Cookeville, Tennessee — Averitt Express has rolled out a targeted quarterly safety video initiative aimed at its fleet of more than 5,000 professional drivers. Launched to reinforce protective driving habits through voluntary online refresher modules, the campaign uses real dashcam footage captured by outward-facing truck cameras to analyze actual road hazards. The first quarter module tackled severe weather operations, while the second quarter zeroed in on speed management techniques. Drivers who finish the modules within each designated timeframe earn automatic entries into drawings for Red Thinkin’ Rewards points. Thousands of company drivers have already logged into the platform, demonstrating high engagement with the voluntary training.
Jason Bolton, a member of Averitt’s safety leadership team, noted that the quarterly campaigns reinforce the company's core emphasis on compliance and risk reduction. New hires at the carrier complete rigorous onboarding that covers hours-of-service compliance, equipment maintenance, defensive driving strategies, and accident reporting protocols. For operators requiring extra instruction, the carrier operates a dedicated driver development school featuring specialized vehicle maneuvering courses. These educational efforts run alongside monthly safety campaigns, on-site classroom sessions, and required online modules to keep risk management front and center.
The program arrives as fleet safety directors across the country search for effective ways to engage OTR truck driver personnel without relying solely on punitive measures. By tying voluntary participation to tangible point rewards, carriers can often secure better buy-in than traditional mandatory compliance sessions. Outward-facing camera footage provides concrete talking points that resonate more with experienced operators than generic classroom simulations.
What This Means for Drivers
CDL-A driver professionals looking at fleet options often evaluate carriers based on their commitment to equipment maintenance and ongoing training support. Programs like the Averitt safety video initiative give operators practical tools to handle adverse weather and speed control without adding administrative friction to their shifts. Owner-operator fleets and traditional carriers alike are watching how gamified safety incentives impact retention and overall incident rates on major freight corridors.
Industry Reaction
Fleet safety experts point out that leveraging actual dashcam footage from company trucks creates a more credible learning environment for veteran drivers. Rather than relying on outdated textbook examples, carriers that analyze real-world events help their drivers anticipate hazards before critical incidents occur. This hands-on approach aligns with broader industry goals to reduce liability and protect professional drivers on congested interstate routes.
Key Points
- Averitt Express introduced a quarterly safety video campaign for its 5,000-plus drivers.
- The training modules feature real footage captured by the fleet's outward-facing cameras.
- Participants who finish the courses earn entries into Red Thinkin’ Rewards point drawings.
- The carrier provides comprehensive onboarding, monthly safety campaigns, and a driver development school.
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.