Starting School On July 8.

Awesome! Let us know what you find when you get there!

All right, here we go...

Averett Express orientation is four days in Cookeville, TN. We are put up in the Clarion Inn. It's a decent place with an indoor/outdoor pool, jacuzzi, sports bar and free WiFi that is password protected and it is very fast. breakfast is also free (for us) with a full hot bar (oh yeah).

When I arrived I was given a packet of paperwork to fill out including background check info, I9, W4 and the physical questionnaire. We had to have this done and be ready to go at 0630 in the lobby. When the two Averitt reps arrived we were split into two groups, one to go straight to the doc and the other (which I was in) went to the training building to do computer based training, get our uniforms issued, and were given our itinerary for the next few days. The computer work was basically "this is how we do it" stuff. After lunch, (which is also provided and was really good) it was our turn at Occupational Health.

They do a thorough physical exam including the wee test, hair (from my chest) sample, a couple lifting tests, different positioning and motion tests, vitals, eye sight and color, whisper test, hernia check, BMI , sleep apnea analysis, 50 questions (seems like) and I even got to get my application with fingerprints for a Hazmat and tanker endorsement started and paid for while there. Seem like a lot? It was. The only hiccup I had was with my blood pressure. It was high at first (probably because my urinalysis was the next to last thing done) so the doc said to have it checked again after I whizz (I had been holding it throughout the whole exam, which was torture) . They did check it again and the nurse said it was perfect, no S**t. Having to pee real bad plus having a doc pressing down on the belly among some other stuff tends to have that effect. That was the only negative I have for today.

All in all, not the worst day I've ever had. I finished up at about 3:30 and came back to the hotel. Tomorrow we have to be at training at 0800 so I get to sleep in! Oh, we get to drive ourselves around which is nice. No shuttle bus and being herded like cattle.

Day two of orientation was spent going over benefits for the most part. The morning was spent getting our credentials and learning the history of Averitt which was highlighted by the owner, CEO and President, Gary Sasser (he bought Averitt Express from Mr. Thurman Averitt in 1971 at the age of 20) making an appearance. He seemed to be a nice soft spoken guy with a cool personality. He wore a uniform (white shirt) instead of a suit which I find refreshing. He personally thanked each of us and shook our hands before taking questions and saying things like (paraphrased) "the success of this company was not because of me, it is easy to give orders. The folks who work for us are the success story." He also maintained what was being discussed prior to his arrival which was that Averitt believes if the associates are paid well they will perform better. With their pay structure ($600 wk during training for about 5 or so weeks and beginning at .33cpm after that) and profit sharing which we qualify for from day one, I believe him.

There is one thing that was brought up a couple of times that made me cringe a bit about their hiring process: Tens of thousands of applications are received yearly. Of those, maybe ten percent are sent up for review. Of that ten percent, only a fraction make it to the interview. So, as was said, we a part of an elite group. I never have and never will consider myself elite in any way because that suggests that I am better than another. I am not. Now, with that said, I am not naive. I know it is par for the course for a company to work up their newbs to get them started in a positive light and with a good attitude. That's just my take. Hell, I was turned down by TMC and H.O. Wolding and a couple others before I got the call from Averitt.

I wanted to drive for Averitt for the same reasons some do not: The uniform, no piercings (men), short hair (men), no beard, trimmed mustache policies they have. I like order and consistency when it comes to a career. I also know that a company with high standards will have associates with high standards which usually results in smoother operations. I, believe it or not, consider myself a non-conformist, libertarian type person who does not react well to people who think they have authority over me. Go figure.

I did get to meet my recruiter and discuss my training a little. He reassured me that there is a trainer already lined up and ready to take me out after orientation, which is awesome.

If anyone wants more detailed info on Averitt or is considering applying let me know through a personal message and I will fill you in. I don't feel comfortable making everything public.

Yeah, orientation is a painstaking process but you'll be through it in no time. I also love the fact that they insist on a professional appearance. Call me crazy, but a filthy T-shirt, sweatpants, and flip-flops is not by idea of a true professional. And if you haven't come across this already, wait until you start hanging out at the truck stops and see what the modern American Trucker is like. Many of them are disgusting and shameful. It's sad. I'd love to see that change.

I think you're going to like Averitt. They're definitely one of the better companies out there.

Yeah, orientation is a painstaking process but you'll be through it in no time. I also love the fact that they insist on a professional appearance. Call me crazy, but a filthy T-shirt, sweatpants, and flip-flops is not by idea of a true professional. And if you haven't come across this already, wait until you start hanging out at the truck stops and see what the modern American Trucker is like. Many of them are disgusting and shameful. It's sad. I'd love to see that change.

Yeah, definitely Brett. I try not to judge by appearance, but, If I was shipping freight, I would go with the company that had the higher standards. Me personally, I am a blue-jean, polo type or T-shirt and outdoor boot wearing country boy. I like money too, so wearing a uniform is perfectly fine to me. I can still be who I am and represent Averitt professionally.

I think you're going to like Averitt. They're definitely one of the better companies out there.

I think I will like them too. They made it clear today that log book, and/or e-log fudging among other things will not be tolerated. I agree and am happy that they want me to play it straight. To me, having a stream of money coming in is better than a brief, ill gotten windfall and then none (get caught).

Today in orientation was dedicated to safety. We covered what to do, who to call and what the consequences could be in certain scenarios involving accidents. We also briefly covered log book entries and had an hour of the procedures to follow in case of a break down.

I found out today that I will be training for five weeks (no less) with a driver trainer. After that is done, I pass my driving test, and am issued my truck, I will have to come back to Cookeville for a week of "finishing school" where I will be taught advanced driving skills. This is something new they are trying to put in place and as of right now, it is only in testing using new drivers in Tennessee. I am perfectly fine with this and hope it will help me improve my skills.

Last day of orientation tomorrow! I get to meet and have lunch with my fleet manager and I believe we will be sent on our way after that as long as everything goes smooth.

Just a side note here, the longest day of orientation was day 1. I got back to the hotel around 5pm. The last couple of days we were release around 3:30. Short and sweet.

Just a side note here, the longest day of orientation was day 1. I got back to the hotel around 5pm. The last couple of days we were release around 3:30. Short and sweet.

Correction: I put on the first day of orientation that I was done (occupational health) at 3:30, that is correct, but, Me and some others went and checked out a couple Averitt trucks then I went back to the hotel. Just want to keep it accurate.

Congratulations! You got your first choice, who could ask for anything more? Now get out there and show em what you got. I'm real excited for you, and am looking forward to hearing some updates from you. You're the first person I can think of that came through here and went to Averitt.

Congratulations! You got your first choice, who could ask for anything more? Now get out there and show em what you got. I'm real excited for you, and am looking forward to hearing some updates from you. You're the first person I can think of that came through here and went to Averitt.

Thanks Old School! I am very happy that they called on me. I am ready to hit the road and solidify my place in the industry.

So, today was it for orientation! The lunch with my fleet manager (all of the newbs fleet manager) was actually the morning with the fleet manager, he was the instructor for the day (we were released after lunch). It was good to meet him and know who was going to be on the other end of our chosen communication method. All he really covered was what Averitt expects from our training period, which had already been pounded into us. It was good that there was consistency, at least for now...

I also got my driver number, Com data card, driver packet and trainers name and number. I have to call him tomorrow to find out when we roll out. From what I gather it will be Sunday evening or Monday morning. Their intention is to have us home every week (I am a regional trainee), but, of course s**t happens and that may not be the case. I'm cool either way.

My next entry will be from the road...Hopefully. This closes another chapter in this thread and once again I want to thank Brett, Old School, Starcar (sorry if I spelled that wrong), BuckeyeCowboy and everyone else who gave me tips and advice. It was all dead on.

I am now going to enjoy some cold beer and enjoy my time with the family for a couple days. Til next time, stay safe.

Awesome man! Just awesome!

You're officially in and ready to roll. Really glad to hear that. Enjoy the time with your family and keep us posted of course.

Congratulations man! That training period was the toughest part of everything for me, but hopefully you don't have a nut-case for a trainer! But, even if you do, just hang in there and make the most of it. I learned a lot from a nut, but there was an awful lot of other stuff that I endured just to get out of his truck and into my own. You're gonna love that feeling of accomplishment once they hand you the keys to your own truck.

Keep us posted as you can, we know you're going to be ultra busy during training, but we'd still love to hear how it's going for ya.