LOWELL, Ark. — Jodi Edwards, a 25-year company driver for J.B. Hunt Transport Services, has been named Driver of the Year by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT).
Throughout her career, Edwards has earned multiple regional driver-of-the-year and safety recognitions, according to a news release.
Nearly 13 years after achieving her first million safe miles driven, she surpassed 2 million miles in January.
“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, who began her intermodal driving career with J.B. Hunt in 1998, was one of three drivers to receive the WIT distinction this year, an unprecedented move by the organization.
Edwards is the first J.B. Hunt driver to be recognized with the honor and has served on WIT’s Image Team since 2016.
As part of the Image Team, Edwards has mentored others entering the industry while helping showcase the profession as a great career opportunity for women.
Her efforts with WIT include hosting ride-a-longs with government and organization officials, engaging in WIT events and panel discussions and participating in interviews with trade and national 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.”
Edwards has been a Smith System certified instructor and driver trainer for more than 10 years, having spent countless hours mentoring 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.”
Additionally, Edwards has volunteered on multiple occasions to support the company’s contributions to Wreaths Across America, an industry event that remembers fallen veterans during the holiday season. Her efforts have helped the company deliver thousands of wreaths from Maine to national cemeteries throughout the country.
Edwards will join more than 50 drivers at J.B. Hunt corporate headquarters in Lowell, Arkansas, in May for the company’s 23rd annual Million Mile Celebration, recognizing company drivers who achieved between 2 million and 5 million safe miles driven within the past year.
Since its inception in 1996, more than 4,600 drivers have been recognized for achieving at least one million safe miles. Million Mile drivers are considered the legacy of the company’s safety culture shared by its people.
Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and raised in East Texas, John Worthen returned to his home state to attend college in 1998 and decided to make his life in The Natural State. Worthen is a 20-year veteran of the journalism industry and has covered just about every topic there is. He has a passion for writing and telling stories. He has worked as a beat reporter and bureau chief for a statewide newspaper and as managing editor of a regional newspaper in Arkansas. Additionally, Worthen has been a prolific freelance journalist for two decades, and has been published in several travel magazines and on travel websites.
