In 1958, Thurman Averitt founded Livingston Merchant's Co-op, a small trucking company that hauled dry goods mostly between Nashville TN and Livingston TN. In 1969, Thurman incorporated his small company and called it Averitt Express. While making regular deliveries in Nashville, Thurman became acquainted with a young dockworker who helped him unload his trailer. This young man's name was Gary Sasser. Gary happened to ask Thurman one day if he would be interested in selling his company. After some thought, Thurman said yes. In October 1971, Gary Sasser, at the age of 20, purchased Averitt Express, which at the time consisted of two associates, three tractors, and five trailers. Today, Averitt Express is one of the nation's leading freight transportation and supply chain management providers.