I Start With Averitt in January 2012

Thanks for the input Mercy.

I talked with my recruiter today. My trainer is out of the Chattanooga terminal and I will meet up with him a week from Sunday. Orientation is next week thru Thursday.

This week will be spent brushing up on my pre-trip and finishing things up at my current job. I am very excited about joining Averitt. The more I research and the help you all have given me has added to that excitement. Thanks a bunch.

 

Well, so far so good. I passed my road test today and start the four day orientation here at Cookeville, TN tomorrow. So far everyone here has been amazingly helpful.

Unless Big Mac's are on the no-no list for the pee in a cup test I should be good to go.

 

Day one of orientation is in the bag. The hotel (Clarion) is very nice. They fed us really good at breakfast. My roommate didn't show up so I have to endure a room all by myself. <sigh> LOL

We spent about five hours on computer (CD) training. Hazmat, BOL, and other topics. It wasn't all that difficult and you want to get it out of the way in the first session if at all possible. After a very nice lunch I had to go take the physical/wee wee test. If you have sleep apnea and you aren't using a cpap machine you WILL be if you come to work for Averitt. I use mine religiously so it isn't an issue. They are great about accommodating your truck for the cpap and if you need a sleep study it is much cheaper to do it here than at any sleep study center I have ever experienced back home. Also got fitted for uniforms.

I will say this, having worked for the nations largest carrier. The big difference with Averitt is I have not ONCE felt like I was being herded through the process like I was one of many cattle. Everyone has been so nice and helpful. All the drivers I have talked to love it here. Not one bad word thus far. That is so different from my time with Swift.

Several of the current Averitt drivers I chatted with today talked about the opportunities to grow and increase your income and better your home life. It was truly inspiring. I am excited about my choice to come here.

Day two tomorrow. I will update you more tomorrow.

 

Day two: They did a presentation on what it means to be an Averitt Associate. Very interactive and we heard some pretty cool stories from people who have been with Averitt for a very long time, and from some of the drivers who were just coming on board.

About mid-morning we saw a video from Gary Sasser, who is the big guy at Averitt. Very interesting story about the history of the company and how he and the people here have grown it over the years. He usually meets with orientation groups in person, but he was out of town. Everyone I have talked to not only seems approachable, but they also offer you their direct phone lines and emails. What a difference from Swift.

Finally after another stellar lunch (they feed you good) we went over benefits and got signed up for medical insurance, etc etc. My mind is pretty pooped from going over all of the info but they do a great job of explaining everything and answer all of your questions until you are satisfied with the answer.

Oh, and we met our recruiters. That was a nice touch. Mine offered her info and told me she is still my link after I get to driving if my miles aren't adding up, or if I spend a lot of time broken down. Said to call her and she will make sure the things I was promised will happen.

I came here with my guard up. After working for Swift and seeing how different it was from what was promised, and then going to orientation for Werner and refusing to go to work for them as their capacity for lies was STUNNING, I for sure was waiting for the a shoe to drop. All I can say is I am very very impressed with Averitt and the people here. Two more days of orientation and then on Sunday I meet up with my trainer. Can't wait to get my three weeks of training started.