I'm also sure having such a high deposit for a so called owner operator paying way more in payment on a variable lease didn't contribute in any way either. If you create the right environment you never force people to compromise professionalism or integrity.
I'm definitely not going to try to hide my dog. In one sense, their policy is a little more favorable than the company I'm leaving, Navajo Express. They require a $500 deposit that's never refunded. JCT will refund $1600, so it's slightly better, almost like putting $1600 into savings. My only issue is they require it upfront, no installments. I can probably rustle up that much but I will take a hit on my personal financial security. Besides, I don't want the stress of trying to hide him when I come into a terminal. He likes to perch himself by the window and see everything around, couldn't keep him down if I tried.
Do they have variable lease payments? What's the fuel surcharge? There's much more important long term business considerations than the one time deposit for a pet.
It's a mixed bag. The lease is a walk away lease, which is why they had problems with drivers turning in their equipment with hundreds of dollars of pet damage. I just wish they would be more willing to work with people who can't pull $2000 out of their behinds.