Trucking news and briefs for Monday, May 6, 2024:
J.B. Hunt recognizes 54 drivers for multi-million safe miles
J.B. Hunt drivers walk the red carpet during the company's Million Mile Walk of Fame for achieving two, three, four and five million miles driven without a preventable accident.J.B. Hunt
J.B. Hunt Transport Services (CCJ Top 250, No. 3) recognized 54 company drivers last week for achieving two, three, four and five million miles driven without a preventable accident at its annual Million Mile Celebration at company headquarters in Lowell, Arkansas.
The drivers were awarded a total of $770,000 in safe driving bonuses for their outstanding accomplishment and commitment to operational excellence.
“These drivers are the champions of our safety culture,” said Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of contract services at J.B. Hunt. “Their million-mile achievements demonstrate an unwavering commitment to delivering long-term, exceptional value for our customers. 2023 was a record year for our safety organization, and these drivers were a huge part of that. Congratulations to all 54 drivers for their monumental safety milestone.”
The 2024 Million Mile driver class spent time at company headquarters with their families, management and executive leadership team celebrating their million-mile moment. On average, it takes a driver approximately 7-10 years to reach one million safe miles. Among this year's class is J.B. Hunt’s third driver to achieve five million miles and its first to be honored with Women in Trucking’s Driver of the Year award, Jodi Edwards.
The peak of the celebration took place May 1 at the Million Mile Walk of Fame. Drivers and their families walked the red carpet throughout the company’s Lowell campus where they were cheered on by hundreds of employees, ending with embracement and words of gratitude from company executives.
Since 1996, J.B. Hunt has awarded more than $38 million in safe driving bonuses to nearly 5,000 company drivers and has hosted the Million Mile event dating back to 2001.
[Related: Women in Trucking recognizes three Drivers of the Year]
St. Christopher hosting virtual 5K to raise funds
The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) is hosting its inaugural Heart & Sole Virtual 5K, which will help raise awareness and funds for over-the-road truck drivers who are out of work due to an illness or injury.
The concept is simple: individuals or groups can participate by registering online and then run, walk, or jog 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) anytime between May 20-26.
Participants are encouraged to share photos and the donation page on social media using the hashtag #SCFHeartandSole to raise awareness for the organization and its mission.
Registration for individuals is $20. SCF encourages individuals to make a team and challenge others. Event sponsorships are available companies for $1,000. All proceeds and donations will go directly to the St. Christopher Fund. Participants can also order a commemorative t-shirt available in multiple colors.
“Our inaugural Heart & Sole Virtual 5K is a fun and simple way for anyone and everyone to participate and support our mission,” said Lindsey Bryan, Health and Wellness Manager at St. Christopher Fund. “We hope to not only raise funds to support drivers in need, but also promote the importance of proactive health and wellness in the trucking industry.”
The SCF a nationwide nonprofit that provides short-term relief to Class A OTR drivers suffering from an illness or injury that took them out of work within the last year. The SCF also provides several free preventative health and wellness programs for OTR drivers in an effort to keep them on the road, including tobacco cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers.
[Related: St. Christopher raised $13K at MATS]
