JB Hunt PPG Dedicated.

I'm headed to orientation now. Is there anybody here running this account or maybe you did in the past. If so how did you like it? How are the customers? How heavy are the loads? What can I expect from JB Hunt managing this account? Is there anything I need to going in that is not completely obvious?

Thanks, Dan

So I guess you were able to break your lease with Swift, or did you complete it?

Not trying to bust your chops, but considering you have well over a year of experience with Swift, did you try to find a Dedicated Assignment that fit your needs with them first?

The reason I ask? Because just like having many opportunities opening up with numerous companies after a year of experience, the same dynamic exists with your initial employer.

Good luck with your new assignment.

Yes I broke my lease. I was breaking even and making a profit but not much of one. I was living out of the truck and needed to do something different. Long story short at the risk posting too much personal information I got a moving violation at Swift and that combined with a ticket I received before obtaining my CDL disqualified me from being rehired as an employee with them until 2018. I left on very good terms and I was offered my original dedicated position with them before my DM and I hit the road block with Safety. I tried my best bringing it up the chain of command at Swift and so did my DM but I was told there's nothing they could do. Don't get tickets. But I appreciate you checking in.

Dan

So I guess you were able to break your lease with Swift, or did you complete it?

Not trying to bust your chops, but considering you have well over a year of experience with Swift, did you try to find a Dedicated Assignment that fit your needs with them first?

The reason I ask? Because just like having many opportunities opening up with numerous companies after a year of experience, the same dynamic exists with your initial employer.

Good luck with your new assignment.

Fair enough...Hunt, no doubt is a good outfit.

Safe travels!

Dan, dedicated accounts are generally a great way to make some good money. Take your time there and learn the little secrets that make that account work for you. G-Town and I have both had some very nice success running dedicated accounts. Ours are totally different from each other, but once we got the hang of how the thing works, we were able to figure out how to capitalize on the benefits they presented to us. There's no reason you can't do the same.

There will be challenges, but face them head on and learn how to maximize your hours of availability on the account. Good time management is critical on these types of accounts. I'm sure you've got some good experience under your belt with this, because the same thing holds true when leasing a truck.

One more thing... About four and a half months ago you said this:

I'm five months into a lease. I wanted to run my own truck and thought I could handle it. But I guess I'm not cut out for it. I haven't posted here in a while because I'm pretty embarrassed about the whole situation.

I just wanted to say, don't beat yourself up over this. You tried it, and you had the brains and the courage to admit it wasn't working. I wouldn't say, "I'm not cut out for it." The simple truth of the matter is that the cards were stacked against you. Without even knowing you at all, I know you worked like crazy to make a success of it. I understand these leasing programs as well as just about anyone, and I have steadfastly tried to steer drivers, both new and experienced, away from these leases. There is a very small percentage of folks who come out okay when leasing, and frankly I'm convinced they'd still be better off as a good solid company driver.

I wish you the best at J.B. Hunt. Hang in there and learn how things work on the account. Once you get yourself established with your driver manager as a guy who "gets it," as far as how to succeed on that account, you'll discover some real earnings potentual there.

Thanks for the good vibes guys! I'm looking forward to it. I'll get some hazmat experience with this account so that will be a good thing. The nice thing is that it's 11 out 3 home. I just have to make myself come home. The road has a way of making you stay out.

Dan