What have you heard or experience with J.B. Hunt . . .

Ann2009,

I'd probably look into getting on a DCS acct if they have openings in your area. OTR is hit or miss with miles. I've heard everything from 1300 to 2800 miles in OTR.

I'm on a DCS acct and I like being familiar with the freight and the shippers. I get better perks than the OTR guys and better home time. On my particular assignment I get a restart every weekend and drive primarily during the day. I've been averaging around 2300-2400 miles a week. I drive a decent condo Century equipped with a bunk heater.

Pros:
Better than average pay
Better than average hometime (on DCS)
Strong emphasis on safety
Equipment fairly well maintained

Cons:
They are very strict about safety and legal logs
Very unforgiving if you exercise bad judgment
Takes extra precaution to avoid hard braking events in certain situations
Often times company shops take a while if your truck needs servicing

Rider policy:
Can take a passenger with FM's consent for up to 30 days at a time at a nominal cost (I think it's around $25/mo to cover insurance). You can take children 10 yrs or older during the summer months or any significant other anytime of the year.

Pay varies depending on the particular DCS acct. They also have lots of intermodal jobs, but I'm not familiar with them.

I started at 38 cents and am now at 39.5 , in this economy I think that's competitive. Some other accts have higher rates and stop pay or other accessory pay. Hazmat pay is $25 and border crossing is $35.

Hope this helps

 

I made a post before asking couple of questions on info on this company but I have no idea where post went so I am asking again.I am looking for pros and cons on them and also if anyone has had a good or bad experience with them?Rider program,etc...

 

thank you for the info and advise,it has been helpful.Orientation is scheduled for next week.

 

does anyone know anything about there dedicated family dollar acct? I called and talked to a recuiter and said that the job offer just closed, but he took my name and said he would call as soon as it opens back up.

 

I thought I'd give JB a shot as L/P. Bad mistake. They want to keep their own trucks moving, not mine. I would cruise industrial zones looking for JB trailers. I'd go inside and found a few loads that way. Waiting,Waiting..."You are number 11 in your area." Call again in 20 minutes..."You are number 11 in your area." You get the picture. All the while your log is clicking. No way to stop it. I lasted 2 months. Good luck. You'll need it. Find a smaller company that can be a bit "flexible".

 

LP is the absolute worst choice at JB and probably a bad option most places at many companies in this economy.

In a slow freight environment you never want to compete against company drivers for miles, it's a losing proposition. The company will always cover their own arse before they cover yours. Nothing personal it's just often necessary for them to survive and stay profitable. If it was your business that you built you'd do the same thing.

 

I just applied with JB HUNT and I am waiting to hear back from a recruiter. But in the meantime what can you guys tell me? How are those trucks? Im coming from the big company with the white volvos that always have passenger side damage to them.....I think you all know.....Well anyways I dont mind being out 10-14 days at a time. I am definitly not gonna lease, at least right away im not gonna! I just want the basics. I have a spotless DAC and spotless license, no criminal history, no drugs, DWI's. No accidents, no tickets as well. What can I expect to make there?

 

Life as you know it will not change much. Just a few less miles, and regional turns into OTR. Dedicated and Intermodal depending on customer and location are worthwhile, but senority has nothing to do with gettting on either of these ... its all luck of the draw.

 

Watch your back and your DAC! These people will destroy you for even the smallest
of reasons. CAN NOT and WOULD NOT recommend JB Hunt.

 

My 2 months with J.B. was 5 yeaars ago....when freight was plentiful.