JB Hunt's percentage program- the word on the street?

[Cam]

Just got a call from this PT Barnum-esque, Craig Harper clone (COO, former dentist, BS'er extraordinaire- does their radio commercials). Telling me how wonderful it is, dissing Landstar's fuel surcharge (I dis it too) while JB pays no fsc unless it's in the contract. I worked for JB in dedicated for just four months several years ago. I didn't like the corporate culture. Big machine greased with dishonesty, IMO.

Anyways, I talked to this guy awhile (read: allowed him to talk at me awhile) and surrendered up my email address. He said they have 14,000 O/O's. I was shocked at that. Well, has anyone heard? Is it a good deal or no? This recruiter kept saying something about short hauls. Said something about higher rates per mile when it's a short hall, duh-uh..... I only talked to one guy on their percentage program and he was too new to be able to tell me much. He did say they boast high rates per mile but that was partly because the runs are so short. The recruiter said something like somebody grossing $200,000. Again, the words were coming pretty fast and I don't know if that's their average or that's what their top guy dreams about or, or... Anybody heard anything?

[Rev.Vassago]

He said they have 14,000 O/O's.

Not according to SafeStat, they don't. 11,874 power units, and 13,150 drivers. That includes everyone who operates under their authority - O/O's included.

The recruiter said something like somebody grossing $200,000.

They probably have one guy who they give $200,000 per year to, so they can state that. Either that, or it is an outright lie.

Their new percentage program is no different than C.R. England's "$1.50 per mile" program. It is a smoke and mirrors attempt to hide the fact that their rates suck. Sure - they'll give you percentage. But you won't run any miles. When push comes to shove, the rate per mile is meaningless. The amount on your 1099 at the end of the year, and how many miles you had to run to earn it is what matters. But, you'll be hard pressed to obtain those two average figures. They'll just keep waving that "One guy earned $200K last year" in your face to try to hide the real numbers.

[marcel27208]

yeah ill tell you what i know,, you are given your choice of 2-3 loads and HAVE to take one of them and that is what they call "no forced dispatch" you are given the info on the loads, rate per mile, lded miles, etc etc, and u must choose 1 of the 2 or 3, that whole program is a scam!!! a few of the big companies are trying this, SNI has a % program also and its similiar to landstars but the JB hunt program is a joke.

[Cam]

He said they have 14,000 O/O's.

Not according to SafeStat, they don't. 11,874 power units, and 13,150 drivers. That includes everyone who operates under their authority - O/O's included.

The recruiter said something like somebody grossing $200,000.

They probably have one guy who they give $200,000 per year to, so they can state that. Either that, or it is an outright lie.

Their new percentage program is no different than C.R. England's "$1.50 per mile" program. It is a smoke and mirrors attempt to hide the fact that their rates suck. Sure - they'll give you percentage. But you won't run any miles. When push comes to shove, the rate per mile is meaningless. The amount on your 1099 at the end of the year, and how many miles you had to run to earn it is what matters. But, you'll be hard pressed to obtain those two average figures. They'll just keep waving that "One guy earned $200K last year" in your face to try to hide the real numbers.

Thanks, Rev. That 14,000 figure is something I'm sure about, that's what he said. No wonder I was shocked, it's nowhere near the truth. The 11-12k overall is more in line with what I thought. What? Flat out lie? It's just strange, I couldn't sleep at night doing that. And the $200,000 number, I knew all along it means nothing if you don't know who or how many are earning that. Apparently it's just a deliberate attempt to deceive. The guy forgot I worked for JB. I was there when we asked Craig Harper the reason why JB was advertising 37 cpm for company drivers even though they had lowered the pay rate at that time. I heard the bull... Ok, short thread, unless anyone else has something to add

[Cam]

yeah ill tell you what i know,, you are given your choice of 2-3 loads and HAVE to take one of them and that is what they call "no forced dispatch" you are given the info on the loads, rate per mile, lded miles, etc etc, and u must choose 1 of the 2 or 3, that whole program is a scam!!! a few of the big companies are trying this, SNI has a % program also and its similiar to landstars but the JB hunt program is a joke.

That's another one, he talked about choosing amongst loads. Sounded like you'd have many choices in high traffic areas but that the choices would be few where there is little freight. He emphasized no forced dispatch. If it's actually 3 loads tops that's more deliberate deceit.

[marcel27208]

and you have to live in a certain area to be eligible for the program

[mike3fan]

and you have to live in a certain area to be eligible for the program

I hope I live in that area,just so I can tell them no thanks

[Cam]

He also said something like they average less than 100 miles a week deadhead. That really got my attention. But, now I guess that was probably a lie....

[Rev.Vassago]

He also said something like they average less than 100 miles a week deadhead. That really got my attention. But, now I guess that was probably a lie....

Assuming a 10% deadhead rate (which is not unlikely) you can figure out how quickly you'll go broke on their program. :wink:

[pepe4158]

Yeah JB's really making a push to go all 0/0p arent they? When I bought my truck and was going home, had two different JB rucruiters stick their cards on my unmarked truck.
Just so funny to see, when I left the U.S. 3 years ago, JB drivers were so proud that they were the elite of company OTR drivers on the pay-scale.....always bragging about their cents per mile, hmmm wonder where these same braggers are now?
Quess the new JB owner Ops will soon be bragging they are the new elite Co-lease owner-ops?.....if so quess I just say look at your old ex-company drivers you replaced? They said the same BS.
Wouldnt be suprised tho if we see new incentives out of old man Hunt to try n corner the market on O/0ps, he did the same thing to try and get the most and best company drivers for a while a few years ago (everyone seemed to want to be a JB driver doing OTR) wouldnt doubt we hear more and more from them about this n that...old man Hunt seems determined to get what he wants.