Source: Loudoun Now
Dulles-based JK Moving Services has named Eddie Maher of Wilmington, NC, as its Long-Distance Driver of the Year.
Maher received the award, which comes with a $5,000 bonus, based on his work ethic, commitment to outstanding customer experience and a focus on safety, while embracing JK’s core values and brand promise of care and respect, the company said.
“JK’s success is directly tied to our employees, including excellent long-distance drivers. That’s why we recognize our best every year. This year, we are excited to honor Eddie Maher. His focus on safety, customer service, and hard work make him a great representative for our company,” stated President David Cox.
Maher joined JK in 2024. He hauled 550,000 pounds last year, 50,000 more than the typical JK long-distance driver. He had no customer claims for the whole year and has a nearly perfect safety score. He received nearly perfect satisfaction scores from customers.
“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,” Maher stated. “I like how JK is run, the camaraderie between everyone, and how friendly it is here.”
Maher is on the road from a couple weeks to up to two months a time. He notes that his favorite aspect of being a long-distance driver is “spending time behind the driver’s seat, keeping my thoughts to myself. It’s peaceful.” He plans to put the cash award into savings or take a vacation.
This year’s second place winner was Brian Eckert, Third place went to Carlos Medina.
The award was announced during JK’s annual Long-Distance Driver Conference. The two-day event brings all the company’s long-distance drivers together to share experiences and learn about updates from the corporate team.
The awards program is just one element of the company’s efforts to recruit and retain well-qualified drivers. JK Moving offers annual guaranteed income for experienced Over-the-Road Class-A CDL Drivers a minimum of $100,000. The competitive salary and benefits are twice the national average for the position. The company also has extensive training and ongoing career development; a formal wellness program; a safe harbor 401(k) and company-paid profit-sharing program; tuition reimbursement; paid time off. In addition, it provides an Employee Assistance Program; comprehensive medical, dental vision, and ancillary benefit coverage; bonus incentives; and employee volunteer opportunities—including with the JK Community Farm, a nonprofit farm supported by JK Moving that grows and donates fresh produce and protein to the food insecure.