At a time when layoffs seem to be dominating the news, a national trucking firm announced today it is adding 10 new jobs for the Wichita area.

The hirings are the result of Averitt Express expanding its services into Kansas. It had previously covered the state with partner carriers.

“Now we’ll be actually running our own trucks into Kansas,” Averitt spokesman Lyndon Johnson said.

All of the 10 jobs will be for over-the-road drivers. Johnson said the drivers will need to live in the Wichita area.

Averitt will have a drop yard in Wichita where drivers will be based and park their trucks.

He said Averitt’s expansion is the result of requests by customers. And part of that demand has been caused by the down economy.