Podcast: From Hourly Job to CEO – Shelley Simpson is Leading the Future of Trucking 

Trucking is an industry filled with incredible people and opportunities. For Shelley Simpson, it’s a career she never expected but has come to love deeply. In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto sits down with Shelley Simpson, president and CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., to discuss her unexpected journey into trucking, the importance of mentorship, and how technology is transforming freight logistics. 

From Hourly Job to CEO: Shelley’s Unexpected Journey 

Shelley Simpson never imagined she’d build a career in trucking. Growing up in Arkansas, she dreamed of becoming a teacher, not a business executive. But after a conversation with her father about financial stability, she decided to switch and pursue a degree in business and marketing. 

Reflecting on her early days at J.B. Hunt, Shelley says, “I loved finance, but I loved being able to shape the business. And, it was that work that made me fall in love with the work that I did.” 

Her first job at J.B. Hunt was as a customer service rep, a role she initially saw as temporary. She worked hourly for nearly two years before moving into management. Thanks to strong mentorship and a drive to learn, Shelley worked her way up the ranks to become CEO of one of the largest transportation companies in North America. 

The Power of Mentorship and Leadership 

For Shelley, mentorship played a critical role in her career growth. She credits leaders like Kirk Thompson and Terry Matthews as mentors and Craig Harper as her sponsor, someone who actively advocated for her success. 

“Leadership is about believing in people more, sometimes more than they believe in themselves. That applies to parenting, and we can do that as leaders in a company,” Shelley explains. 

She now strives to be that advocate for the next generation of leaders in the trucking industry. 

Honoring Truck Drivers: J.B. Hunt’s Million Mile Driver Celebration 

Trucking wouldn’t exist without the hardworking drivers who keep freight moving. At J.B. Hunt, drivers aren’t just employees, they’re the backbone of the company. 

“Our truck drivers are the heartbeat of our company. They are the ones who touch our customers the most,” Shelley says. 

J.B. Hunt recognizes drivers who achieve one to five million accident-free miles through its Million Mile Driver program, celebrating them as heroes of the industry. These drivers are honored with bonuses, awards, and a company-wide recognition event. 

How J.B. Hunt 360® is Transforming Freight Logistics 

In an industry where time is money, J.B. Hunt leverages technology to drive efficiency. Shelley shares how J.B. Hunt 360®, the company’s digital freight matching platform, was developed to transform the brokerage business and create a more efficient transportation network. It empowers drivers and shippers by putting technology in the palms of their hands. 

“We started attacking that to say, okay, how could technology transform this? We were saying we’re starting to use the phones. We’re gonna flip it into the palm of their hands and give them the advantage of having a big company backed behind them,” Shelley explains. 

While technology is changing the industry, Shelley emphasizes that relationships remain at the core of trucking. 

The Future of Trucking: What’s Next for J.B. Hunt? 

Looking ahead, Shelley and her team remain committed to innovation, efficiency, and industry leadership. J.B. Hunt is focused on creating the most efficient transportation network in North America, using technology as a foundation to empower people and connect capacity seamlessly. 

Shelley reflects on the mindset instilled by J.B. Hunt’s co-founder, J.B. Hunt himself, who would often ask, “Is it big yet?” as a reminder to always think bigger and push for growth. 

For Shelley, growth isn’t just about size, it’s about impact, excellence, and making a difference in trucking. Her journey from a customer service representative to CEO is a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and vision. As she continues to lead J.B. Hunt, her focus remains on empowering people, driving innovation, and honoring the truck drivers who keep the industry moving. 

To hear more insights from Shelley Simpson, listen to this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.