Powering Averitt's Operations: The Essential Role of Dock Associates

Post Date - Apr 29, 2024

Our dock associates are the backbone of our operations. They are the ones who keep our facilities running smoothly day in and day out. Equipped with state-of-the-art modern equipment and specialized knowledge, they meticulously manage the loading and unloading of freight, ensuring efficiency, safety, and professionalism at every turn.

The expertise and dedication of our dock associates set the stage for our success, paving the way for seamless operations and exceptional customer service. From protecting us from potential setbacks to positioning us for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, our dock associates are instrumental in every aspect of our operations.

As Vice President of Operations Larry Mason aptly puts it, our dock associates are the offensive line of our team, ensuring that we are well-positioned for success in all that we do. Their commitment to excellence is evident in our record-low claims performance, with just $0.27 paid out in claims for every $100 in revenue—a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team.

With over 300 dock associates across our company, we benefit from a wealth of experience and knowledge that is vital to our success. These seasoned professionals not only possess the skills necessary to excel in their roles, but also serve as mentors and guides to newer associates, sharing their wisdom and expertise to help them succeed.

Last year, we introduced our Dock Mentor Program, a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. This program, with around 30 mentors across 12 facilities boasting a combined 400 years of service, has not only enhanced peer guidance and support, but also proven instrumental in improving dock efficiency, loss prevention, and transit service. It's a clear example of how we are constantly striving to make our operations better, and it's something we can all be excited about.

One such mentor is Michelle Mitchem from Tampa, a shining example of the dedication and commitment that our dock associates bring to their roles. Michelle's journey spans close to 10 years, during which she has held various roles and made significant contributions to our company's success. Her story serves as an example of the opportunities and rewards that come with being a part of our team, and it's something we can all take pride in.

But the journey doesn't have to stop at the dock. Interested in pursuing a career as a professional driver? Averitt offers a unique Dock-to-Driver on-the-job training program that allows you to earn your CDL-A while working on the dock. With this program, you can seamlessly transition from dock associate to professional driver, all while receiving competitive pay and invaluable training opportunities.

What sets our dock associates apart is their intimate knowledge of our operations. Their familiarity with our processes and procedures makes them the perfect candidates for operational and leadership roles. Paired with our commitment to promoting from within, our success stories speak volumes to the career growth and development we offer our associates.

Take Vincent Washington, our Augusta service center director, for example. With over 20 years of dedicated service to Averitt, Vincent's journey began as a part-time dock associate. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, he grew and thrived in various roles before assuming his current leadership position.

Join the Averitt team and become a part of our thriving team of dock associates who power our local freight operations with passion, professionalism, and pride. Explore dock and warehouse openings in your area and take the first step toward a rewarding career with Averitt today!