In the summer of 2019, my life and perception of my trucking career was forever changed. That was the year that I started driving for Averitt Express. To tell my story, I have to briefly discuss the very beginning of my trucking journey.
In 2018, I began a quest to obtain my CDL. I found a small trucking class that a beverage distributor had posted. They advertised that I would be able to obtain my CDL through a sponsorship if I would work for them under contract for a certain period of time. After I did my time at this company as a driver, I decided that I want to better myself. It just was not working for me personally, so I decided to branch out and study other companies and learn what they do and how they do it.
When I would see these big red trucks and big shiny gray trailers with bold letters on the trailer saying Averitt Express show up in our yard to deliver loads to our warehouse, I would always be so mesmerized by how clean the equipment looked and by how sharp, happy and enthusiastic the drivers were.
As I worked for the remaining months at this particular distribution center, I dreamed of what it would be like to be behind the wheel of one of those big red trucks, working for a company that obviously cares a lot about its presentation.
One day, I was ready to at least talk to a recruiter. I put in my application to the online posting, and not even two days later, a recruiter called me to let me know about all the openings in my area and answer any of my questions.
I remember talking to the recruiter and he seemed so professional, but yet so thrilled to be working for Averitt Express. His enthusiasm is what sold me more than anything else. We began the application process to the next step. Two weeks later, I was told that I would be set up for an orientation. I put in my two-week notice and spent the next two weeks completely excited, but also very nervous, trying to decide whether or not I made the right decision.
Once I got to Cookeville, TN, I took my driver’s test with Gary Craighead. I remember that he told me to call him "Dollar Bill" – everybody else does. I can’t forget the feeling I had once I got to Cookeville and got around those people. The feeling of nervousness was quickly going away by just being in the presence of all these people who were doing the driving test. It was at that point that I realized I had made the greatest decision of my life choosing Averitt Express.
As I went through orientation, my confidence gained even more. I was so happy to be a part of that situation and I could not wait to start being an asset to this company. Eager to begin, I realized that I would have to spend two weeks with driver-trainer Rick Tetreault.
A lot of my success in the last year-and-a-half is due to him and what he taught me. Rick was amazing, and I could not have had a better trainer than him. He would let me know when I was messing up, but also was patient and kind enough to give me the constructive criticism that I needed. Not long after, I was passed by him and given the green light to get into my own truck and start my official journey with Averitt.
My first day on my own was absolutely terrifying and exciting at the same time. I remember it was an easy load, headed to a customer in Georgia, drop and hook, and I never will forget that easy load. It should’ve only taken six hours off my clock. Somehow as a rookie, making rookie mistakes, I managed to burn an entire 14-hour clock on such an easy load.
I look back and laugh on it now, but, at the time, I was extremely nervous and unsure of myself. Luckily, I had a great fleet manager who was very patient and understanding and was able to coach me back into the mindset that it’s OK. He also reminded me that I needed to slow down. The acceptance that I got right off the bat was crucial in setting me up to believe that this company was absolutely amazing.
As I progressed through the year, learning the ways of Truckload and being over the road, I then realized why those drivers who would show up to the beverage distribution plant were so happy and enthusiastic, and met us with smiles on their faces. It was because Averitt Express is truly an amazing company. I’ve been transferred to supply chain and I spent a short time with the PetSmart account, but I still had one goal in mind, and that was always to be a city driver. That was when the position opened up in Waco, and I could not be happier.
It’s now been a year-and-a-half since I made the best decision that I could’ve made for my family, and that was to begin to work with Averitt Express. I often think about what it’s like to be someone who has been here for 20 years, like we have so many in this company. I cannot wait to have my name on that list of associates.
Words cannot begin to express the gratitude I have toward Mr. Sasser, running such a professional company inside and out. I pray every day that this company will continue to grow and continue to keep drivers coming to customers and warehouses, and leaving a lasting impression on someone. Helping them believe that this is truly a great company to work for, just like I do. I cannot wait to see you in the next 50 years.
Thank you Averitt Express, and thank you Mr. Sasser, for all you have done for us. I also wanted to thank this amazing team, past, present, and future, for making this company what it is today.
