There’s a certain kind of person who genuinely loves the open road. Not just tolerates it – loves it. Eddie Maher is that person.
“Spending time in the driver’s seat, keeping my thoughts to myself – it’s peaceful,” says Eddie, who was recently named JK Moving’s Long-Distance Driver of the Year for 2026. “I’ve been in the industry my whole life. My dad got me into this business, so it means a lot to me to now be Driver of the Year.”
It means a lot to us, too, Eddie.
A record worth celebrating
Eddie joined JK Moving in 2024 and wasted no time making his mark. In his first full year, he hauled 550,000 pounds, which is about 50,000 more than a typical JK long-distance driver. He finished the year with zero customer claims and scores that were nearly perfect across both customer satisfaction and safety metrics.
Those aren’t just impressive numbers. For a long-distance driver covering thousands of miles, moving customers’ most valuable belongings across the country, they reflect a consistent standard of care and professionalism that’s genuinely hard to maintain. Eddie did it trip after trip, month after month.
“JK’s success is directly tied to our employees, including excellent long-distance drivers. That’s why we recognize our best every year,” said David Cox, President of JK Moving. “Eddie’s focus on safety, customer service, and hard work make him a great representative for our company.”
Along with the recognition, Eddie received a $5,000 bonus, which he says he plans to put into savings or use for a well-deserved vacation.
Life on the road
Long-distance driving isn’t a 9-to-5 job. Eddie can be on the road anywhere from a couple of weeks to up to two months at a time. It’s a lifestyle that requires discipline, adaptability, and a genuine love for what you do, all qualities Eddie clearly has in abundance.
When asked what keeps him going, his answer is straightforward: He just loves driving. And beyond the road itself, he says the culture at JK has made a real difference.
“I like how JK is run, the camaraderie between everyone, and how friendly it is here.”
Announced at the annual driver conference
The award was presented at JK Moving’s annual Long-Distance Driver Conference, a two-day event that brings together long-distance drivers from across the company to connect with their peers, share experiences, and hear updates from the corporate team. It’s a tradition that reflects just how central these drivers are to JK’s operations, and how seriously the company takes recognizing their contributions.
Eddie Maher joins a distinguished list of past winners, including last year’s honoree, Al Bowman. This year’s second-place finish went to Brian Eckert, and third place was awarded to Carlos Medina. Congratulations to all three.
Why JK invests in its drivers
Winning Driver of the Year isn’t just about a great year, it reflects a broader commitment JK Moving has made to attracting and supporting the best drivers in the industry.
Experienced Over-the-Road Class-A CDL drivers at JK earn a guaranteed annual minimum of $100,000, which is roughly twice the national average for the position. But the investment goes well beyond salary. JK drivers also have access to:
- Extensive training and ongoing career development
- A formal Wellness Program
- A generous safe harbor 401(k) and company-paid profit-sharing
- Tuition reimbursement
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and ancillary benefits
- Bonus incentives and paid time off
- An Employee Assistance Program
- Volunteer opportunities, including with the JK Community Farm, a nonprofit that grows and donates fresh produce and protein to food-insecure communities
Drivers like Eddie Maher are the reason customers trust JK Moving with their most important belongings. We’re proud to have him on the team and proud to call him our 2026 Long-Distance Driver of the Year.
Interested in a driving career with JK Moving? Visit our careers page to learn more.