What J.B. Hunt looks for in CDL drivers

J.B. Hunt Transport Services hires commercial drivers with a valid Class A CDL for roles in intermodal, dedicated, and over-the-road trucking. The company does not sponsor CDL training — you must already hold your license before you explore. They hire from all 50 states and accept drivers with recent violations or accidents, though serious infractions (DUI, reckless driving, multiple at-faults) will disqualify you.

The baseline requirements are a clean background check, a valid passport or state ID, proof of work history, and a medical certificate from a DOT-certified examiner. J.B. Hunt uses the standard FMCSA background check, which looks back seven years for moving violations and ten years for criminal history. You do not need prior trucking experience, but you do need the CDL itself.

Pay and benefits vary by division and region. Over-the-road drivers typically earn per-mile rates that start around 40 to 45 cents per mile for new hires, with increases tied to tenure and safety record. Dedicated and intermodal roles often pay hourly wages instead. All full-time drivers receive health insurance, a 401(k) match, and paid time off after a waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Class A CDL before explore — J.B. Hunt does not provide CDL training or sponsorship.
  • The company hires drivers with accident or violation history as long as nothing is a lifetime disqualifier like a DUI or felony.
  • You will need a DOT medical certificate, a clean background check, and proof of work history to move forward in hiring.
  • J.B. Hunt posts openings on their careers website and through third-party job boards; phone and in-person recruiting also happens at truck stops and driver events.
  • The hiring process typically takes two to four weeks from initial process to orientation, depending on background check speed.

Where to find J.B. Hunt CDL job postings

J.B. Hunt posts openings on their official careers page at jbhunt.com/careers. You can filter by job type (over-the-road, dedicated, intermodal, local), location, and experience level. The site also shows pay ranges, benefits, and specific requirements for each role. Creating an account lets you save jobs and track your process status.

The company also recruits through Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, where you may see the same positions listed. Third-party job boards sometimes post J.B. Hunt roles with outdated information, so the official careers site is the most reliable source. J.B. Hunt also recruits directly at truck stops, driver events, and industry conferences — you can ask a recruiter in person about current openings and get when ready feedback on your qualifications.

Some J.B. Hunt divisions hire through referral programs. If you know a current driver, they can refer you and may receive a bonus if you are hired. Ask the driver to provide your name and contact information to their recruiting coordinator.

Steps to explore and what documents you will need

Start by gathering your documents before you begin the process. You will need your CDL (front and back), a valid ID or passport, your DOT medical certificate, your driving record from your state's DMV, and a list of your work history for the past ten years with employer names, dates, and phone numbers. Have these ready in digital form if you are explore online.

On the J.B. Hunt careers site, select the position you want and click "explore Now." You will create an account, enter your personal information, and upload your documents. The system will ask about your driving history, criminal history, and work background. Answer honestly — the background check will verify everything, and discrepancies can disqualify you.

After you submit, a recruiter will contact you within a few business days to confirm your information and schedule a phone screening. The screening typically covers your experience, why you want to work for J.B. Hunt, your availability, and any questions about the role. If you pass the screening, you move to the formal background check and medical review stage.

The background check and medical certificate process

J.B. Hunt uses a third-party background check company to verify your criminal history, driving record, and employment history. This process usually takes five to ten business days. You will be notified by email if additional information is needed — for example, if a conviction or accident requires explanation.

You must have a current DOT medical certificate issued by a certified medical examiner. If you do not have one, you will need to schedule an exam before you can start. The exam costs between $100 and $200 out of pocket and covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, and drug screening. The certificate is valid for two years. If your certificate expires during the hiring process, you will need to renew it before your start date.

Once the background check clears and your medical certificate is on file, J.B. Hunt will send you an offer letter with your start date, pay rate, and division assignment. You will then schedule your orientation, which is typically held at a J.B. Hunt terminal or training facility and lasts two to three days.

What to expect during orientation and training

Orientation covers company policy, safety procedures, equipment operation, and logistics systems. You will learn how J.B. Hunt tracks loads, communicates with dispatch, and handles customer interactions. Most of this is classroom-based and takes one to two days.

After orientation, you will be paired with an experienced driver for a ride-along period. This phase lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the division and your prior experience. During ride-along, you will drive under supervision, learn the company's routes and procedures, and demonstrate safe driving habits. You are paid during this period, though the rate may be lower than the standard driver wage.

Once you complete ride-along and pass a final safety evaluation, you will be cleared to drive solo. Your first few weeks as an independent driver are closely monitored through in-cab cameras and dispatch feedback. J.B. Hunt uses this data to may support you meet safety standards and company expectations.

Pay, benefits, and advancement opportunities

Over-the-road driver pay at J.B. Hunt is typically mileage-based, starting around 40 to 45 cents per mile for new hires with a CDL. Dedicated and local routes often pay hourly wages ranging from $22 to $28 per hour, depending on the region and route. Pay increases with tenure — most drivers see raises after their first year and again at the two-year mark. Bonuses are available for safety records, referrals, and completing certain milestones.

Full-time drivers receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and life insurance. The waiting period for benefits varies by division but is typically 30 to 90 days. J.B. Hunt also offers tuition reimbursement for drivers pursuing further education or certifications.

Advancement paths include moving to a dedicated account (often higher pay and more predictable schedule), becoming a trainer for new drivers, or transitioning to a dispatch or management role. Drivers with strong safety records and tenure are prioritized for these positions. Some drivers also move into specialized roles like hazmat or tanker hauling, which pay more but require additional endorsements on your CDL.

Common reasons applications are rejected

The most common rejection is not holding a valid CDL at the time of process. J.B. Hunt will not move forward without it. Other frequent disqualifiers include a DUI or felony conviction within the past ten years, more than two at-fault accidents in the past three years, or a suspended or revoked license.

Incomplete or inaccurate applications also slow the process. If you leave gaps in your work history or provide conflicting information, the background check will flag it and may delay or deny your process. Be thorough and honest when filling out the form.

A failed drug test or medical exam will end your candidacy. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, disclose it during the medical exam — the examiner may require additional testing or documentation, but hiding it will result in rejection and a failed medical record that other carriers can see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience driving a truck to get hired at J.B. Hunt?

No. J.B. Hunt hires drivers with no prior trucking experience as long as you hold a valid Class A CDL. The company provides orientation and ride-along training to teach you their systems and procedures. Some divisions prefer experienced drivers, but entry-level positions are available.

How long does the hiring process take from process to start date?

Typically two to four weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly you submit documents, how fast the background check completes, and when the next orientation class is scheduled. If your background check hits a delay or requires clarification, it can stretch to six weeks.

Can I work for J.B. Hunt if I have a DUI on my record?

A DUI within the past ten years is a disqualifier. J.B. Hunt will not hire drivers with a DUI conviction. Other serious violations like reckless driving or multiple at-fault accidents may also result in rejection, depending on how recent they are and the circumstances.

What if I do not have a DOT medical certificate yet?

You will need to get one before you can start. Schedule an exam with a DOT-certified medical examiner in your area — the cost is typically $100 to $200. The exam takes about 30 minutes. Once you have the certificate, upload it to your process or bring it to orientation.

Does J.B. Hunt sponsor CDL training if I do not have my license yet?

No. J.B. Hunt does not sponsor or pay for CDL training. You must obtain your CDL through a private truck driving school or community college before explore. Some schools partner with trucking companies for job placement, but J.B. Hunt does not directly sponsor training programs.