Experience the ‘ Power of One ’ for your business
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
INLAND EXPANSION SPOTLIGHT
navigate an ever-changing market while looking for ultimate stability .
Q : Businesses are constantly trying to find new ways to innovate and expand . What types of investments should distribution and fulfillment companies be implementing to stay ahead ? A : Companies should invest in real estate and space . Their abilities to analyze any changes in the global supply chain — along with the ways they affect domestic imports and exports — are vital to future successes .
As an example , by moving manufacturing from Asia to Europe , volumes would swing more to the East Coast , thus leading to a need for additional space and assets in that region . Consequently , they ’ ll need more technology enhancements organically , as well as with outside vendors , via artificial intelligence , which will change every company in the near future . The sheer volume of AI ’ s data and analytics will assist customers as they strive to reach their target customer bases . Due to Averitt ’ s ability to enhance that database through its platforms , it will be a very valuable partner down the road .
By devoting more time and resources to AI , companies will notice better and better results in time . Furthermore , they must invest in their employees through culture , safety programs and training options , which will result in higher retention .
Retention is key to every company ’ s future success . After all , a lot of time and money is invested in recruiting proper employees , welcoming and training them , placing them in environments for success and promoting them as they grow within their respective companies .
Q : Technology has also helped to lead the charge in enhancing safety and productivity . How is Averitt staying compliant ? A : Averitt is always focused on safety — from the quality of equipment that it purchases and maintains and the quality of the facilities it owns and maintains to the training it continuously develops for employees . As a result , it has created an environment where safety is an attitude rather than an accident waiting to happen .
The company has an entire team that ’ s committed to the safety of its associates and the general public . It also oversees audits weekly across all of its platforms to ensure accordance with every safety training requirement , while also using internal and external resources to enhance safety protocols .
Averitt uses technology to create possibilities for enhanced productivity too , particularly through scanning , labor analytics and standard operating procedure development — each of these procedures can be shared across the company ’ s entire platform of facilities . Simply put , if Averitt ’ s processes are more structured , it will be more prone for future success .
Q : Sustainability is top of mind for all businesses within the supply chain industry . What changes has Averitt been implementing ? A : Within the distribution and fulfillment arena , Averitt has converted to all-electric forklifts , which reduces the emissions and dusts that diesel and propane forklifts would have otherwise created . In addition , LED and motion sensor lights have helped us move away from fluorescent lighting .
This year marks Averitt ’ s 20th anniversary as a partner in the SmartWay Transport program , of which it was a founding member . As an organization , Averitt is continually striving to reduce its operations ’ impact on the environment , which ultimately reduces our customers ’ supply chains ’ impact .
At Averitt , we invest heavily in maintaining one of the industry ’ s most modern fleets while using a wide range of technologies and equipment that decrease our emissions and deliver enhanced energy and fuel use . Across all of our five verticals , our sustainability initiatives are focused on ensuring our associates , customers and communities have better futures .
email : lewis . christopherm @ gmail . com
Experience the ‘ Power of One ’ for your business
FOR OVER HALF a century , Averitt has been committed to supporting shippers , providing freight transportation and logistics solutions they can count on at every turn . With a service reach extending to over 100 countries , Averitt delivers reliability and efficiency in a complex global marketplace .
At the heart of Averitt ’ s service offering lies its “ Power of One ” philosophy , a holistic approach that ensures seamless access to a comprehensive suite of services including less-than-truckload , truckload , dedicated , distribution & fulfillment , and integrated services . This unique model positions the business to address every link in the supply chain , providing its customers with a streamlined , efficient and cohesive logistics strategy .
Averitt ’ s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed . Over the past year alone , Averitt has been the recipient of five Quest for Quality Awards , a testament to its industry-leading standards . Additionally , its service quality and customer satisfaction levels were recognized with a No . 1 overall ranking in MASTIO & Company ’ s shipper survey , reflecting Averitt ’ s dedication to meeting and exceeding the needs of the shipping community .
Behind the company ’ s success is a team of over 8,500 associates whose dedication to service reliability and a culture of compassion sets Averitt apart . Averitt ’ s people are not just committed to service excellence ; they embody the company ’ s core values of community , sustainability and philanthropy . This is evident in recent achievements , including recording the company ’ s bestever annual freight handling numbers , making record donations to St . Jude Children ’ s Research Hospital and contributing 18,000 hours of community service .
Averitt is more than a transportation and logistics solutions provider ; it is a partner invested in the success of its customers . Its environmental initiatives , safety protocols , support for military personnel , and charitable efforts underscore Averitt ’ s belief in doing business responsibly .
40 Journal of Commerce | May 6 , 2024 www . joc . com