Lowell, Arkansas — J.B. Hunt Transport Services driver Jodi Edwards has been named the Women In Trucking Association’s Driver of the Year, becoming the first carrier employee to receive the honor after surpassing 2 million safe miles in January 2024.
Edwards’ career spans a quarter of a century, during which she earned multiple regional driver‑of‑the‑year awards and safety recognitions. Her dedication to the road is matched by her commitment to the community, having served on WIT’s Image Team since 2016. In that role, she mentors aspiring drivers, hosts ride‑alongs with government officials, participates in panel discussions, and appears on WIT’s weekly SiriusXM radio show. She also trains new talent as a Smith System certified instructor, sharing critical safety techniques with every driver she meets.
“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.” Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of contract services at J.B. Hunt, praised her unwavering dedication: “Throughout her career, she has shown unwavering dedication to providing industry‑leading service while enabling those around her with training and support.” Transportation manager Mildred Hernandez, Edwards’ longtime supervisor, added, “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.”
What This Means for Drivers
Edwards’ accolade highlights the importance of safety metrics for CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators. Companies that track safe miles can use her achievement as a benchmark, encouraging fleets to invest in training and safety programs. The upcoming J.B. Hunt Million Mile Celebration in May will feature Edwards alongside more than 50 drivers who logged between 2 and 5 million safe miles in the past year. The event underscores a culture that rewards consistent, accident‑free performance, a model that can attract truck driver jobs and OTR truck driver applicants looking for a company that values safety.
Industry Reaction
The recognition comes at a time when Women In Trucking is pushing for greater visibility and career development opportunities. Industry advocates note that awards like this can inspire other carriers to recognize female drivers, fostering diversity in the field. J.B. Hunt’s commitment to safety, reflected in the 4,600 drivers honored since the Million Mile Celebration’s inception in 1996, signals to trucking companies hiring that a strong safety culture remains a competitive advantage.
Key Points
- Edwards is the first J.B. Hunt driver to win Women In Trucking’s Driver of the Year award.
- She surpassed 2 million safe miles in January 2024 after 25 years on the road.
- Since 2016, she has mentored new drivers as part of WIT’s Image Team and trained crews as a Smith System instructor.
- Edwards will join more than 50 Million Mile honorees at J.B. Hunt’s headquarters in Lowell, Arkansas, in May.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job‑matching service connects CDL‑A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner‑operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.