Nashville, Tennessee — Averitt Express has secured the 2025 Large Employer of Veterans Award from the American Legion Department of Tennessee. This distinction recognizes the carrier’s sustained commitment to recruiting and retaining former service members. The award highlights the company’s active role in bridging the gap between military service and civilian logistics careers. It is one of the few major carriers to receive this specific honor for veteran integration.

The timing of this recognition aligns with a broader industry shift where veterans are prioritizing workforce diversity and stability. For many CDL-A driver candidates, the transition from active duty to a commercial trucking seat can be difficult. Averitt’s approach focuses on creating structured pathways that respect the discipline and leadership skills veterans bring to the road. This strategy helps reduce turnover and builds a more cohesive driver fleet. The award underscores that veteran hiring is becoming a key metric for corporate responsibility in the freight sector.

Leadership at Averitt includes direct military experience, which influences the company’s hiring policies. Gary Sasser, the chairman and CEO, is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Reserves. His background informs the company’s internal culture and its external recruitment strategies. Sasser stated that veterans bring unique dedication and teamwork to the workforce. The company reports that nearly 15% of its current employees are U.S. military veterans. This significant minority reflects a deliberate effort to support not just the individuals, but their families as well.

What This Means for Drivers

For professional truck drivers, this award signals a more welcoming environment for those with military backgrounds. An OTR truck driver with service history may find that Averitt offers clearer advancement tracks and more supportive onboarding processes. The carrier’s emphasis on flexible pathways suggests that experienced veterans may move into specialized roles or management positions more quickly. This stability is crucial for owner-operators and company drivers alike, as it reduces the uncertainty often associated with transitioning out of the military. The focus on family support also addresses a common pain point for drivers who are settling into new states.

Industry Reaction

The American Legion presents this honor annually to employers who demonstrate tangible support for veterans transitioning to civilian life. The recognition serves as a benchmark for other logistics firms looking to improve their veteran integration strategies. While many carriers advertise veteran-friendly policies, few receive formal validation from organizations like the American Legion. This distinction may influence how recruiters and job seekers evaluate potential employers. It adds a layer of credibility to Averitt’s claims of being a veteran-centric workplace. The award reinforces the idea that corporate culture must align with stated values to earn industry respect.

Key Points

• Averitt Express received the 2025 Large Employer of Veterans Award from the American Legion Department of Tennessee.
• Nearly 15% of Averitt’s current workforce consists of U.S. military veterans.
• CEO Gary Sasser is a U.S. Marine Reserves veteran who champions internal veteran programs.
• The award recognizes active efforts to support veterans and their families in career transitions.

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 Jonathan Cooper on Pexels