The trucking industry continues to face a growing driver shortage, struggling to attract and retain new workers in an industry that many view as unstable, arduous, and unreliable.
J.B. Hunt is meeting these challenges head-on, incentivizing new truckers with a perks program for both carriers and drivers. Joining similar programs launched by Uber Freight, U.S. Xpress, and other industry leaders, the new service is explicitly designed to make life on the road more accessible and more enjoyable.
In a world where wage increases just aren’t enough anymore, these new kinds of perks may prove an important part of the equation for the trucking sector.
Dollars, Cents, and … Points
The freight brokerage arm of shipping giant J.B. Hunt Transport Services has launched a new rewards program, J.B. Hunt 360 Perks, to enhance truckers’ work lives — and save them some cash.
The new program lives in the company’s already well-established mobile app, Carrier 360 by J.B. Hunt. An online tool designed to streamline load management, the app and online portal-based service allow carriers to find, book, quote, and accept loads. The dashboard helps truckers monitor earning potential and find work that suits their preferences, sorting jobs by date, location, and even equipment type.
J.B. Hunt 360 Perks also brings SiriusXM, Pilot Flying J, and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company on board to offer points, discounts, and complimentary services to trucking teams. App users can score exclusive discounts on products and services, including preventive maintenance, parts, labor, and tires from Pilot Flying J Truck Care.
J.B. Hunt teammates will also have access to deals on Goodyear products and services, diesel fuel discounts, and even complimentary SiriusXM subscriptions.
Extra Incentives
J.B. Hunt joins a host of other companies dedicating resources to on-the-road quality-of-life improvements. Pilot Flying J, for instance, has spent millions on truck stop upgrades, adding showers, new restrooms, health clinics, delis, and restaurants with high-quality options.
TravelCenters truck stops have done the same, answering driver health and happiness concerns with basketball courts, nurse stations, jogging trails, gyms, healthy eating selections, private showers, and even movie theaters.
And Uber Freight, the heavy trucking line of ride-share service giant Uber, offers a similar app for truckers. Frequent drivers can take advantage of Uber Freight Plus with a fuel card that comes loaded with gas savings and tire discounts for members. Once a driver hauls 10 loads as a member, they gain eligibility for $16,000 in savings on new truck purchases from Navistar. Drivers can even earn discount phone plans from Sprint.
See the Country, Make the Grade
Other companies are looking for similar ways to improve quality-of-life for workers. Last month, U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. announced a combined degree and driving program, designed to offer drivers truly valuable, life-changing opportunities. The Full Ride program offers drivers and their families — including dependents — the chance to earn a full bachelor’s or master’s degree in the program of their choice from fully accredited Ashford University.
The Full Ride program covers all costs for drivers. Tuition, course materials, books, and flexible schedules are all included. CEO Eric Fuller proudly pitched the program as an “opportunity to see the country while completing your studies.”
Learn more about J.B. Hunt 360 and U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.’s Full Ride Program.
Resources:
- Truckers Get Digital in Search for Big Rigs – WSJ
- Uber starts a perks program for its trucking app – The Verge
- 'What Does a Trucker Look Like?' It's Changing, Amid a Big Shortage – The New York Times
- Fleets upping, getting creative with driver pay | Fleet Owner
- U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. Launches “Full Ride”- a First-Of-Its-Kind College Scholarship Program Providing Full Tuition for Truck Drivers and Their Dependents – MultiVu
- Find Loads and Submit Offers with J.B. Hunt 360 | J.B. Hunt Transport
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