Phil Fortin is a 5-million-mile man.
The JB Hunt Transport Services intermodal driver based in South Gate CA is the first company driver to reach the prestigious safety milestone without a preventable accident, surpassing 5 million safe miles in December 2019.
“The professional commitment and resilience it takes to achieve 5 million safe miles is almost unthinkable,” said John Roberts, president and CEO of JB Hunt. “Thank you, Phil, for your dedication to this company and for setting the bar of excellence in safety for others to follow.”
Also during the same month, JB Hunt hired its 10,000th veteran since 2014, a commitment the company has worked diligently to achieve. More than 15% of JB Hunt employees now are veterans, and the company has several programs to help transition them from service to a career, whether it’s in management, maintenance, office or driving.
“There’s so much potential for veterans in this industry, so we’ve established a support effort to help them develop rewarding careers that match their skillset with our opportunities,” Roberts said. “This was a bold and honorable goal for us, and I am very proud of all who helped make it happen.”
Fortin earned his first safe mile at JB Hunt in 1984 as a driver in the truckload division. Nearly 35 years later, he is one of the company’s most decorated drivers, having received 33 safe driving awards. Fortin reached 4 million safe miles in 2010, an achievement shared by only 16 other JB Hunt drivers. He will receive a $50,000 safe driving bonus for reaching 5 million safe miles, bringing his career total in safe driving bonuses to $125,000.
“I want to thank Mr. Hunt for having a dream and committing to it, because in the wake of his pursuit, he created so many opportunities for others, me included,” Fortin said. “Together as a team, we make it all work, and I’m grateful for all those around me who helped me reach this milestone.”
JB Hunt implemented the Million Mile program in 1996 and has recognized more than 3,600 company drivers for achieving 1 million-plus safe miles. Each driver is listed on the Million Mile Wall at corporate headquarters and receives a safe driving bonus for their achievement. In total, the company says it has awarded more than $28 million in safe driving bonuses.
Fortin will receive additional recognition at the company’s Million Mile event in April. JB Hunt has hosted the annual ceremony since 2001 to recognize drivers who achieve 1, 2, 3, 4 and now 5 million safe miles. In addition to an honorary lunch and visit with company leadership, drivers participate in JB Hunt’s Million Mile Walk of Fame, a long-standing tradition where employees line four flights of stairs to congratulate them with applause and high-fives.
