Averitt Express Orders 264 Volvo VNL 860 Trucks
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Averitt Express 264 new Volvo VNL 860 trucks, one of the largest single purchases of the model in North America.
The Tennessee-based carrier runs more than 4,600 trucks, with Volvo accounting for more than half of the fleet. The new units expand a long-running supplier relationship at a scale that signals how big fleets are renewing equipment to strengthen operations and keep experienced drivers in the seats.
“This order from Averitt Express is a strong vote of confidence in the all-new Volvo VNL and in our long-standing relationship,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America.
Averitt ranks No. 29 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America and No. 100 on the TT Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies.
Nils Jaeger of Volvo Autonomous Solutions says self-driving trucks will complement the industry’s workforce as freight demand grows. Tune in above or by going to .
The VNL 860 is Volvo’s new flagship longhaul sleeper. The company says aerodynamic and powertrain changes can deliver up to a 10% improvement in fuel economy compared with the prior model.
Averitt plans to assign the trucks to its most tenured drivers, a nod to retention in a competitive labor market.
“Our drivers are at the center of everything we do, and these new Volvo VNLs reflect that commitment,” said Barry Blakely, Averitt’s president and chief operating officer. “The advanced safety features, the outstanding driver comfort and the fantastic fuel economy help us operate more efficiently and sustainably while giving drivers a more comfortable experience on the road.”
The trucks include an integrated parking cooler powered by a 24-volt battery system that can run cab air conditioning while parked. The feature aims to cut idling, reduce fuel use and engine wear and improve rest-period comfort.
(Volvo Trucks North America via YouTube)
Volvo and Averitt cast the order as part of a broader push by large carriers to upgrade equipment for fuel economy and driver amenities amid competition for skilled drivers, saying investments that cut operating costs while improving comfort and safety support recruiting and retention.
Generative AI assisted in the creation of this article. At least two staff editors reviewed the copy before publication.
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