Averitt Express Truckload Podcast: Recent Episodes
Andrew Lepley
We've heard from associates about some of the challenges they've experienced when it comes to pants and other uniform items. That's why our uniform program specialist, Dayna Pierce, joins host David Broyles on the From the Driver's Seat podcast to talk about some recent enhancements aimed at improving the uniform experience.
In this episode of From the Driver's Seat, host David Broyles sits down with Vice President of Corporate Transportation Danny Crooks to talk about new compensation for our Truckload drivers and what they can expect going forward.
Over the last 20 years, the technology in electronic auxiliary power units has greatly improved to make it a viable solution, and that's why we're excited to be introducing them into our fleet. Shane Nelson of our Maintenance Services leadership sits down with host David Broyles to talk about how the new EAPUs will positively affect our over-the-road drivers and best practices for these units.
An important part of our culture is recognizing associates for a job well done. This includes representing our team with sharp uniforms, clean equipment, and a commitment to outstanding service. Knoxville Service Center Director Jeff Penley joins host David Broyles to talk about why it's important to him to interact with every driving associate who rolls through Knoxville and give them the recognition they deserve.
Our Driver Services team plays an important role in keeping our driving force connected. From The Driver's Seat host David Broyles recently talked with coordinators Hannah Thoman and Devon Smith about the way they keep drivers informed on transfer opportunities, how they're proactive with feedback through our Q texting process, and the difference our Driver Services team makes through communication.
Professional drivers face a unique set of challenges every day they're on the road. And our Driver Support Specialists are there to help them every step of the way. In addition to other roles, John Murphy and Joe Secrist both spent time as drivers with our team before joining our Driver Support team. They join host David Broyles to share some insight into why they enjoy what they do.
Our On Tour Logistics team offers one of the most unique driving opportunities in the industry. This award-winning crew plays a key role behind the scenes of concerts, conventions, festivals and other live events, and we're looking for more outstanding drivers to take the tour on the road! Listen in as host David Broyles talks with Scott Ulmer of our OTL leadership about exciting opportunities with On Tour Logistics.
We've got some important changes coming to our safety points system, and we believe these adjustments are going to provide much more clarity to our driving force while continuing our commitment to safety accountability. Listen in as Jason Bolton of our safety leadership talks with David Broyles about the particulars and what you can expect beginning April 1.
Our Integrated Services team handles everything from international and intermodal shipments to expedited and North American truckload moves. And it's all about moving more freight through our network. VP of Integrated Services Steve McDonald joins host David Broyles on this episode of From the Driver's Seat.
What's it like to drive for On Tour Logistics? From The Driver's Seat host David Broyles sits down with OTL drivers Martenia Morris and Travis Richardson to talk about this unique group of production and events drivers. They share how OTL has become as close as family and what they love about their roles.
Thanks to our unique structure with five service units and multiple driving and non-driving positions, Averitt associates have the opporunity to find the role that fits them best. Host David Broyles is joined by Vice President of Dedicated Operations Dan Singer to talk about transfer opportunities and how this offering gives us an advantage over other carriers.
We're kicking off our 2026 Uniform Program with a bang! Host David Broyles is joined by our uniform program specialist Dayna Pierce to highlight some of the new items that are available to associates this year. Remember, uniform required and uniform eligible associates have up to $150 in allotment available to start shopping now!
You may have heard of Distribution & Fulfillment, but what exactly is it? VP of Distribution of Fulfillment Ed Smith refers to it as the "lynchpin" to all of our service units because it adds more capacity and creates more job opportunities for our associates. Learn more as Ed joins host David Broyles on this episode of From the Driver's Seat.
The kids of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have a special place in the heart of Laredo Truckload driver Gerry Palacios. Not only is he a member of Averitt Cares for Kids, our associate-driven charitable organization that supports the good works fo St. Jude, but he is also making a significant impact by using his Red Thinkin' Rewards points in a unique way. Find out how when Gerry joins host David Broyles on this episode of the From The Driver's Seat podcast.
3...2...1... BLASTOFF! It's time to launch into Benefits Enrollment for 2026! And this year, we're introducing new offerings from Colonial Life that include generally lower costs and enhanced coverage. Benefits Manager Marsha Brock joins host David Broyles on this edition of From the Driver's Seat.
It's Driver Appreciation Week, and we're kicking things off with a conversation with Vice President of Operations Larry Mason. We appreciate our drivers all year round, and this week gives us the opportunity to slow down and thank our entire team for everything they do.
Despite the states of the economy and freight market, our team has performed well and has continued to focus on controlling what we can control. President and COO Barry Blakely joins host David Broyles to give a mid-year update and set goals for the rest of 2025 and beyond.
For the last 12 years, our Driver Development Centers have helped shape our culture of safety. From backing to turning to pre-trips and everything in between, Gary Craighead and the other instructors have taken pride in developing one of the safest driving groups in the industry. Gary and Director of Safety and Compliance Jason Bolton join David Broyles to highlight this unique opportunity we provide to our driving force on this episode of From the Driver's Seat.
Get a quality check on your health with our annual health screenings! Many of our locations are hosting on-site screenings, including Saturdays for our over the road drivers. Health screenings are free for all associates and for spouses who are enrolled in our benefits. Marsha Brock with our Benefits team joins host David Broyles to share even more details, including the chance to win an extra week of PTO!
Our On Tour Logistics team is growing, and we're looking for elite drivers to join this exciting career path! With a guaranteed salary when touring, extended runs that include intermittent home time, and a team that sets you up for success, OTL might be the right choice for you! Scott Ulmer of our OTL operations leadership steps into the studio to talk with host David Broyles about all things production and event driving.
When we say "Our Driving Force Is People," we mean it. That's why we're excited to announce a compensation increase for our Truckload drivers! This nearly 7% increase is one of the most aggressive pay adjustments we've made, and it's because of our associates' commitment to delivering outstanding service and driving safely that we can make this investment. Listen in as VP of Corporate Transportation Danny Crooks joins host David Broyles on this edition of From The Drivers Seat.
The relationships our associates build with each other help make us a better team. Truckload driver Joe Ramsey is a strong believer in that, and he shares this and other thoughts -- including how he keeps his truck clean -- with Brian Dudney from our Truckload leadership and host David Broyles on this episode of the From The Driver's Seat podcast.
Our drivers represent our customers to THEIR customers, so it's important for our team to look the part every day. And according to Truckload driver Chad Osborne, uniformity goes beyond our uniform program -- it's our attitude and the cleanliness of our equipment, too! Chad and his fleet manager, Craig Elliott, join guest host Jeff Auberson to talk about uniformity and more on this episode of From The Driver's Seat.
Our associates are cashing in Red Thinkin' Rewards points for cruise vacations, sporting goods, household appliances and just about anything they can imagine! This points-based program rewards our teammates for doing what they do every day: being safe, making referrals, achieving operational goals and more! Host David Broyles is joined by Dusty Barrow and Alaina King of our associate engagement team to talk all things Red Thinkin' Rewards!
There are exciting things coming for our uniform program! Host David Broyles is joined by Alice Crabtree and Dayna Pierce with our Branding and Engagement team to provide an update about a new uniform provider, enhanced customer service, and a new website that makes ordering uniforms easier than ever.
One of the best ways we develop deeper relationships with our customers is by providing outstanding service. And our Dedicated Region 3 leadership group knows that our drivers are key to that. Grant Roberts, Brock Wheeler and David Miller join host David Broyles and share their thoughts on why our drivers make such a big difference.
When you're trying to move as many miles as you can during the week, it's important to plan properly so you can keep the wheels moving and stay safe. Veteran drivers William Watson and Mike Hornback join host David Broyles to provide some tips on how to get the most out of their driving clock.
The severe winter weather that hit the South in the middle of January created scenarios that led to delays and even roadways being shut down. Can a driver use Personal Conveyance (PC) even when they're out of driving hours? Jason Bolton of our safety and compliance leadership joins host David Broyles in the studio to talk about this kind of situation, as well as other great safety topics on this episode of From The Driver's Seat.
One of the keys to our team's success is communication. And that's extremely important to the relationships between our fleet managers and Truckload drivers. Podcast host David Broyles is joined by fleet manager Myla Hogue and Gadsden driver Thomas Byrnes to talk about their communications styles and how they well work together.
Communication is one of the keys to our team's success, and that includes receiving feedback from our drivers. That's why we're proud to announce a new partnership with PDA, one of the leading agencies in the transportation industry when it comes to driver feedback. Scott Dismuke with PDA recently joined host David Broyles on the From the Driver's Seat podcast to talk about what our drivers can expect with this new feedback channel.
Uniformity is the topic of our newest From The Driver’s Seat Podcast, as host Jeff Auberson is joined by Alice Crabtree and Dayna Pierce of our Marketing & Communications team to talk about professionalism, how to use your allotment, and some outstanding incentives to place your order now!
It's the holiday season, and we have a couple of special guests who want to share holiday well-wishes with our team. Barry Blakely and Gary Sasser join David Broyles on the podcast for our Christmas episode!
Our Dedicated team is a special group that is always looking for ways to "build a better mousetrap." And that leads to growth and opportunities for our associates to grow in their careers. Check out the latest in this series focusing on our Dedicated service as host David Broyles is joined by Steve Anderson, Thomas Damron and Todd Brooks of our Dedicated Region 2 leadership.
Things get shaken up a bit as Jeff Auberson with our Driver Services leadership steps behind the mic to host this episode of From The Driver's Seat! He's joined by Greensboro Truckload driver Paul Blackburn and fleet manager Sharon Eldridge as they talk about the importance of honesty and good communication.
With Veterans Day coming up, we invited one of the many U.S. veterans we have on our team to join host David Broyles (who is also a veteran) on the podcast. Truckload driver Mike Hornback served in the U.S. Air Force and joined our team after seeing many similarities between the military and our culture.
We're continuing our series highlighting our Dedicated regional leadership, this time with director of operations Clint Eden and senior operations managers Brett Sloan and John David Walton. They share their various experiences with our team and home in on what's important: listening to what drivers want.
It's time for Annual Benefits Enrollment! Get the scoop on what's new and how you can earn Red Thinkin' Rewards points when host David Broyles is joined by guests Marsha Brock and Emily Cloyd from our Benefits leadership. Give it a listen, and don't forget to enroll in benefits!
We're celebrating Driver Appreciation Week with a special guest on From the Driver's Seat: Gary Sasser! Our chairman and CEO joins host David Broyles to thank our driving force and share his excitement for the future of our team.
Several members of our Dedicated leadership join host David Broyles to talk about how communication and listening to feedback is so important to our culture.
Improving fuel efficiency is one of the best ways our team can reduce costs, lessen our impact on the environment, and increase our Profit Sharing. Truckload driver Tom Sayman has taken this challenge to heart, recently hitting 8.27 moving miles per gallon! Listen in to learn how he does it as he is joined by his fleet manager, Shannon Fisher, on the From The Driver's Seat podcast with host David Broyles.
Our Dedicated Flex drivers have the opportunity to work on multiple accounts and can do everything from local deliveries to flatbed. It's a great opportunity to see what fits best for our drivers and provides flexibility for our Dedicated operations. David Broyles is joined by Dedicated Flex leaders Marlin Grossholz and Craig West to talk about this exciting career path.
We've had a long-standing relationship with the Mercedes plant in Vance, Alabama, that has been a win-win. Randy Sartain is the site manager for our Mercedes team and joins David Broyles to talk about their strong team atmosphere and continued growth in this episode of From The Driver's Seat.
We are committed to having the safest fleet on the road. That's why we invest in safety technology to help avoid accidents before they happen. Frequent guest Jason Bolton of our Safety leadership joins host David Broyles to talk about some of the safety features on our equipment.
Thanks to our associates' commitment to service and quality, we're adding more business with Costco, leading to more driving positions that include daily home time and no-touch freight. Costco site manager John Roach joins David Broyles to talk about our growth and give some insight into this exciting opportunity.
Vice President of Corporate Transportation Danny Crooks is today's guest, and that usually means good news for our Truckload drivers! He joins host David Broyles to talk about some recent updates to driver pay, which includes a nice bump in CPM.
Hannah Brewington joins host David Broyles to discuss what it means to be a Driver Services associate.
Vice President of Dedicated Operations Dan Singer joins host David Broyles to talk about how our Dedicated team began, where we are today, and the many opportunities that are available to suit your career.
Our Driver Support Specialists are located at several locations throughout our network. Two of them, Casey Ginder and Jennifer Lovrekovic, join host David Broyles to discuss what they like about their roles, how much they appreciate drivers, and the satisfaction they get by helping our driving force.
Our Truckload group is seeing an increase in miles, which means more pay every week. But what steps can you take to add even more to your paycheck? Host David Broyles is joined by Truckload drivers Rick Tetreault and Kelvin Jones, who share some of their tips that help them enjoy more take-home pay. (HINT: their biggest tip is the title of this episode!)
We have some exciting plans coming for our Truckload group this year! Our operations team has been focused on putting our drivers in position to get more miles, while our sales team has continued to find opportunities for driver-friendly freight to move. Plus we have an update on our in-cab tablet project. Host David Broyles is joined by Truckload Operations Manager Brian Dudney to talk about all this and more!
Averitt President and COO Barry Blakely joins host David Broyles to set the stage for the rest of 2024 by building on the momentum we gained last year. Thanks to our drivers and other associates, we're continuing to operate well and service our customers at a high level. What other thoughts does Barry share? Let's listen!
Host David Broyles sits down with Scott Ulmer and Scott Bonner of our On Tour Logistics team to talk about this exciting opportunity for our driving force. Join them as they discuss what it's like to be play an important role in the entertainment industry.
Join David Broyles as he sits down with Alice Crabtree to talk about updates to our uniformity program in 2024. From new items to special discounts and giveaways, the From The Driver’s Seat podcast has you covered!
President Barry Blakely, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing Kent Williams and Owner Gary Sasser join David Broyles for this special holiday edition.
Getting your hazmat endorsement means more than just qualifying for a cents-per-mile raise. It provides our entire team with flexibility and allows us to say “yes” to more customer freight. Host David Broyles is joined by Brian Dudney of our Truckload leadership to talk about the importance of getting your hazmat endorsement, as well as some changes to our guaranteed weekly minimum, including a modification based on your feedback.
It's time for Benefits Enrollment! Our team is well-known for providing an outstanding benefits package to our associates, and that tradition continues as we roll out this year's enrollment period, which runs Oct. 3-20. Host David Broyles is joined by Marsha Brock and Bailey Jolley of our Benefits team to talk about the three most important things to know about benefits: enroll, enroll, enroll!
It's National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, and we're pulling out all the stops with cookouts, daily giveaways and more! Host David Broyles is joined by Barry Blakely, Dan Singer and Danny Crooks to say "thank you" to our driving force.
First episode of the new year featuring Alice Crabtree discussing 2022 Uniformity with David Broyles.
Host David Broyles is joined by Jason Bolton of our corporate Safety leadership to talk about extending the 65 pedal/65 cruise control test to all sleeper trucks.
Frequent guest Jason Bolton with our Corporate Safety team joins host David Broyles for a discussion on cruise control.
This episode discusses the upcoming associate survey and why it's so important to participate.
Safety Coordinator Jason Bolton swings by the studio with all the pertinent safety updates you need.
Danny Crooks stops by the studio to talk about Averitt's tremendous first quarter and what we see in the cards for Q2.
Host David Broyles gets a call from Human Resources Director Elise Leeson about why and how everyone should get a free and safe vaccination as soon as possible.
Engagement Leader Alice Crabtree chats with a parent of a St. Jude child who gives a testimonial to where your $1 a week goes when you give to Averitt Cares for Kids.
Recruitment Marketing Specialist Caitlin Blair joins David in the studio to discuss recruiting new drivers to our team as well as a call-in from an Averitt driver out on the road.
Alice Crabtree chats with David Broyles in a familiar topic for the beginning of a new year - Averitt Uniformity!
President and COO Wayne Spain joins host David Broyles for Part Five of our Power of One Special Series.
We take a short break from our special series on the Power of One to bring you an update with Danny Crooks on associate compensation.
Vice President of Operations Barry Blakely joins David Broyles for the third in Averitt's Power of One podcast series.
Kendall Maxwell provides al the details on the upcoming Benefits enrollment period for 2021.
David Broyles discusses the upcoming Sept. 29 HOS changes with friend of the show Safety Manager Jason Bolton.
Gary Sasser, Danny Crooks and more join David Broyles on a packed episode for National Driver Appreciation Week.
Dave Broyles returns to the podcast to discuss the state of Averitt with updates on several fronts.
Host Dave Broyles talks with Danny Crooks of our Truckload leadership about some updates to the current COVID-19 situation, and is also joined by Jason Bolton with our safety leadership to discuss what our drivers need to know about CDL renewals.
Host David Broyles talks trucking with two of our female associates in observance of Women In Trucking Month (March).
Danny Crooks stops by to talk with David Broyles about the 2020 forecast and plans for compensation changes on the horizon.
Show guests Kendall Maxwell and Jennifer Boykin join host David Broyles to discuss health screen opportunities.
Friend of the show Alice Crabtree stops by with all the news about the Averitt uniform program in 2020.
Guest stars galore with Gary Sasser, Danny Crooks, Lyle Daniels, Brian Dudney and Jeff Auberson joining host David Boyles for a special holiday episode.
Host David Broyles chats with Safety Manager Jason Bolton about the real deal behind getting your HAZMAT.
Danny Brooks joins host David Broyles for a discussion about upcoming changes to compensation
Host David Broyles is joined by Amos Rogan from LTL for a roundtable with HR on the details of the upcoming Benefits Enrollment for 2020.
David Broyles is joined by a multitude of guests and call-ins for National Driver Appreciation Week.
David Broyles and Lyle Daniels take calls from associates about what's on their minds out in the field.
Kendall Maxwell from HR returns to chat with Dave and Brandon about Averitt’s new company-wide Game On promotion.
Jason Bolton from Safety and Lyle Daniels from Truckload join David Broyles for a discussion about what the coming ELD Mandate means to drivers.
Driver Chris Yohn joins David Broyles for some real talk about how to work smarter to help yourself and your fellow drivers.
Recruitment associates Gayle Stewart and Caitlin Blair join David Broyles to talk about the importance of participation in a survey associates will receive shortly and ways drivers can impact Averitt.
HR stars Kendall Maxwell and Marsha Brock join Dave Broyles in the studio to dish all the important information about this years upcoming health screenings
Vice President Corporate Transportation - Truckload Danny Crooks joins Dave for a chat about the coming year and what to look forward in 2019.
Alice Crabtree joins David Broyles for a discussion about all the updates and changes to the Averitt uniform policy and allowance.
Host David Broyles shares exciting news that affects all over the road drivers in 2019! Our new Per Diem program is a free service that puts more take home pay in your pocket every week. It's just another way to support our driving force!
Owner Gary Sasser and VP of Corporate Transportation Danny Crooks visit the studio for some updates and holiday cheer!
Host David Broyles chats about our OJT pathway with associate Anthony Clay who went through the program over the past year.
Host David Broyles welcomes Averitt driver Rick Tetreault to share tips on how to maximize pay for the time you spend in the truck. Operations manager also joins the conversation with some important info about how we handle ETA/PTA moving forward.
Host David Broyles hosts a discussion with several drivers on their experiences in recruiting drivers to Averitt through our People Like You program.
Gary Sasser joins David Broyles for a special Driver Appreciation Week message, along with an appearance by Danny Crooks.
Benefits Administrator Marsha Brock joins host Dave Broyles to talk about the Benefits 2019.
Guests Jason Bolton from Safety and Brandon Fox from Supply Chain discuss the new rules governing the use of Personal Conveyance rules to replace "Safe Havens" and other timely topics with host David Broyles of Averitt Truckload.
Guest Brian Dudney and host David Broyles discuss the latest changes to compensation and what's in store for Averitt's future on the compensation front.
David Broyles discusses 2018 Uniform Updates with Alice Crabtree from Marketing & Communications.
David Broyles discusses updates to Hours of Service via Enhanced AOBRD with Lyle Daniels and Jason Bolton
David Broyles discusses 2018 Health Screenings with Marsha Brock and Kendall Maxwell from the Benefits team.
David Broyles delivers holiday messages from Gary Sasser, Danny Brooks, and Brian Dudney.
David Broyles talks with a Clarksville associate about finding People Like You and recruiting his former trainer to join the Averitt team.
David Broyles and Brandon Fox discuss Annual Enrollment and Benefits Discounts with Marsha Brock
David Broyles delivers messages from associates about what Averitt drivers mean to us. Every day, our drivers put on the uniform. They excel. They lead. They drive. They inspire. And they deliver.
Host David Broyles discusses new updates to the People Like You referral program with driver John from Clarksville.
Host David Broyles talks about the financial benefits of being tobacco-free with Elise Leeson from Human Resources.
Host David Broyles talks about what to do when you're in an accident with Angie Leathers from Risk Management.
Lyle Daniels visits David Broyles in the studio to share all the info on the new Elite Pass for tolls. How, when and where to get it!
Danny Crooks does a follow-up chat with host David Broyles about updates for minimum miles and compensation.
Brain Dudney chats with host David Broyles about exciting new structural changes on the horizon in Truckload.
Marsha Brock joins David Broyles to talk about details and benefits of your annual Health Screening.
It's finally here! Host David Broyles talks about all the features of the new Averitt App for drivers with Driver Trainer Robert Crabtree and Corporate Safety Manager Jason Bolton.
Host David Broyles talks benefits, health screenings, red thinkin' rewards, uniforms, hours of service changes and more in this multi-guest podcast.
Special guest talks with host David Broyles about Hours of Service changes. Other topics include Red Thinkin' Rewards and Christmas messages from Gary Sasser and Danny Crooks.
Host David Broyles visits with Dan Singer, Brian Dudney and Lyle Daniels about the new rewards program already underway for Averitt truckload associates.
It's almost time to choose our benefits for 2017! Listen in as host David Broyles talks with Vice President of Human Resources Elise Leeson to discuss our benefits package for 2017, how to complete your benefits enrollment, and what dates enrollment will take place.
Join Averitt associates from LTL, Truckload, Supply Chain and Maintenance as we celebrate Driver Appreciation Week.
Host David Broyles talks with members of the driver support team and gives us the how and when to best utilize driver support resources.
Host David Broyles talks with Robert Crabtree about the new easy weigh smart phone application he's been testing.
Special Guest Elise Leeson joins host David Broyles in a discussion of upcoming events, info and helpful tips for summer driving. David kicks off a new ongoing segment for getting to know fleetmanagers with Jennifer Burgess.
Richard King joins host David Broyles to discuss The Power of One concept and what that means to our associates.
Host David Broyles talks with special guests about Averitt's On Tour Logistics division.
Host David Broyles talks with special Risk Management guests Rhonda Otto about new technology coming, and how it benefits the driving associates.
Host David Broyles discusses how to prevent fatigue and what to do in case of accidents with Risk Management representatives Angie Leathers and Rhonda Otto in the newest installment of the Averitt Truckload Podcast!