Averitt Express, a provider of freight transportation and supply chain management, announced less-than-truckload service improvements in thousands of lanes. As a result of its recent network optimization efforts, Averitt says it has improved its service in 14,000 lanes, resulting in faster transit times. In addition, Averitt estimates that about 86 million pounds of freight moving throughout its network will receive less handling, allowing the carrier to deliver an even higher quality of service to its customers.
Some of the markets that are benefiting directly from the improvements include Augusta, Ga.; Beaumont, Texas; Cleveland; Cookeville, Tenn.; Corbin, Ky.; Darlington, S.C.; Fayetteville, Tenn.; Hickory, N.C; Jonesboro, Ark.; Lubbock, Texas; Meridian, Miss.; Shenandoah, Va.; Tyler, Texas; and Waco, Texas.
Averitt also says its network reengineering will reduce the company’s total operating miles by 576,000 annually, leading to the conservation of about 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel each year. According to Phil Pierce, Averitt’s vice president of sales and marketing, Averitt sought to make the improvements as part of its constant effort to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“We’re constantly reengineering our distribution network to get freight to our customers faster and more efficiently,” Pierce says. “After months of analyzing our shipping patterns, we found several opportunities for improvement within our network that are ultimately resulting in better transit times, more direct loading and less shipment handling.”
