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Independent Contractors

J.B. Hunt Transport offers lease opportunities for Independent Contractors in hundreds of locations across the United States. You can rely on us to keep you loaded and moving via one of America’s largest freight networks. With J.B. Hunt, you gain a stable partner who’s committed to your success and profitability.

Owner operators often cite our discount programs as one of the top reasons for selecting J.B. Hunt as their business partner. These programs ease the financial burden of running your own business, giving you substantial savings on fuel, tires and maintenance services. We know that the cost of fuel is a major concern for truck owners today. That’s why you need partner who can leverage their buying power to help your bottom line; no one buys fuel at a lower price than J.B. Hunt, and we pass that savings directly to you. We can also connect you with a voluntary health program at affordable group rates to give you and your family additional peace of mind.

Two Lease Options
With J.B. Hunt’s Independent Contractor Group, you have a choice of lease options: A revenue-based plan or our traditional mileage-based option. Our knowledgeable hiring representatives will gladly detail the distinctions between the two so you can make an informed decision about the plan that’s best for your business.

Percentage of Load Revenue
Maximize your profits to the fullest with J.B. Hunt’s Revenue Percentage Plan. With this option, you receive a rate equal to 65% of the gross revenue of each load, paid on all loaded miles. One advantage of this plan is that 100% of the customer’s fuel surcharge is passed through to you. Base plates, permits and fuel are deducted through weekly settlements. Contractors on this plan are currently averaging over $1.80 per loaded mile and more than $1.60 per total mile. This plan is available nationwide, with the exception of Florida and the west coast.

  • 65% of gross revenue per load, paid for loaded miles
  • 100% of customer fuel surcharge; average $ .50 to $ .55 per loaded mile
  • $35 per stop (excludes pick up and final delivery)
  • Pay J.B. Hunt’s price for fuel; average savings of $ .10 to $ .20 per gallon
  • Weekly settlement with fuel deducted; settlement via Comdata or direct-deposit
  • Discounts on tires and maintenance through J.B. Hunt’s nationwide vendor network
  • Deductions for plates/permits, scales, tolls, Qualcom, fuel escrow, required escrow
  • Voluntary health program and maintenance escrow available
  • No forced dispatch

Rate Per Mile
Owner-operators selecting the mileage-based option start with a base of 90 cpm, plus a fuel surcharge paid on all miles, loaded or empty. Our fuel surcharge is adjusted weekly in keeping with the DOE fuel average. To further support our lease partners at this time, we are also paying additional cpm rates for fuel relief on top of the normal fuel surcharge.

  • 90 cpm for both loaded and empty miles
  • Flexible fuel surcharge + additional fuel relief
  • Pay J.B. Hunt’s price for fuel— no mark-up
  • Weekly settlement with fuel deduction; settlement via Comdata or direct-deposit
  • Discounts on tires and maintenance through J.B. Hunt’s nationwide vendor network
  • Paid base plates/permits,lumpers, scales and tolls
  • Voluntary health program and maintenance escrow available
  • No forced dispatch

Short-Haul and Non-Mileage Rates
In addition to the two rate plans, J.B. Hunt also offers supplemental rates for shorter hauls and non-driving activities:

  • 0 to 74 miles: Mileage rate + $45
  • 75 to 149 miles: Mileage rate + $35
  • 150 to 225 miles: Mileage rate + $25
  • 226 to 300 miles: Mileage rate + $15
  • $50 layover after 24 hours (weekdays)
  • $25 per hour local/shuttle driving
  • $20 pallet jack usage
  • $25 per hour for safety training
  • $2.25 per 1000 lbs loading/unloading

Voluntary Health Program
You can take advantage of a voluntary health program offered through USNow, at discounted group rates for J.B. Hunt owner-operators. For details about these benefits, call USNow at 1-800-694-9888, extension 524. Should you elect to participate, you will be eligible to enroll immediately. J.B. Hunt will deduct your premiums from your weekly settlement. This optional plan includes:

  • Medical (choice of Basic or Enhanced plan)
  • Prescription plan
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Short-term disability
  • Critical coverage
  • Discounted professional services, including accounting and tax prep

Tractor Specifications

  • Pass DOT inspection (no requirement on year model)
  • Weight of tractor (including driver and fuel) less than 20,000 lbs.
  • Fifth wheel measurement of 47.5” or less
  • Pass DOT inspection twice yearly (paid by J.B. Hunt)

Orientation for Independent Contractors
Orientation for new contractors is held weekly and generally lasts four days. You’ll receive $75 per day (per truck) for completing orientation, as well as 80 cpm for bobtailing from your home to our terminal. J.B. Hunt will provide lodging and two meals per day during your stay. At orientation, you can expect to complete a DOT physical and drug screen, road test, truck inspection and all leasing paperwork, plus a briefing on our company policies, communication protocol and safety standards. Orientation is held in the following locations:

  • South Gate, CA
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Chicago, IL
  • Louisville, KY
  • Dallas, TX

Orientation Reminders
Orientation is the first step toward your mutual partnership with J.B. Hunt. We’re glad to welcome you to the Independent Contractor Group and ask that you bring the following items:

  • Copy of truck title, front and back (your name must be listed)
  • Current 2290, paid
  • Current registration (cab card)
  • Bill of sale
  • Bracket for exterior mounting of satellite unit (can be purchased through dealership)
  • Voided check or bank-issued document with account/routing numbers (for direct deposit)
  • Current DOT medical card (new physical will be provided at J.B. Hunt’s expense)
  • Social security card
  • Valid Class A CDL
  • Social security numbers and birth dates for dependents (for voluntary health program)
  • Personal items and money for personal expenses

If you’re an owner-operator looking to lease with J.B. Hunt’s Independent Contractor Group, please contact us online or call 1-866-904-5560.

IIf you would like to lease with us but don’t currently own a truck, we invite you to learn more about the industry’s best Lease-Purchase program.

J.B. Hunt is an equal opportunity employer. Read our policy/statement.