How a father and his two sons found their career home at Averitt

Post Date - Jun 12, 2023

Securing a lifelong career that feeds your passion is an honor, but helping the people you love find those same types of careers is an even bigger honor. Professional driver Joel Shaffer and his two sons, Wesley and Shane, did just that with us. Here’s the story of how a father and his sons all found a career home that gets them the support, stability, and satisfaction everyone deserves.

In 2019, Joel Shaffer was laid off by another trucking company. He connected with Tulsa-based Averitt Service Center Director Justin Burkett and shared his experience behind the wheel and his desire to get back in the driver’s seat. Joel had been involved with the truck driving community for years and was eager to get back behind the wheel. Justin jumped on the chance to add a qualified, passionate, and dedicated driver to our team.

Joel settled into his role quickly and, true to the People Like You principle we uphold, wanted to bring other qualified drivers on board. He knew his eldest, Wesley, would be a great addition to our team. He had just moved back to town and was working in lawn care while looking for a job opportunity that could turn into a lifelong, rewarding career. He joined our team as a part-time dock associate, telling Justin during his interview that he wanted to continue the tradition of excellence his father started. “One of the questions Justin asked me during my interview was if I wanted to become a driver,” Wesley said. “I told him I did, we shook hands, and I began driving later that August.”

Throughout his time with us, Wesley has enjoyed not only the community of support and dedication, which he said drove him to our team, but also all the outstanding advantages we offer our associates. From industry-leading pay packages, consistent home time, and state-of-the-art safety technology, our associates know they’ll be taken care of, which is just what Wesley wanted for his younger brother, Shane.

Shane had proudly served in the Marines and had spent the previous four years working in pest control as he searched for a long-term career home. “Wesley and Dad had told me about Averitt, so I interviewed in November,” Shane said. “Onboarding was easy, training prepared me for the work on the dock, and I am looking to begin the Dock-to-Driver program soon so that I can become a driver, too.”

The Dock-to-Driver Training Program is a great starting point to a truck driving career. With this on-the-job training program, Shane will get paid to work on the dock, all while enjoying top benefits, dedicated support, and one-on-one instruction from an Averitt driver trainer as he works toward getting his CDL.

Eventually, all three Shaffers will be behind the wheel, making a difference with every mile. Thank you to the Shaffer family for your hard work and dedication to Averitt! We are so glad you’re on our team.

And to all the fathers out there, thank you for your constant commitment to supporting and caring for your family. We see you today and every day. Happy Father’s Day!