“That speaks to the type of people we have at our Cookeville service center, as well as throughout our network.” – Averitt Director of Safety and Compliance Jason Bolton
If there’s anybody who knows about how to operate safely in the transportation industry, it’s David Adams. Adams – a 47-year city driver for Averitt’s Cookeville service center – has achieved an incredible 45 years of safe driving.
“You have to focus on the basics,” Adams says of his accomplishment. “You have to keep your head in what you’re doing. You hear that analogy in sports, but it’s also relevant with transportation. When you don’t pay attention to the small stuff, that’s when you make mistakes.”
Adams’ safety success is part of an impressive team effort from Averitt’s Cookeville service center. The facility has 39 total associates who have a combined 850 years of Averitt service.
Additionally, they have achieved a total of 339 years of safe driving.
“That speaks to the type of people we have at our Cookeville service center, as well as throughout our network,” says Averitt Director of Safety and Compliance Jason Bolton. “Our drivers embrace our culture of safety, and they are committed to doing things the right way. That’s an important reason we’ve been able to achieve sustained success, because customers know their freight is in good hands when they partner with Averitt.”
From the 1970s to the present
Averitt is celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2026, as Chairman and CEO Gary Sasser started the company in 1971 with just three tractors, five trailers and a handful of associates. Adams has been part of that success nearly since the beginning, with 47 years of service to his credit.
During that time, he has witnessed numerous advancements in all aspects of the industry, including safety technology. From adaptive cruise to collision mitigation, active brake assist and much more, Averitt invests in dynamic features that can help its driving force stay safe on the road.
“The feature I like more than anything is the blind spot warning that lets you know something is beside you,” Adams says. “That’s one of the biggest helps for me with the new safety stuff we have.”
Ultimately, it’s all about staying nimble and making the most of what you have.
“That’s just like life in general,” David says. “To be successful, you have to learn, be flexible and adjust to changes. Our industry has changed through the years. And to be able to have any kind of longevity, you have to adapt with it.”
But some things stay the same
At the same time, Adams has noticed that some very important things have remained consistent – Averitt’s professional image, commitment to excellence and a positive work environment.
“Gary has always focused on service and professionalism,” Adams says. “We got the uniform program shortly after I started. Gary has always liked to see associates being sharp-dressed. That focus has stayed the same. And it’s always been important that we deliver the best service and have people who present a respectful image for the customer. That’s never changed.”
Averitt has a long-standing motto – Our Driving Force Is People – and it’s something David has seen firsthand.
“Throughout my career, the atmosphere has been supportive and like a family,” he says. “Everybody does their job, and that’s part of the reason I’ve stayed around, for sure.”
About Averitt
Serving shippers for 55 years, Averitt is a leading provider of freight transportation and supply chain management solutions with an international reach of over 100 countries. Averitt’s “Power of One” service structure provides shippers access to LTL, Truckload, Dedicated, Distribution & Fulfillment, Warehousing, and Integrated & global solutions that cover every link in the supply chain. Averitt’s team has been awarded the highest honors in the industry in the past year, including three Quest for Quality Awards, numerous customer awards, and top rankings in MASTIO & Company’s shipper survey. Averitt’s associates are dedicated to delivering the most reliable services within the industry and promoting a company culture centered around people, communities, sustainability, and giving back.
For more information, call 1-800-AVERITT (283-7488) or visit Averitt.com.
Photo provided.
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