COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 10, 2012) — In the world of retail transportation, carriers that introduce creativity and innovation to the supply chain add value to not just the retailer, but to consumers as well. By demonstrating these characteristics above and beyond expectations, full-service transportation provider Averitt Express has earned Walmart’s 2011 Regional LTL Carrier of the Year Award.
Each year, Walmart recognizes transportation suppliers that have demonstrated excellence or exhibited significant improvement in meeting core business objectives, including small parcel, less-than-truckload (LTL) and intermodal. This is the second time in the past three years that Averitt has been recognized by Walmart, earning the Rising Star Carrier of the Year Award in 2008.
“Walmart Transportation appreciates these carrier partners who have gone above and beyond to provide outstanding service over the past year,” said Rob Kusiciel, Walmart vice president of inbound transportation and global logistics, in a statement. “By ensuring our products arrive intact and on time, Walmart is able to continue to fulfill our commitment to providing the products our customers want and need at prices they can afford.”
According to a letter of commendation from Ken Braunbach, Walmart senior director of carrier relations, Averitt was chosen because of its “overall dedication to customer service, operational excellence, and ability to provide creative solutions to complex supply chain opportunities that set [it] apart and raised the bar for quality in the industry.”
“Our entire team is honored to receive this distinction from such a great customer like Walmart,” said Phil Pierce, Averitt’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Striving to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations is always our goal. We’re more than simply a vendor; we develop true partnerships that allow us to provide transportation solutions that help our customers deliver better products and service to their customers.”
Pierce explained that Averitt is one of several regional LTL carriers that provide transportation from thousands of vendors to Walmart’s distribution centers. Often, these shipments are held to strict must arrive by date (MABD) standards, and Averitt has proven to be successful at meeting those requirements.
“Timing, flexibility and a focus on customer service are key to delivering on what we promise to all our customers. When we succeed in those areas, we’re making our customers happy,” said Pierce. “Earning an award like Walmart’s Regional LTL Carrier of the Year Award is icing on the cake.”
