt.com. 35 YEARS Robert Crues Nashville

15 YEARS Keith Aguiar Orlando Charles Lyons ZF Lemforder – Tuscaloosa Ambrose Palmer Atlanta East Paul Sala ZF Lemforder – Tuscaloosa

Decatur Nashville Meridian Charlotte

Mercedes Nashville Tampa Jackson TN

Billy Goff

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