The Keystruckers

The J.B.Hunt Pilot Program

     We are currently in the Lease-Purchase Pilot Program at J.B. Hunt.  This program is designed for drivers who would like to dispatch themselves.  It also allows you to pre-plan your next load instead of waiting for a load planner to assign you one, which keeps you rolling.  There are a variety of loads available to the driver on the Pilot Program.  The pay for this program is a “percentage” only plan.  This means that you will not be compensated for deadhead miles so good planning on your part is required.  In this program,   you are the captain of your own ship.

     It is a good idea to educate and prepare yourself  before starting a program like this one. You must get to know the freight lanes available and the rates that apply.  You can’t find out how much the freight rates  are while you are on a mileage based compensation plan. For this reason,  I strongly suggest that you get on a percentage plan before beginning the Pilot Program.   You will need to keep close records of what the shippers and freight lanes pay.  If the places you like to run have good paying rates, then you will probably be more successful if you stay in those lanes.  However, if you like to run in other areas that don’t compensate you enough to keep your business running, you might struggle to stay afloat.  Remember, these are your decisions now.   

     Taking time off to go home can get in the way of making a decent profit so keep that in mind.  Don’t forget, you are in the captain’s chair now and every decision you make,  can and will affect your bottom line.  A program like this one is not for those who want to only run 3-4 days a week , get by the house often and not keep focused on business.   When you are in the process of buying a truck,  you must keep your mind on your money and your money on your mind.  After you pay off your truck and you’re out of danger of losing it or wondering how you can make the next truck payment, then you can change your business plan to run by the house as often as you like. 

     Another good thing to learn is the meaning of  the term ”back haul”.  A “back haul”, in most cases,  is the crappy paying load that you get after you take a high paying load into a certain  area.  For example, you may choose a two dollar a mile load (sometimes more) into the northeast region. Your choices may be to wait for a decent paying load out to become available,   or choose a “back haul”, which may pay  as little as .80 cents per mile.  Most brokers and shippers know you’d rather haul their heavy cheap freight than wait or deadhead  out 500 miles. Needless to say, they definitely take advantage of your plight.  You will learn where these  “back haul” areas are  as you become more experienced. Please remember to keep good records  and if you choose a load into one of these “back haul” areas, make sure the rate is good enough to make up for the “back haul” rate or the  empty miles you may run to get out of there.

     When you get your truck paid off you will be eligible for several different options.  As an owner operator you  can  run intermodal or dedicated at select locations for J.B.Hunt, or you can take your truck somewhere else, if you prefer.  Another option, depending on your service record, is to stay with J.B. and keep running the Pilot Program.  After all, your percentage will go up 7% on the loads you’re presently hauling and you will no longer have a truck payment to make.  Your gross income should go up by about 30% after you finish making  your  last truck payment. 

     If you are currently on the lease program with J.B.Hunt you must keep looking towards the end result.  If you care for and maintain your truck,  you will end up with a great tool to work with and the experience you will need to run your own trucking business.  Too many drivers who lease can’t see the big picture and quit when the going gets a little tough.  Maybe these people should remain company drivers instead of trying to be owner operators.  Being an owner operator is not for everyone. 

     Lastly, remember to look your best.  Why? When you look good, you feel good and others will have more respect for you too. This also applies to your truck. I always keep my truck maintained, cleaned and polished and I never look like I just rolled out from underneath a truck when I present myself to a customer. Taking pride in your appearance and your ride will make you look more professional and probably make you act more professional too.

Stay Safe, Profitable and Responsible, 

 Jim