In an admirable show of support for U.S. veterans, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., headquartered in Lowell, Ark., has been awarded multiple national accolades. These honors include being named a Top 10 Military Friendly Employer by Viqtory, one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Veterans by Newsweek, and Best for Vets by Military Times. This recognition highlights the company’s dedication to fostering a veteran-friendly workplace environment.
“We are honored that these leading organizations have recognized the workplace environment J.B. Hunt strives to create for our veterans,” stated Brad Hicks, the president of highway services and executive vice president of people at J.B. Hunt. “Supporting our veterans ties in with our culture and legacy, providing a much deeper meaning. We continue to enhance our workplace so that service members feel valued for their service, experience and expertise as well as the excellence, commitment and honor they represent.”
According to the company release, J.B. Hunt has maintained its Military Friendly® Employer status for 18 consecutive years, making the Top 10 for the second time. It’s also their first recognition by Military Times as Best for Vets and inclusion in Newsweek’s selection of America’s Best Workplaces for Veterans. Earlier in the year, the Arkansas Veterans of Foreign Wars acknowledged J.B. Hunt as Employer of the Year. Details about the award criteria and methodologies can be found on the respective organizations’ websites.
“As a company founded by both a veteran and driver, J.B. Hunt understands that the skills and expertise gained through military service can lead to a successful career in transportation and logistics,” the company said in the release. “Nearly one in every nine J.B. Hunt employees is a veteran, and the company is committed to adding approximately 1,600 veterans to its organization each year.”
From Military Service to Professional Success
J.B. Hunt’s commitment to veterans goes beyond hiring; it includes comprehensive programs designed to facilitate the transition from military to civilian careers. These initiatives include:
- Military Leave Benefits: Offering extensive support for employees at all career stages, including up to 26 weeks annually for family members of active-duty personnel needing care due to injury or illness.
- Active-Duty Support: Providing active-duty employees with a deployment and re-entry guide and differential pay policies to support dual military and civilian careers.
- Military Leave Concierge Service: Tailored aid for National Guard and Reserve members and their families, provided by a Gold Star family member.
- SkillBridge Program: Enabled through the Department of Defense, this program allows service members and their spouses, within 180 days of release from active duty, to gain civilian work experience. The company’s Apprenticeship Program is available for those interested in driver positions.
- Veterans Employee Resource Group: A supportive community aimed at empowering and engaging veteran employees professionally and personally.
In addition, J.B. Hunt annually observes Memorial Day and Veterans Day company-wide and has hosted the Arkansas Run for the Fallen Traveling Memorial since 2017. They also actively participate in Wreaths Across America, ensuring the delivery of thousands of wreaths to national cemeteries to honor fallen veterans during the holiday season.
Source: The Trucker
