I Start With Averitt in January 2012

Well, I've been with Averitt for going on 4 months now and my experiences don't even compare to yours Big Mike... If all drivers had your experiences Averitt wouldn't have the driver turnover ratio they have... They usually have 20 -50 people at orientation each week... There was ~ 45 when I went... I'll probably be leaving them soon... Too much sitting and waiting for loads (6-24 hours) and not getting detention pay when you're on time... I've only had "1" good week and 2 (maybe 3) ok weeks... Seems like driver's are just truck #'s at Averitt ... Most of the Averitt drivers I've meet are complaining because they're only getting 12-1500 and maybe on a good week 1900-2100 miles... You might be a legitimate driver with Averitt, but, you do seem like a recruiter in disquise... You spread it on too thick... I've talked to many drivers over the last few months and none of their stories match up with yours, especially Truckload drivers... Dedicated drivers are a different story...

 

I hear this a lot.

 

Mike is a real driver. I know him personally. He's a glass half full type of guy who came into a situation that is a helluva lot better than the one he left behind.

I'm not one to defend everything that Averitt does other than to say there are things that are inconsistent across the board. In almost six years here I have heard your story enough to know that it's true. There is a problem somewhere, whether it be underperforming fleet managers or an oversaturation of drivers in certain areas. But again, I know guys getting consistent 2500-3000 mile weeks at my service center. When I was TL the first time, I had an honest average of 2400 over a two year period.

I don't pretend to have a solution, but if I were in your situation, I would probably consider leaving also. But I'm not, so I'm not rocking the boat. I'm doing ok. I've done better, but I've been doing this crap forever so I've seen a whole lot worse over the years. I'm close enough to the end that I plan on riding it out and wish you luck in whatever you decide.

 

I have an interview with Averritt this Thursday. I was impressed that the recruiter I talked to said no visible tattoos, no long hair, and the only facial hair you were allowed to have was a neatly trimmed mustache. I can't tell you how many times I've said over the years that this industry needed an image makeover. Not meaning to offend anyone on that, just saying.

 

Yes I agree,I could see how visible tattoos and long hair could affect ones driving abilities.Why I decided not to go with them,just a personal preference.

 

I agree it has absolutely nothing to do with one's ability to safely operate a truck. It has everything to do with the image of the profession though. I have listened to drivers cry and whine for years about not getting any respect. Just saying there IS a way to get respect. Clean up the image of the industry and the respect will come. It starts with the drivers.

 

Good ole sumter battery boxes i'm out of cha also. What spot are you mine is 25