Corporate Social Responsibility

Safety Initiatives At Averitt

How Does Averitt Measure Safe-Driving Performance?

Several factors contribute to safe operations, including quality drivers and equipment. We track the performance of our drivers, equipment, and entire company through our series of indicators. Continually striving to have the safest fleet on the road, total accidents are measured per million miles driven. Additionally, we measure ourselves against our own strong safety record, striving for improvement every year.

Averitt also employs a force of eight regional safety coordinators whose responsibilities include:

Measure and monitor driver performance
Investigate accidents and claims
Conduct paperwork and vehicle audits
Certify trainers

Our team also closely monitors driver hours of service records and reviews motorist reports to assist with drier coaching. To improve safety, we invest in technology solutions that can help improve our drivers’ performance, assist with decision making, and mitigate risk.

What Type Of Safety Training Do Averitt Drivers Receive?

New Averitt drivers complete a comprehensive onboarding process that includes training on defensive driving techniques, operational technology, accident reporting, equipment and maintenance, hours-of-service compliance, injury prevention, and seat belt usage.

In addition, new drivers attend our Driver Development Centers during the last week of their training. This extensive program places an emphasis on vehicle maneuvering and ensures they're well-prepared for the road. This unique training allows drivers to learn as a team, develop trust and, even more important, learn self-confidence.

After onboarding, drivers participate in regular meetings and receive consistent communications. Every Averitt facility has driver trainers, and the company has three driver development schools with full-time instructors.

All drivers must also complete annual OSHA training programs, and we conduct monthly education campaigns to highlight essential components of safe driving. To keep safe driving practices at the forefront of everything we do, we also provide periodic on-site classroom training programs and require drivers to take a variety of online safety courses.

What Safety Features Do Averitt's Tractors Have?

As part of our continuing emphasis on safety and technology, we're continually cycling in new tractors with the latest dynamic technology and equipment features that ensure our driving associates stay safe on the roadways.

Our tractors feature various safety technologies, including:

Collision-avoidance systems
Adaptive cruise control
Forward-facing event recorders
Rollover stability systems
Lane departure warning
Side-guard assist

Along with other safety-related technologies, these upgrades have resulted in considerable improvements to the performance of our fleet. We are always looking into new technologies that will help protect our drivers.

We know that trailers are also crucial to safe operations, and our trailers feature additional safety equipment that improves safety, including ABS brake systems, thermal alert systems on wheel ends, and LED lights.

What Is Averitt's Preventive Maintenance Program?

A robust maintenance program is essential to identify any issues that could affect safety, such as problems with brakes, tires, or lights. We currently have 36 shops, and our technicians have a safety-first mentality. We provide regular training for our maintenance technicians and offer the latest tooling and solutions.

We strive to conduct preventative maintenance inspections on tractors approximately every 40,000 miles or every 150 days, and on trailers every 300 days. These inspections involve checking vehicle brakes, tires, filters, fluids, etc. We also implement safety campaigns to ensure all maintenance is current.

We take maintenance seriously. Our policies meet or exceed DOT regulations, ensuring that every vehicle is always in peak operating condition. Before a tractor is placed into service, its engine is governed at 65 mph by the manufacturer. Drivers are expected to do a thorough, standardized pre- and post-trip inspection of their equipment to address any issues before the equipment hits the road.

Our fleet has received multiple Tennessee Trucking Association awards for fleet safety and is regarded as one of the country's cleanest, safest fleets. Our safety leaders are also regularly recognized for their individual efforts.

How Does Averitt Screen Its Driver Candidates?

Our commitment to safe driving starts with the application process. All driver applicants undergo an interview and a series of screenings to ensure they are the best people for the job. These screenings include a review of the applicant's commercial and individual driving record, a review of the type of equipment they’ve operated, a criminal background check, a drug and alcohol test, and a review of past drug and alcohol test results.

We are committed to our drivers’ performance, and all associates certified to operate a commercial vehicle are drug and alcohol tested after a DOT Recordable Accident, for reasonable suspicion, or as part of random, unannounced testing.

Because drivers’ physical health is central to safety, all our drivers must have a physical examination by a doctor every two years at a minimum.

Does Averitt Have Any Incentive Programs For Driver Safety?

Everyone likes to be recognized for a job well done, and drivers are regularly honored for their safe driving milestones. They can also earn points for their driving records and each clean DOT inspection, which can be exchanged for everything from household goods to vacations.

Additionally, since 2017, we have operated our accident awareness/incentive program called Partners In Prevention, which encourages operations leadership to stay active in preventing accidents and injuries.

How Does Averitt Support Drivers Throughout Their Careers?

Creating a safe and secure work environment takes constant effort, and we are committed to improving our drivers’ experiences through ongoing investments in their training and the equipment they drive. We take a holistic approach to our drivers’ well-being and have the right team in place to support drivers and address their needs.