At Averitt Express, "Our Driving Concern is Safety!" Insuring the safety of our customers, our associates and the driving public is of utmost importance to Averitt Express.
John Walton, our Director of Safety and Compliance, is responsible for all aspects of Averitt’s safety program. John has more than three decades of industry experience, more than two decades of which has been spent in safety management. In addition to the Director of Safety and Compliance, Averitt has six full-time field Safety Coordinators with nearly 150 years of combined industry experience.
Following is some information about how we make safety our driving concern.
How does Averitt measure safe-driving performance?
We track safe-driving performance by measuring both vehicle and driver performance through a series of indicators. In terms of our fleet, we continually strive to have the safest trucks on the road, measuring total accidents per million miles driven. Though industry comparisons are not available, we measure ourselves against our own strong safety record, striving for improvement every year. In 2011, he number of recordable accidents was 0.61 accidents (both preventable and non-preventable combined) per million miles.
In measuring driver safety, Averitt employs a force of six regional safety coordinators who measure and monitor the performance of our drivers, investigate accidents and claims, conduct paperwork audits, conduct vehicle audits, administer breath alcohol tests, observe drivers and certify trainers. Additionally, we closely monitor driver hours of service records and encourage motorist call-ins to report driver performance.
To enhance our road safety program, Averitt utilizes a third-party driver observation program. The purpose of this program is to address inappropriate driving behavior as well as positively reinforce drivers for following proper procedures.
We also use technology to measure and provide feedback to drivers on critical safety events. “Predictive Behavior” software will identify patterns in driver habits that can be addressed through timely communication with the driver. The system is designed to focus resources on specific areas in order to improve safety by preventing accidents.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration introduced CSA in late 2010 as a standard to measure carriers in compliance with safety rules. Averitt is devoted to educating drivers and leaders on the safety regulations with the goal of constantly improving CSA scores.
What type of safety training do Averitt drivers receive?
Beyond the training and requirements associated with obtaining a commercial drivers license, all new drivers complete three days of driver orientation. This training focuses on protective driving techniques, operational technology training, accident reporting, equipment and maintenance information, hours of service compliance and seat belt usage.
All drivers are required to complete annual OSHA training programs, and we conduct monthly awareness campaigns to highlight important components of safe driving. Drivers handling hazardous materials undergo further training and testing, and all drivers are encouraged to participate in our "Protective Driving" program or to take approved third-party commercial driver training programs (see Safe Driving Point System below).
What is Averitt’s policy concerning hours of service?
We strictly follow Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines, requiring drivers at least 10 hours of rest for every 11 consecutive hours of driving (or every 14 hours of driving and non-driving duty). We are currently in the process of converting the fleet to electronic on-board recorders to enhance productivity and maintain compliance with hours of service regulations. Also, technology allows us to create a personal fatigue score with the goal of putting the safest, most rested driver on the road.
Each associate is required to maintain a clear and accurate record of their time and is required to file that information with the company on a daily or weekly basis (depending on their work pattern). Information is tracked by both computer and human monitoring, and variances from company or DOT policy are addressed with each associate. Infractions are subject to our progressive discipline system.
What is Averitt’s preventive maintenance program for its fleet?
Our fleet has received multiple Tennessee Trucking Association awards for Fleet Safety and is regarded as one of the country’s cleanest, safest fleets.
In many instances, our policies are more stringent than DOT policies, ensuring that every vehicle is in peak operating condition at all times. Before a tractor is received into our fleet, its engine is governed at 65 mph by the manufacturer. And before each driver begins a trip, he or she is expected to do a thorough, standardized check of each tractor.
Tractors are scheduled to receive preventive maintenance inspections every 40,000 miles or 150 days. Trailers are scheduled to receive preventive maintenance inspections every 300 days. These inspections involve checking vehicle brakes, tires, filters, fluids, etc.
How does Averitt screen its driver candidates?
All applicants for driver positions undergo a series of screenings to ensure they are the best people for the job.
These screenings include a three-year review of the applicant’s commercial and individual driving record, a criminal background check, a drug and alcohol test and a three-year review of past drug and alcohol test results. All associates certified to operate a commercial vehicle may be drug tested after an accident, for reasonable suspicion, or as part of random, unannounced testing.
Additionally, our drivers are required to have physical examination by a doctor every one to two years.
Does Averitt have any recognition or incentive programs for driver safety?
The Averitt Safety Award Program recognizes associates for years of safe performance (such as driving without a preventable accident). In 2011, the preventable accident rate per million miles for Averitt was 0.17. Drivers having no preventable accidents were awarded with incentives in honor of their performance excellence.
Additionally, the Averitt Safe Driving/Accident Point System rewards drivers for safe performance and encourages them to receive professional driver training. Drivers are given a certain number of performance points upon beginning their career with Averitt. Additional points are awarded for years of safe driving, and for completion of refresher courses or other approved safe-driving training.
Points may be deducted for preventable accidents, moving violations and unsafe driving practices. A driver must maintain a minimum number of performance points to operate a commercial vehicle for Averitt.
