Due to Averitt’s focus on hiring veterans, the logistics fleet has been named Employer of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Previously, Averitt has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense for its support of National Guard and Reserve members and for accommodating military leave.
The company is based in Cookeville, Tennessee and has taken an active role in attracting veterans for 25 years. The employee headcount is around 8,500, with 14% having served in the military, according to Elise Leeson, vice president of human resources at Averitt.
While Leeson said Averitt is “truly honored” to receive the award, the pleasure is all theirs considering the benefits veterans have brought to the 53-year-old company.
“We have been incredibly impressed by the professionalism, dedication, discipline, and mission-driven mindset of most veteran candidates,” Leeson said. “Military personnel have an unparalleled understanding of the importance of teamwork. Veterans have been immersed in a culture that values discipline, loyalty, respect, pride, and accountability, making them an ideal fit for our organization. Veterans possess a deep understanding of their obligation to their employer, colleagues, and the public when it comes to prioritizing safety, accountability, dependability, and efficiency. The military's extensive training and exposure to advanced technology have equipped them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in our industry.”
Jobs include drivers, leaders, diesel mechanics, and dock workers and are available on the carrier’s hiring page for veterans.
About the Author
John Hitch
Editor-in-chief, Fleet Maintenance
John Hitch is the award-winning editor-in-chief of Fleet Maintenance, where his mission is to provide maintenance leaders and technicians with the the latest information on tools, strategies, and best practices to keep their fleets' commercial vehicles moving.
He is based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked in the B2B journalism space for more than a decade. Hitch was previously senior editor for FleetOwner and before that was technology editor for IndustryWeek and and managing editor of New Equipment Digest.
Hitch graduated from Kent State University and was editor of the student magazine The Burr in 2009.
The former sonar technician served honorably aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723), where he participated in counter-drug ops, an under-ice expedition, and other missions he's not allowed to talk about for several more decades.