I recently attempted to become an owner/operator with JB Hunt's Lease/Purchase program. I advise anyone even considering this as a career option... DON'T DO IT!!!
My father became critically ill in Pennsylvania while I was on the road in Colorado. I had a load that I could have partially delivered that was headed part of the way home. JB Hunt refused to send another driver to complete the load, which was headed further from my home.
I was forced to complete the load, asked to take a load of which I couldn't guarantee completion. When I turned down the load my driver manager was angry and just told me to grab an empty and deadhead home (at my expense).
Well, I thankfully got home before he passed, and when he did, I informed JB. I was asked immediately when I would be back on the road (how sensitive of them). I told them possibly the Sunday after but I wasn't sure. My DM said OK, just send your ETA when you're ready to go.
Much to my shock, the following Monday, someone came and repossessed my truck and all the belongings inside. When I called in, first they tried to tell me my payments were late, but I had just received my prior week's settlement showing a balance due of $0 on the truck payments. THEN, my DM said I was supposed to be in the truck Sunday night and when I wasn't they came and got it. I reminded him that he had told me to let him know when I was ready to go back out, that I had NOT promised to be ready Sunday night. I was then asked why I did not call in (like that was the first thing on my mind during this sorrowful time), I asked why I was not called for a status update and got only a "well, why didn't you call?"
Needless to say, I am no longer with this heartless company. I went to where the truck was supposed to be to remove my personal belongings, as they were supposed to hold it so I could do so, and JB had already picked up the vehicle. I'm out 2 CB's, a TV, VCR, DVD player, medical supplies, coolers and clothing. Will JB make this right? I sincerely doubt it.
For a 'family company' that supposedly cares about their drivers, I say NOT!!! Their actions have spoken much louder than any of their words ever did, and I will continue to warn my trucking friends about this nefarious, underhanded company.
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