Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/265903
60 COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | MARCH 2014 tracking tools, easy-to-fol- low tutorials to explain how specifi c tools work, more video and interactive media as well as improvements to Ship Plus, Averitt's one-stop online shipping interface. Customers also can view a calculator and map to determine transit times, and use a density calculator to determine rate quotes for the most timely and cost- effective method of shipping – standard or volume LTL, truckload or expedited. "We completely rebuilt the site to improve speed, reliability and ease of use," Pierce says. "Once we fi nished with that, we renovated the rest of the site to make it much more modern and easier for our associates and customers to use." Pierce says Averitt has received "tre- mendous positive feedback" from cus- tomer surveys conducted since the new website's launch. Customer comments have included "smashing," "user-friendly and easy on the eyes," "very easy to navi- gate," "takes the place of an app," "all the information you would ever need right at your fi ngertips" and "the easiest of all the carrier websites I use." Going paperless To further help its customers tighten ef- fi ciencies and improve cash fl ow, Averitt also has rolled out expanded electronic billing options. The company's custom- ers now can receive invoices via email directly to their inbox. Averitt's "Paperless Invoicing" tools are designed to save its shippers time and money. By receiving electronic invoices by email and viewing open invoices online, shippers can bill their customers more quickly, as well as have total control over managing invoices online. "Having invoices sent directly to their email inbox was something many of our customers expressed an interest in," Pierce says. In addition to receiving invoices via email, Averitt customers also can view current invoices online as they are updated in real time; search for invoices by pickup date, PRO number, bill of lad- ing number, purchase order number or invoice date; and access or email associ- ated shipping documents such as delivery receipts, bills of lading, load confi rmation and expedited contracts. "Anticipating and responding to our customers' needs helps us get better at being a full-service provider for them," Pierce says. Online recruiting The technology enhancements haven't stopped with Averitt's customers. The company also has made progress with upgrading its recruiting and retention ef- forts by transferring the majority of those efforts to the mobile realm. "Smartphones, tablets and other Web- enabled mobile devices are continuing to grow in popularity, and we want to provide as much information as we can to job seekers," says Ken Chrisman, recruiting leader. To that end, Averitt recently launched a mobile version of its careers website, AverittCareers.com, designed for people on the go who want to learn about career opportunities with the company. As a specialized website that targets job seekers, AverittCareers.com is designed to serve as a "one-stop shop" for transporta- tion professionals to learn about Averitt's culture and competitive benefi ts package, which includes family medi- cal, prescription, dental and vision coverage. "By accessing AverittCa- reers.com on a mobile device, someone can browse our open positions and learn more about all of the benefi ts of joining the Averitt team," Chrisman says. Averitt also recently changed its hiring requirements to provide more opportuni- ties for new professionals ready to expand their driving careers as part of its strategy to open its doors to a younger tech- savvy employment base. The company's minimum age for regional over-the-road drivers was lowered from 23 to 21. Also, Averitt kicked off a student driver training program for recent graduates of approved driving schools. The program includes a tuition reimbursement plan of up to $1,000. "These modifi cations give us the ability to bring on additional quality drivers who are coming out of driving school," Chris- man says. In addition, drivers who have been out of the industry or who are short on experience also can benefi t from Averitt's refresher and supplemental training programs. "We're excited about the opportuni- ties we can offer to individuals who are looking to get into the transportation industry," Chrisman says. "Combined with the student driver, supplemental and refresher course programs we've set up in key markets, we've bolstered our position as a prime choice for a career in transportation." CC J I N N O VATO R S profi les carriers and fl eets that have found innovative ways to overcome trucking's challenges. If you know a carrier that has displayed innovation, contact Jeff Crissey at jcrissey@ccjmagazine.com or 800-633-5953. Every shipping tool available on AverittExpress.com has been reformatted to be mobile- friendly across all types of devices.