Averitt Express has announced it will not take a general LTL rate increase in 2009, citing building customer loyalty as the reason to keep rates steady. The decision will affect thousands of shippers whose rates are based on Averitt’s A-Rate tariff.
"At a time like this, our customers need transportation partners who can provide outstanding service and creative transportation solutions,” said Phil Pierce, Averitt executive vp of sales & marketing. “They also need to keep costs as low as possible. So, at a time when most transportation providers are taking an annual rate increase and at a time when we continue to face higher costs ourselves, we are proud to announce Averitt will not take a general LTL rate increase in 2009.
"Instead of simply sitting idly by and waiting for the storm to pass, we have chosen to use this time to rethink every process we follow, every purchase we make and every resource we consume – all with the goal of eliminating waste and strengthening our ability to serve our customers,” Pierce added.