By Brad Hicks
There’s a lot of excitement around J.B. Hunt this time of year. Throughout August, we begin the planning process for Wreaths Across America, a national event honoring the legacy of those who have sacrificed their lives serving our country. For nearly a decade, a convoy of J.B. Hunt trucks has joined hundreds of carriers to transport wreaths thousands of miles across the nation to reach their final destination – the headstones of the fallen who served our country.
For our drivers, it’s an honor to be a part of the Wreaths convoy. Many are veterans themselves or have a close relative who has served. Hundreds of these drivers are nominated each year by fellow employees across the company, and more than 425 J.B. Hunt drivers have participated in this incredible program since 2014. Together, they’ve transported nearly one million wreaths for thousands of volunteers to place on headstones in all 50 states.
Wreaths Across America is just one of many events we proudly support throughout the year to ensure that the veterans who defend our freedom are never forgotten. At J.B. Hunt, supporting our veterans has a far deeper meaning, tying in with our culture and legacy. Honoring those who have served goes all the way back to Mr. Hunt himself, who was both a driver and a military Army veteran.
Today, we continue to create a workplace where our service members feel valued, not just for their military service, experience and industry expertise, but because of who they are and what they represent – excellence, commitment and honor. We take pride in being recognized as a Military Friendly® Employer for 16 consecutive years, and today, nearly one in seven J.B. Hunt employees are military veterans. In 2020, we surpassed a company goal of hiring 10,000 veterans in six years, and we’ve maintained hiring at least 1,600 veterans each year since.
Our commitment to hiring and supporting veterans includes programming that meets their professional needs and assists those who are transitioning to civilian life. We provide multiple services and resources, such as deployment and re-entry guides, military leave and differential pay policies and company-wide Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances. And, because we recognize the power of community, J.B. Hunt hosts an employee resource group that is dedicated to empowering and engaging employees in our organization to support the professional and personal success of veterans.
Supporting our veterans, whether it be remembering their sacrifice during the holidays or helping them transition from active service, is a privilege. Veterans have given so much for our country. They are the humble heroes of our local communities and help keep our industry moving, without hesitation or reservation. Wreaths Across America is still seeking volunteers to move freight and to help with wreath-laying events in Arkansas for 2023. To get your company involved this holiday season, visit Wreathsacrossamerica.org/arkansastrucking.
Brad Hicks is president of highway services and executive vice president of people at J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Since beginning his career with J.B. Hunt in 1995, Hicks has worked in customer service, operations and sales and held multiple leadership positions at J.B. Hunt. He utilizes his vast experience and leadership skills to help accelerate the growth of highway services and is responsible for championing the company’s efforts to empower and support employees through talent, training, benefits, and policy management, among other key areas.
