Averitt expands flatbed operation

Averitt expands flatbed operation    Cookeville, Tenn.-based Averitt Express said it will expand its flatbed operation, which it launched in early 2009.
   Averitt's flatbed presence once existed in just eight markets, including Birmingham, Ala.; Atlanta; Cincinnati; Louisville, Ky.; and Nashville, Tenn. During the past 22 months, the company said growing customer demand has spurred it to 'quickly double its flatbed presence,' resulting in a total of 16 markets.
   Some of Averitt's newest flatbed markets include Decatur, Ala.; Bowling Green and Lexington, Ky.; Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tenn.; and Tupelo, Miss. Averitt also provides dedicated flatbed service to a customer in Indianapolis, and Columbus and Springfield, Ohio.
   According to Randy Hammontree, Averitt's director of flatbed services, the company started with 12-flatbed trailers and has increased that number to more than 50 drivers and 70 flatbeds, with plans to purchase additional trailers and bring on more drivers as business continues to increase into the second quarter of 2011.