Jodi Edwards, a dedicated company driver for J.B. Hunt Transport Services with 25 years of experience, has been honored as the Driver of the Year by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT).
Her career is full of accomplishments, including multiple regional driver-of-the-year awards and safety recognitions. In January 2024, Edwards surpassed the remarkable milestone of 2 Million Safe Miles.
“I am greatly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Edwards said. “I want to thank my family for their support and patience, J.B. Hunt for providing me with the opportunity and leadership, and Women In Trucking for all they do to make driving a better career option for women. I do what I do because I love it, and I hope others will find as much joy and passion for being a driver as I have for decades.”
Edwards is the first-ever J.B. Hunt driver to receive this honor from WIT. Her exceptional contributions extend beyond the wheel, as she has served on WIT’s Image Team since 2016.
As an integral member of the Image Team, Edwards has played a pivotal role in mentoring aspiring professionals entering the trucking industry, while also championing the cause of promoting trucking as a rewarding career option for women. Her involvement includes hosting ride-alongs with government and organizational officials, participating in WIT events and panel discussions, and engaging in interviews with various media outlets, including WIT’s weekly radio show on SiriusXM.
“We are immensely proud of Jodi and the example she sets for our drivers and others in the industry,” said Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of contract services at J.B. Hunt. “Throughout her career, she has shown unwavering dedication to providing industry-leading service while enabling those around her with training and support. Her leadership speaks volumes to her integrity and professionalism, paving the way for her fellow drivers to follow.”
Furthermore, Edwards has dedicated over a decade to serving as a Smith System certified instructor and driver trainer, imparting invaluable knowledge and expertise to the next generation of safe driving professionals.
“Jodi’s fair and wise approach sets her apart, making her a great representative for all drivers in the industry,” said Mildred Hernandez, transportation manager at J.B. Hunt and Edwards’ manager for many years. “She consistently demonstrates her exceptional driving ability, reliability, and dedication to J.B. Hunt, surpassing all expectations over the 30-plus years I’ve spent in the industry.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Edwards exemplifies a spirit of philanthropy and community service. She has generously volunteered her time to support J.B. Hunt’s participation in Wreaths Across America, an annual event honoring fallen veterans during the holiday season.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Edwards will join over 50 esteemed drivers at J.B. Hunt’s corporate headquarters in Lowell, Arkansas, in May for the company’s 23rd annual Million Mile Celebration. This event serves as a tribute to drivers who have demonstrated exceptional safety records by achieving between 2 million and 5 million safe miles within the past year.
Since its inception in 1996, J.B. Hunt’s Million Mile Celebration has honored over 4,600 drivers, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of safety and excellence among its workforce. Edwards and her fellow Million Mile drivers represent the proud legacy of this enduring safety culture, which remains ingrained in the fabric of J.B. Hunt’s operations.
Source: The Trucker
Photo: J.B. Hunt
