An Update To The Driver Care Package

We have recently updated our Driver Care Packages.

We are now including grommets in three different sizes, which will allow you to temporarily install the incandescent tail, brake, clearance, and marker lights already included in your new Driver Care Package when a matching L.E.D. light fails.

The grommets are necessary for you to be able to install their incandescent lights in place of the L.E.D. lights because the L.E.D. lights are secured in trailing equipment using anti-tamper rings.

There are also harness adaptors in the kit that are needed to make the conversion.  The L.E.D. light harness will not plug directly into the incandescent light so the conversion harness will need to be used.

Please know that we are also including an instructional page in new Driver Care Packages that provide instructions on this entire process.

Please drive safely!
Your J.B. Hunt Maintenance Team

Happy Anniversary Rhonda Thacker!

Happy Anniversary to Rhonda Thacker as today marks her second anniversary with JB Hunt!  Rhonda is  currently the Account Manager on the Family Dollar Account in Morehead, KY. 

Congratulations Rhonda!

Promotion Announcement - Eladio Yenderrozos - Operations Supervisor - The Sanson Company

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Eladio Yenderrozos from DMIT to Operations Supervisor for The Sanson Company!  

Eladio began his career at JB Hunt as a DMIT with our Final Mile division in April 2015 in Washington state. Wanting to be closer to his wife’s family, Eladio jumped on an opportunity and transferred to the DCS Central Region as a Tabor subregion DMIT in the Cleveland, OH area. 

Eladio comes to us with experience in the United States Army as an Infantryman. While in service he filled many positions such as: Rifleman, Bradley Fighting Vehicle Driver, Team Leader, Squad Leader, Operations Sergeant, and Platoon Sergeant.  He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for a total of 36 months during his 14 years of service.  In his spare time Eladio enjoys spending time with his wife Lymari and his two daughters (Isabella and Penelope).  Eladio also enjoys watching football and cheering on his Seattle Seahawks.

Please help us congratulate Eladio in this well deserved promotion!

Ellwood City Forge - 1 Year Collision Free - Breakfast

Today our Ellwood City Forge facility celebrated 1 year collision free!  ECF is a flatbed operation where our drivers strap metal blocks and maneuver in tight spaces on a daily basis.

Pictured below in pic 1 - Left - AM Dana Crosby, top right - Scott Gilson, bottom left - Dan Taufer

The roads they travel in most cases are rural which also provides additional challenges.  1 year collision free is an outstanding accomplishment for an entire fleet doing this type of work day in and day out!

Pic 2 - Bottom to top - George Blazzo, Brad Miliron, Dan Taufer, Scott Gilson, Carl Vicknovac, in the truck Dan Abersold, ARM Rich Schwartz standing next to truck

As a token of appreciation to our driving team Account Manager Dana Crosby and Area Risk Manager Rich Schwartz took the team out for breakfast this morning at a local diner in Ellwood City.

Pic 3 - Top Left - Scott Gilson, Bottom left - George Blazzo, Top right - Dan Taufer, middle right - Dan Abersold, ARM Rich Schwartz, 

The team had a great time reflecting on their accomplishment and sharing stories.  Then, the team jumped into 2nd quarter training at our Ellwood City Forge facility.  Both Rich and Dana led this training to keep the focus on safe operation and keeping their incredible collision free streak alive!

Getting to Know - Howard West - Professional Driver - Toyota Owensboro

Howard West (WESH1) Professional Driver & Amanda Reyes Operations Supervisor Toyota Owensboro

Amanda Reyes (Operations Supervisor) recently rode with Howard West. Here is what she learned: 

He lives here in Louisville, Kentucky and he has been driving for JB Hunt for 27 years.

His mother told him that she always knew he would be a trucker because he played with truck toys when he was a kid and always acted as if he were driving somewhere.

Howard met his wife Arlene at the park when they were teenagers. They’ve been married now for 30 years; have three children and 9 grandchildren. Arlene stuck by his side when he joined the Marine Corps for 6 years and served as a Tank Driver and Shooter in the Vietnam War.

Howard said that if he wasn’t a driver for JB Hunt he would love to draw and put his technique to engineering.

His favorite place to drive is through the state of Louisiana. Howard just loves the scenery and places to visit in the swamp land.

 He said that if you’re ever going to take a road trip somewhere and have not yet been, then the place is The Grand Canyon. 

Robert "Lynn" Cahill - Retirement Announcement

With mixed emotions, that Josh Mann (Account Manager) - Toyota)  announces the retirement of one of our drivers. Robert “Lynn” Cahill had been with J.B. Hunt for sixteen years, and he decided it was time to turn in his truck keys and begin his much deserved retirement. 

(Lynn and his wife Mary posing with his retirement plaque signed by Team Toyota's drivers, managers, Toyota Hebron's Logistics and Toyota Corporate) 

Lynn first began his J.B. Hunt career for the OTR division and his fleet manager quickly recognized his patience, driving skill set, desire to help others, and requested that Lynn should become a driver trainer.  For the next 6 years Lynn was a mentor to many new and even experienced drivers providing them with his wisdom, knowledge, and experience that helped developed their driving careers. 

After eight years with OTR, Lynn was ready for a new challenge and decided to transfer to J.B. Hunt’s Dedicated Contract Services division and joined the Quality Cabinets fleet and quickly became one of their top drivers. After two years of distinguished service at Quality Cabinets Lynn was among one of the seven drivers hand-picked for the Toyota startup account in Hebron, KY which is where he finished his extraordinary career eight years later. 

One of Lynn's most notable characteristic was his compassion for others, love for his wife, and being out on the open road. During the retirement dinner we asked him what was the secret to his success.  Lynn said "He was fortunate to have his wife Mary, taking care of the home which allowed him to on the road and he was fortune to have managers who cared enough to always keep him rolling so he could support his family.

(The picture to the left are three of the four Account Managers who had to the pleasure of working with Lynn at Toyota - Hebron, KY - From left to right - Jecorey Newman, Josh Mann, and Naomi Eaton)

(The picture to the right shown above are four of Toyota - Hebron, KY Drivers who were able to attend Lynn's retirement dinner - From left to right - Bill Watson, Lynn Cahill, Dave Taylor, Jerry Knowles)

Throughout Lynn’s sixteen year career he left an everlasting impression on the lives of each driver, manager, and customer that had please to meet and work for. Additionally, Lynn was a highly decorated driver who achieved 1.2 million safe miles among many other service and safety awards that he cherishes.

(Lynn and his wife Mary enjoying each other's company, their family, the fleet's drivers, and managers at the Montgomery Inn during his retirement dinner.)

Robert “Lynn” Cahill contributed 16 years of experience with this company, and his achievements and impact on others will not be forgotten. Please join me in wishing him the best in the next steps of his journey. 

Please click the link in blue to be redirected to the YouTube in order to watch the: Retirement Tribute to Robert "Lynne" Cahill

Home Depot - Monroe 50 days Injury-Free Driver Cookout

Pictured left to right Jay Crosson, Dave Smallwood, Sofiane Adjaho, Mike McGill, David Kinder, OS Molly Lawson, Larry McManus, & Rende Johnson

Home Depot-Monroe has successfully met the 1st milestone step for their injury-free streak goal which is set for 50 days.

During that time 4107 drivers have checked in and completed their work assignments running over 45,000 hours without injury.

In the first 4 months of 2015, there were 4 WC injuries and several other notifications almost all of them involved inattention.

The last injury occurred February 10th, and we are already half way to celebrating the next milestone step at 100 days.

During our cookout different managers rotated at the grill thanking drivers for a job well done, recognizing their increased commitment to injury prevention, and looking forward to continued success by exercising safe methods always and remaining alert and focused on the task at hand while on duty.

 Well done Home Depot-Monroe!

Congratulations to Todd Ward - 1 Million Safe Miles

Congratulations to Todd Wart of the Soft-Lite Windows account in Streetsboro, OH for his accomplishment of 1 million safe miles!

Todd Ward's experiences with JB Hunt over his 9 year career include working at the Jo Ann Fabric account for 3 years, Wal-Mart account for 2 years, Target account for 1 year and the Soft-Lite account for 3 years.  When it comes to Todd he is the driver who will cover a load last minute if it means making the customer happy and delivering exceptional service. He has had multiple issues with his truck over the last year, while most drivers get frustrated, he understands that a truck breaking down happens and its part of the job in his words “ there is no point getting upset, it happens, its trucking”. 

Todd’s role model in his life is his father, who also was a Million mile safe driver from years ago at another carrier. Todd was extremely proud to be able to call his father and tell him that he had achieved his million mile safe driving!

When Todd is not working he enjoys being at home restoring classic cars as well as riding his Harley.  He is married and very proud of his 2 sons and his daughter. 

Congratulations on your Million Miles Todd!!   

Happy Anniversary Jeremy Stout!

Happy Anniversary to Jeremy Stout as today marks his fifth anniversary with JB Hunt.

A graduate of The Ohio State University, Jeremy started his career as an Operations Supervisor at Home Depot in Van Buren, OH.  From there Jeremy promoted into the Account Manager of Champion Windows in Cincinnati, OH.  After learning the windows business, Jeremy was moved back to Van Buren as the Transportation General Manager.  Currently, Jeremy is the Transportation General Manager at The Home Depot in Monroe, OH. 

William Quarles - Million Mile Driver - PPG

William Quarles, also known as Wild Bill, a true Texas Longhorn has been running with the PPG fleet for over 9 years.

During his time here he has been a great example for new drivers who join the fleet.

Whenever a problem arises he is one of the first drivers that we turn to in order to correct the issue, be it a down trailer, important load, or a special assignment;  he consistently goes above and beyond the line of duty and does whatever is asked of him.

He is excited to have reached his 1^st million miles with JB hunt and is looking forward to 1 million more.

In his spare time he likes to ride his Harley and spend time with his family.  

CHEP - Indy Driver Cookout

It was a long winter for our Chep Indianapolis fleet.  Between growing our fleet size by 36% and adapting to a new facility our driving/management teams had their work cut out for them!  

To celebrate making it thru the winter Account Manager Jerry White and Operations Supervisor Scott Dorsey hosted a driver roundtable / cookout on April 13.  

Michael Sullivan - (Chep Account Driver)

Brian Tabor - (Regional Operations Manager)

Eugene Hopkins - (Chep Account Driver)

Randy McIntosh - (Chep Account Driver

Our driving team was very appreciative to have a nice lunch off the grill and talk thru challenges / concerns they had about the account.  It was great getting feedback from our drivers....that's how we grow and get better as a team!

Please Welcome Timber Celeste Thompson to the JB Hunt Family!

Please join us in welcoming Miss Timber Celeste Thompson to the world and to our JB Hunt family!

In the wee morning hours of April 14th,2016,Miss Timber Celeste Thompson made her great escape and joined her Mom and Dad: Alexandra and Kyle Thompson and her 2 big sisters Ryliegh and Heidi into their loving environment.

It wasn't easy, but all 8lb.1oz's.of her made it here in extraordinary health. 

Mom works out of Morehead, Kentucky at the Family Dollar account. 

Even our drivers on the account were anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Timber.  

We wish Mom, Dad, Ryleigh, Heidi and baby Timber a safe trip home.

Happy Anniversary Ryan Amuso!

Happy Anniversary to Ryan Amuso as Tuesday marks his 8 year anniversary with JB Hunt.  Currently, Ryan is our Account Manager at Family Dollar in Rome.  This is one of our most difficult fleets.  In addition to the driver unload, this fleet of near 40 drivers delivers into some of the most difficult metropolitan areas in the country.    Congratulations Ryan!

Southern States - Vinton New Office - Ready to go!

Schuylar McGuffey (Account Manager - Southern States) have the JB Hunt office decorated and ready to go!

Schuylar McGuffey and Professional Driver Tim Wright 

 Safety Board is up and ready to go!

The office looks great!

Congratulations To Jamie Price For Hitting 1 Million Safe Miles!

Congratulations to Jamie Price of our Chep Hamilton fleet for hitting 1 million safe miles!  

Before coming to JB Hunt, Jamie worked for Beckett Paper for 22 years with his dad until the company had to downsize. Shortly after, Jamie received a call from a JB Hunt recruiter out of Texas giving him information a driving opportunities with the company. Jamie was hesitant because he did not know where anything was from only driving to the Beckett Paper warehouse for 22 years. Jamie decided to become a driver in 1999 and started off at the Pepsi account and then moved to Miller. Jamie's first delivery was from Hamilton, OH to Detroit, MI in a cab-over. When the delivery was completed he said his hands were sore from gripping the steering wheel so hard in fear of messing up.  He truly has come a long way to now being one of the safest and most respected drivers on the Chep Hamilton fleet! 

In his free time Jamie enjoys drag racing, hunting and refurbishing furniture for antique mall auctions. Jamie has a long-term girlfriend of 16 years named Julie. She helps him find great furniture deals at yard sales and refurbishing the pieces for auctions. 

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Promotion Announcement - George Vera - Key Customer Manager - J.B. Hunt

We would like to congratulate George Vera who has accepted the position as Key Customer Manager in the Sales Department of JB Hunt in Lowell.  George, his wife and four children will be moving to Lowell the end of May.

George started with JB Hunt in ICS as a Carrier Sales Coordinator within the RISE program at our corporate office in January, 2014.  He transferred to DCS as a DMIT in May, 2014.  He has been the Account Manager at Aurora Parts since August, 2014.

We want to thank him for his service in Dedicated and wish him well in his new endeavor within the company.

Offices at Southern States Louisville

The wall decorations are top notch!

Our painters are hard at work!
Cort Duggins(Area Maintenance Manager) & Jeff Holle (Area Risk Manager)

That's no painter...that is Jeff Holle (ARM)

Nothing but the best (PPG paint)

Central Region - Driver of the Month - March 2016 - Jason Roaden - Pet Supplies Plus

Every AM and fleet manager has those handful of drivers they can trust to make the tough deliveries.  The guys they can count on to get the freight there on time, no matter what.  The guys who will impress the customer with their professionalism and expertise.  They are resourceful critical thinkers. Jason is all of these things.  Add to the list of outstanding qualities an extreme dedication to JB Hunt and an unparalleled pride in his work.  A former combat medic, he excels in challenging situations. Jason has made a name for himself here in the DCS Central Region.   His work ethic and superior performance are well established.  Here are some testimonials from managers whose accounts Jason has helped this month. 

Zach Oakes - LC The Home Depot, Monroe

I can't thank you enough for lending Jason to me during the Serta pop-up fleet. Jason was a valuable asset.  I've seen very few drivers that can match Jason's work ethic. Combined with his flexibility and dedication to J.B. Hunt, Jason certainly ranks in the top echelon of drivers. Several times I asked Jason to run difficult loads and push the limits of what we could do. Every time he was more than willing to rise to the challenge, often surprising me with what he's capable of and never once complaining. Jason quickly became my go-to driver for sticky situations. Jason sets a shining example of the type of driver J.B. Hunt aims to put on the road and I'm sure I speak for us all when I say that we're proud to have him on our side.

Jess Caudill - AM Tyson

Jason came over to help support our team here at Tyson Corydon last week, with no agri experience. He came in and stepped right up hauling live chickens from the farms to our processing plant. Navigo is used more as a guide on this account with narrow, curvy dangerous roads and Jason came right in mapped out his day from our paper directions with no question and proceeded to arrival at each farm with precision timing. This can be a tough account if you are not using the Smith Keys and remaining focused at all times and Jason has the self awareness and determination that sets a great example  not just of the other drivers but shows to our customer the type of excellence they can expect out of JB Hunt. Thanks Jason.

Chris Block - AM - JMC

He did an outstanding job for us. All his deliveries were done right and on time. This account has a very demanding customer. If a box was put in the wrong spot I would've heard about it. He's welcome back on this account anytime.

Promotion Announcement - Joe Strater - Operations Supervisor - Pet Supplies Plus - Seymour, IN

Please join me in congratulating Joe Strater on his promotion to Operations Supervisor for Pet Supplies Plus in Seymour, IN! Joe is backfilling one of our vacant Operations Supervisor positions after the promotions of Nick Banister and Oliver Skelton. Joe will help manage the day-to-day operations of our 32 truck fleet for PSP.

Joe began his J.B. Hunt career as a DMIT in the Indianapolis area in October 2015. He transitioned to the Stampfer Region as a DMIT in January 2015 at Pet Supplies Plus in Seymour, IN. He has shown the ability to learn quickly and we look forward to seeing his continued growth with us. Joe is a member of the Indiana Army National Guard where he currently holds the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Joe's hobbies include hiking, camping and shooting competitively.

Congratulations on the promotion Joe!

Promotion Announcement - Oliver Skelton - Operations Supervisor - Southern States - Westfield, MA

Please join me in congratulating Oliver Skelton on his promotion to Operations Supervisor for Southern States in Westfield, MA! Oliver will play a key role in getting the largest Southern States site started and will also help with the critical transition of the incumbent Account Manager. Oliver will also directly manage the 22 drivers for the Westfield retail fleet. 

Oliver began his career with J.B. Hunt in May 2015 as an Operations Supervisor at Pet Supplies Plus in Seymour, IN and was a key member of the many successes we have had at PSP. He is a graduate of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Oliver is a diehard Green Bay Packers fan and of any team that LeBron James plays for. 

Oliver is a true team player and we wish him well in his new role in Westfield, MA!

Promotion Announcement - Hannah Church - Operations Supervisor - Southern States Cloverdale, VA

Please join me in congratulating Hannah Church on her promotion to Operations Supervisor for Southern States in Cloverdale, VA! Hannah will help kick off one of our largest site start ups with Southern States and directly manage our 20+ drivers at the account. 

Hannah began her career with J.B. Hunt in October 2015 as a DMIT at Southern States in Vinton, VA. She is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech University with a degree in Animal & Poultry Sciences with an emphasis in equines. She enjoys  horse back riding, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing at home with her dog, Jade.

Congratulations Hannah on the well deserved promotion!

Promotion Announcement - Ben Hurt - Account Manager - Southern States - Cloverdale, VA

Please join me in congratulating Ben Hurt on his promotion to Account Manager for Southern States in Cloverdale, VA! Ben will be responsible for leading our new start up site in Cloverdale, VA for Southern States Retail Distribution Center. This fleet consists of 20+ drivers, an Operations Supervisor, and an Administrative Assistant for the entire Southern States network.

Ben started his career with J.B. Hunt in August 2013 as a DMIT in Louisville, Kentucky. He was promoted to Operations Supervisor at Family Dollar in Morehead, KY in January 2014 and later promoted to the Account Manager position at Family Dollar in February 2014. He did an excellent job leading our account there and is ready to take on this high profile start up with Southern States. Ben is a graduate of Ashford University and in his spare time enjoys wood and metal working, aviation, robotics, and mixed martial arts.

Congratulations Ben!

Primesource Driver Meeting

This morning was a driver meeting with JB Hunt drivers The meeting highlighted all of Primesource's standard operating procedures for drivers.

The meeting also offered a "hot breakfast."

Getting to Know Ernest Manly - Professional Driver - Aurora Parts

Ernest Manley (MANE14) Professional Driver Aurora Parts

Mike Green (Operations Supervisor) had the chance to ride with Ernest Manly doing the IND local run at Aurora Parts.  

This is the second account that Mike and Ernest have worked at together.  One of the reasons that they get along so well is they both like to start the day early and hate to be late.

 He was very efficient and polite to all the staff that we encountered at six different locations, which was a light day for this run.  He showed patience while driving along the Indianapolis loop during rush hour in the morning and was able to navigate traffic safely.

Ernest has two children, Isaiah and Lilly. He has recently become engaged to Starlett, who also has two children, Makenzie and Dylan.  He is an avid hunter and will eat almost anything that is vegetarian and enjoys the great outdoors to relax whenever he gets the chance.  He has had a lifelong passion for horses and had many stories to share with his love of riding and training them.

 

Mike really enjoyed sharing the day with Ernest and appreciated his professionalism and skill on a rainy, overcast day that allowed him to be ahead of schedule all day long.  

Happy Anniversary Elizabeth Chapa!

Happy J.B. Anniversary Beth!

Beth also joined the J.B. Hunt family a year ago on April 6.

She has been the gate keeper of tracking our Bills of Lading, making PACE edits and most recently she put together a top-notch Direction Book!

Thanks Beth for a wonderful year! 

Jenni and Beth have been extremely helpful keeping the account on the straight and narrow. Most importantly, they have kept the boys at Van Buren in line!

Happy Anniversary Jennifer Prater!

Happy J.B Anniversary Jenni!

Jenni joined the J.B. Hunt family a year ago on April 6. Jenni is responsible for greeting all our professional drivers at the window whether it be rain, wind, snow or sunshine.

She is also responsible for making payroll adjustments and paying our bills.

Thanks Jenni for a fabulous year! 

Welcome Kyle Herron to Home Depot - Van Buren

Please welcome Kyle Herron to the Central Region!

Kyle comes from the Northeast Region where he was an Operations Supervisor at the C&S account in Connecticut. He joined the J.B. Hunt family two years ago on March 17 after he served our country in the Marines. Thanks Kyle for your Service! 

Kyle's relocation to Van Buren as Operations Supervisor allows him to be closer to his family in Ft. Wayne IN, but also the Van Buren team gets to benefit from his experience and time at another large fleet. 

Welcome aboard!

Opening Day at CHEP Columbus!

Janice Phelps - Administrative Assistant CHEP - Columbus

In honor of her maternal grandfather on the 2016 Season Opening Day, Janice is wearing a replica of her grandfather Johnny Wyrostek's jersey that he wore for the Reds in the 1950 and 1951 All Star Games!

LET'S GO REDS!