At J.B. Hunt, we take great pride in our drivers and believe they are exceptional in their attention to safety and dedication to a job well done. We work hard to show them our appreciation in every way we can, and we are excited to see their exceptionalism celebrated at a national level.
In recognition of his tireless work on the frontlines of the pandemic, J.B. Hunt Final Mile Services® driver José was chosen to represent truck drivers by the U.S. Department of Labor Hall of Honor.
This is an incredible honor for José, as a representative of all our drivers and the transportation industry as a whole, and we are proud to share his story.
Department of Labor Hall of Honor
This year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is inducting essential workers into their Hall of Honor for their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes frontline workers from all fields of work, including medical, education and transportation.
Because of his contributions, José is one of four people who are invited to an induction ceremony and luncheon in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, September 1, 2022, where he will represent not only J.B. Hunt, but drivers throughout the industry.
Delivering Essentials During the Pandemic
Over the last few years, truck drivers have become widely recognized and appreciated as the heroes they are, working tirelessly to keep our country moving forward and deliver our essentials. But in 2020, José reminded us just how crucial these deliveries can be.
Early in the pandemic, José received a call from his manager in the evening, asking if he was willing to work on his day off to pick up a load of personal protective equipment (PPE) that had arrived at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
“I didn’t hesitate,” said José. “I told him, ‘yes of course,’ and the next morning I was there picking it up and getting it ready, especially because it was going to a children’s hospital.”
Because of his actions, the shipment of PPE arrived for medical professionals in need at a children’s hospital in Tennessee.
“For a lot of PPE, there was a shortage of it,” said José. “And here we have this going directly to the hospital. The people in the hospitals, they’re also putting their lives at risk, so I’m delivering this for them so they can protect themselves.”
For us at J.B. Hunt, the actions of our drivers during the pandemic were heroic. Without hesitation, they showed up and kept our world moving. But for so many, José included, it was all in a day’s work.
“I’m just doing my job,” he said. “I mean, I don’t feel like a hero, but you know, I’m glad … I was there to do it and I would do it again.”
Thank You Drivers
Because of drivers like José, our country and our households stay supplied. From Dedicated Contract Services® to Intermodal, to Truckload and Final Mile Services®, we are so proud of our drivers and the impact they make across the country.
“We’re here to help America get through this pandemic,” said José. “We’re here to do our job.”
We invite you to show your support for José as he accepts his honor from the Department of Labor! Follow @JBHuntDrivers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to follow his journey to Washington, D.C. and give him your encouragement.
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If José’s story inspires you and you’re thinking about joining the J.B. Hunt family, we would love to talk to you. Give us a call at 1-877-791-9458 or fill out our short form to get started.
