J.B. Hunt’s 2020 Drivers of the Year and Bob Mack Award Recipient
J.B. Hunt truck drivers are known for going above and beyond the call of duty, and that was no different in 2020. Whether they were assisting on other accounts or delivering essential goods and lifesaving medical supplies, our drivers stepped up to the challenge and helped deliver hope during a difficult year.
We are honored to celebrate the drivers who were awarded with some of J.B. Hunt’s highest honors – Driver of the Year and the Bob Mack Award. These drivers were chosen by their management teams because they made it their personal mission in 2020 to go the extra mile in support of their communities and the industry, and for showing their dedication to driving like a champion.
We are excited to introduce you to the drivers of the year and Bob Mack Award recipient and share a little bit about why they were chosen for these honors. Join us in giving them a virtual round of applause!
Edward, Local Intermodal Driver, 30 Years with J.B. Hunt
“The most impressive thing about Edward is his consistency. He never seems to be flustered, no matter the situation,” said manager, Andrew. “Eddie is a Two Million Mile Safe driver. He has done everything possible to help improve our operations over the years. He has an infectious, positive attitude. He understands the team-first mentality that’s necessary for us to be successful, and Eddie has been making our team stronger for nearly 30 years.”
In Edward’s words:
“I couldn’t do what I do without the help of all of the managers – we are a team!”
Phil, Regional Intermodal Driver, 32 Years with J.B. Hunt
At over 3.6 million miles, Phil is one of the top three drivers in the Midwest region for most safe miles driven. Not only is he dedicated to safety but to productivity. He always goes above and beyond for the customers he serves resulting in great relationships and feedback.
In Phil’s words:
“I feel fortunate to work for J.B. Hunt. In my 30 plus years with the company, I have never had an issue go unresolved. The effort you put in; J.B. Hunt gives back.”
Misraim, Final Mile Class A Driver, 12 Years with J.B. Hunt
The thing that makes Misraim stand out is his positive attitude and his famous greeting, “Hey, little buddy!” Not only does his positivity make him stand out but so does his impressive safety record. He is extremely close to driving one million safe miles.
In Misraim’s words:
“One of the most important aspects was being able to provide for my family and now put my children through college. Over the past 12 years, all the managers I’ve had have always gone above and beyond to give me the best opportunities with J.B. Hunt. I really can’t say enough about what this company has done for me and my family, and it’s exciting to know that there are opportunities that have yet to come. I truly see myself retiring from J.B. Hunt after a long and fulfilling career.”
Gary, Regional Intermodal Driver, 34 Years with J.B. Hunt
“With over 4 million safe miles, it is evident that Gary is no doubt one of the safest, most reliable and hardworking drivers in the fleet. He is very easy to work with,” said Director of Operations, Zach. “Every conversation with him is pleasant, and I can tell just by the way he holds himself that he is a man of integrity and genuine character. Gary’s attitude is always positive, and he is a joy to work with. In addition to being reliable, he continues to show that he cares about safety.”
In Gary’s words:
“I love driving for J.B. Hunt because I travel and see new things every day.”
Steve, Regional Dedicated Driver, 23 Years with J.B. Hunt
Steve is a phenomenal communicator and has great relationships with customers. He is a 2 million mile driver and on his way to 3 million safe miles.
In Steve’s words:
“I know working for J.B. Hunt that I will always be able to have a job. They are a top company in the transportation industry. I will always be able to keep a roof over my family’s head.”
Matthew, Over the Road Dedicated Driver, 19 Years with J.B. Hunt
Director of Operations, Jonathan, said Matt’s attitude is part of what sets him apart.
“He takes the job personally. It is not enough to him to simply get it done. It must be done right. He wants it to be right because it is important to him personally, because it is important to J.B. Hunt, and it is important to the customer,” he explained. “Matt’s wife Jennifer has been a huge part of his success. As a former driver, she understands what all is involved with the job and has been his encouragement over the years. We cannot say enough great things about Matt, and we are proud to have him as part of the team.”
In Matthew’s words:
“J.B. Hunt is a great company! I am able to fulfill my passion; I love to drive! At a young age, my father was my mentor, he taught me how to work hard and perform at a high level.”
Hector, Dedicated Driver, 11 Years with J.B. Hunt
Hector is a leader and a mentor to many on his account and others. He goes above and beyond, even going so far as to BBQ for driver appreciation events. Hector is known for his patience with new drivers and adjusting his training plan in a way that best fits each driver’s needs.
In Hector’s words:
“We are not just a company. We are a family! This company recognizes our drivers. I have worked for other companies in the past and you’re just a number, and once you join this company you know you are appreciated!”
Charles, Dedicated driver, 23 years with J.B. Hunt
Director of Operations, John, said Charles is incredibly deserving of this nomination.
“He has helped with nearly every startup in 2020,” he said. “Charles is always ready to help with any need, no matter the circumstances. His work ethic and professionalism are always a great example to new drivers and management.”
In Charles’ words:
“I have always made more than enough money to support my family and management has always treated me great. J.B. Hunt has always been a great place to work.”
Doug, Local Dedicated Driver, 14 Years with J.B. Hunt
Doug completely bought into J.B. Hunt’s safety culture and the Smith System. Now it has become his passion to teach new drivers the importance of safety, training drivers across many accounts and training all driver trainers at his account’s locations. He is a leader, skilled driver and has an uncanny gift of inspiring and motivating others.
In Doug’s words:
“J.B. Hunt made me a better, safer driver. Now it’s my passion to share what I’ve learned with my team. It’s only getting better here, and we are just getting started!”
Rodney, Local Intermodal driver, 11 years with J.B. Hunt
Rodney is a one-million-mile safe driver and a dedicated driver trainer. He has volunteered to assist on other accounts, plays a huge role in stacking operations, and has valuable knowledge of the entire operation.
“Rodney brings a ‘lead by example’ approach and is a selfless leader. He brings an attitude that is unmatched and exemplifies what it means to be a champion driver,” said Robert, transportation manager.
In Rodney’s words:
“I love all of the opportunities that J.B. Hunt gives me. I always have something to do.”
Billy, Regional Dedicated Driver, 6 Years with J.B. Hunt
Billy pours his heart and soul into the work he does each day.
“He’s the kind of employee that makes you emotional when you think of all the sacrifices he’s made and how much he cares about our organization and customers,” said Director of Operations, Jordan.
In Billy’s words:
“It’s a good company to work for … J.B. Hunt has treated me really good since I’ve been here. We take care of our equipment and people.”
Derrick, Winner of the Bob Mack Award!
Beloved driver and friend, Bob Mack.
J.B. Hunt’s Truckload division presented the second ever Bob Mack Award to a very deserving driver. The award is in memory of Robert Makaruskas, J.B. Hunt driver and friend to many who passed away in 2018. The award is given to a Truckload driver who represents the values Bob’s family says he held true in his life: Integrity, Accountability, Loyalty, Perseverance and Inspiration.
This year, that driver is Derrick, who has been part of our family for over 16 years.
“Derrick is a positive light and an inspiration to not only other drivers, but everyone he encounters both personally and professionally,” said Chrissy, transportation manager. “He is a hard worker, dependable, positive, and his loyal service are just some of the qualities that make him the perfect person to represent the true values of this honor.”
In Derrick’s words:
“When I joined this company, their values were on point with what I believe in. I love what I do, and I always wanted to be the best at what I do. I just love everything about this company, the people I work with and the customers that I have ran for. To get up and do what I love to do makes everything worthwhile!”
To all our drivers, thank you for all you do to keep us moving forward, and a huge congratulations to each of our 2020 Drivers of the Year and Bob Mack Award Recipient!
Interested in driving with J.B. Hunt? Give us a call at 1-877-791-9458 or fill out our short form to pre-qualify and our recruiters will contact you.