From humble beginnings in Arkansas, J.B. Hunt has become a central company in the transportation sector.

Situation

J.B. and Johnelle Hunt started a rice hull packaging company in Stuttgart, Arkansas after J.B. noticed farmers burning the hulls. The rice hull operation steadily grew and became one of the largest operations of its kinds. However, the Hunts began to transition to the trucking industry.

CHALLENGE

J.B. and Johnelle Hunt purchased five trucks and seven trailers, and in 1969, moved their company to Northwest Arkansas. At the beginning, the company was not profitable, but the Hunts preserved, continuing to operate the business and grow it. J.B. Hunt Transport began small – but J.B. Hunt used his experience as a truck driver to optimize the company and find solutions that would help retain drivers and drive down costs.

Solution

J.B. Hunt centered the company around drivers, trusting them to help grow the business from a small firm to the industry leader it is today. J.B. Hunt provided drivers with better working conditions, higher wage opportunities, and improved employee benefits, including a variety of health insurance plans. In addition, J.B. Hunt invested in innovative technologies to develop new carrier solutions and to improve the overall driver experience.

Results

J.B. Hunt Transport has become one of the largest carriers in the nation, earning a spot on the Fortune 500 list for more than 10 consecutive years. J.B. Hunt Transport has become a supply chain leader, and Newsweek magazine named the company to its 2025 “America’s Most Reliable Companies” list.

Today, J.B. Hunt Transport continues to operate in Arkansas and is headquartered in Lowell, AR. J.B. Hunt Transport has evolved over the past several decades from a rice hull operation to a trucking company to a full-scale trucking and logistics firm.

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