Memphis, Tenn. — Averitt Express employees delivered a $1.2 million contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2022, the largest single‑year gift the company has ever recorded.
The trucking world watches charitable drives closely because driver pay, fuel costs and regulatory compliance dominate daily concerns. A sizable donation like Averitt’s signals that carrier crews can rally around a cause without compromising load schedules or safety standards. The gift underscores the growing culture of giving within fleets that already spend long hours on the road.
2022 marked the fourth straight year Averitt surpassed the $1 million threshold for St. Jude. For eight consecutive years the company has broken its own record, a streak that lifted its lifetime contributions to the pediatric hospital to $10 million. The effort flows from the employee‑driven program “Averitt Cares for Kids,” where 94 % of staff and retirees pledge $1 each week to a portfolio of charities. In addition to the $1.2 million, the firm added a $750,000 supplemental donation to honor its workforce’s commitment. Chairman and CEO Gary Sasser said the collective spirit of associates fuels the partnership that began in 1990. That same year the carrier earmarked a portion of all charitable dollars for St. Jude, a relationship that culminated in a $1.5 million endowment for the hospital’s Leukemia and Lymphoma Clinic, a facility that treats roughly 80 % of its patients during therapy.
What This Means for Drivers
Owner‑operators and CDL‑A drivers can expect the company’s giving program to stay active, meaning payroll deductions for charitable causes remain an option on the roster. Fleet managers gain a morale boost when crews see tangible results from weekly $1 contributions, which can translate into lower turnover and steadier route coverage. The public‑facing goodwill generated by the donation may also smooth negotiations with shippers who value socially responsible carriers.
Industry Reaction
Other carriers have taken note, citing Averitt’s model as a blueprint for driver‑focused philanthropy. Trade groups argue that widespread participation—nearly all employees in Averitt’s case—demonstrates a viable path for the industry to support community health without adding financial strain. Critics of excessive charitable spending warn that any diversion of resources could affect equipment upgrades, but Averitt’s balance sheet shows the company can sustain both operational needs and generous giving.
Key Points
- 2022 donation reached $1.2 million, the highest annual amount Averitt has ever given.
- Four straight years of donations exceeding $1 million, eight years of record‑breaking contributions.
- Total support for St. Jude now tops $10 million, driven by a 94 % employee participation rate.
- A $1.5 million endowment funds St. Jude’s Leukemia and Lymphoma Clinic, which treats 80 % of its patients.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL‑A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner‑operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.
Photo by Phil Desforges on Pexels