Does J.B. Hunt Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

J.B. Hunt's Hiring Approach for People with Records

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, headquartered in Lowell, Arkansas, is one of the largest publicly traded trucking companies in North America with over 30,000 employees. The company has not publicly signed the Fair Chance Pledge, but it does use individualized assessment when reviewing applicants with criminal records. This means they consider the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the offense, and the relevance of the offense to the job being sought. In practice, J.B. Hunt's willingness to hire someone with a felony depends heavily on the position. Warehouse and terminal roles have the most flexibility, while CDL driving positions are constrained by both DOT regulations and the company's insurance requirements. The trucking industry as a whole faces a chronic driver shortage, which has pushed many carriers including J.B. Hunt to reconsider rigid disqualification policies, but safety-sensitive positions still carry significant restrictions.

CDL Requirements and DOT Regulations That Affect Felons

If you are pursuing a CDL driving position at J.B. Hunt, you need to understand the federal regulatory framework. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) sets minimum standards for commercial drivers, but individual carriers like J.B. Hunt can set stricter policies. Under DOT regulations, certain offenses result in CDL disqualification: using a commercial vehicle to commit a felony involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing controlled substances results in a lifetime disqualification. A DUI in a commercial vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, or causing a fatality through negligent operation results in a one-year disqualification (three years if carrying hazmat). Beyond these federal minimums, J.B. Hunt typically requires no felony convictions within the past 5 years for standard driving positions, a clean MVR with no DUI/DWI within 5 years (personal vehicle) or ever (commercial vehicle), no more than 3 moving violations in the past 3 years, and registration in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse with no unresolved violations.

Background Check Process at J.B. Hunt

J.B. Hunt conducts background checks on all applicants after a conditional offer of employment. For CDL driving positions, this includes a comprehensive DOT-compliant screening: criminal history check (typically 7-10 years), MVR review from every state where you have held a license, FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query, pre-employment DOT drug test (urine), previous employer verification going back 3 years (DOT requirement), and verification of CDL status and endorsements. For non-driving positions, the check is generally a standard criminal history search and Social Security trace. The background check is conducted by a third-party screening company, and J.B. Hunt follows FCRA requirements. If the background check reveals information that may disqualify you, J.B. Hunt is required to send you a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report, giving you an opportunity to dispute inaccuracies or provide context before a final decision is made.

Which Felonies Disqualify You from Driving at J.B. Hunt

While J.B. Hunt evaluates applicants individually, certain types of felony convictions are more likely to prevent you from being hired as a driver. Permanent or long-term disqualifiers typically include drug trafficking or distribution (especially involving a commercial vehicle), any felony involving a commercial motor vehicle, sexual offenses, and violent felonies such as murder, assault with a deadly weapon, or armed robbery. Time-limited disqualifiers that may clear after a waiting period include non-violent drug possession felonies (typically 5-7 year wait), theft or property crimes (typically 5 year wait), DUI/DWI in a personal vehicle (typically 5 year wait), and non-violent felonies unrelated to driving. For warehouse and non-driving positions, the standards are less restrictive. Recent violent felonies and sex offenses remain disqualifiers, but property crimes, drug possession, and older offenses are more likely to be considered with the full context of rehabilitation.

J.B. Hunt's CDL Training Program: Drive J.B. Hunt

J.B. Hunt offers a CDL training program called Drive J.B. Hunt that helps people obtain their CDL-A and begin a driving career. This is relevant for people with records because the program does conduct a preliminary background review before acceptance. If you have a felony that would prevent you from being hired as a driver after training, J.B. Hunt will generally not accept you into the training program. However, if your record falls within their acceptable range (typically 5+ years since conviction for non-disqualifying offenses), the training program can be a path to a well-paying career. The program includes classroom and behind-the-wheel training, and graduates commit to driving for J.B. Hunt for a specified period. Before applying to the CDL training program, it is worth calling J.B. Hunt's recruiting line and being upfront about your record to avoid investing time in a program that may not lead to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does J.B. Hunt hire felons?

J.B. Hunt does hire some people with felony records, but it depends on the position and the nature of the conviction. Warehouse and dock positions are the most accessible. CDL driving positions typically require at least 5 years since the felony conviction, and certain offenses like drug trafficking and violent crimes may be permanent disqualifiers for driving roles.

Does J.B. Hunt do background checks?

Yes. J.B. Hunt conducts background checks on all applicants. For CDL driving positions, this is a comprehensive DOT-compliant screening that includes criminal history, MVR review, FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query, drug testing, and previous employer verification. Non-driving positions undergo a standard criminal history check.

Can I drive for J.B. Hunt with a DUI?

A DUI in a commercial vehicle is a serious disqualifier under DOT regulations and will prevent you from driving for J.B. Hunt for at least one year (longer in practice). A DUI in a personal vehicle typically needs to be at least 5 years old. Multiple DUIs are a more significant concern. Non-driving positions at J.B. Hunt are generally not affected by a DUI conviction.

Does J.B. Hunt drug test?

Yes. CDL driving positions are subject to mandatory DOT drug testing including pre-employment, random, post-accident, return-to-duty, and reasonable suspicion testing. J.B. Hunt also checks the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for any prior violations. Non-CDL positions may be subject to pre-employment drug testing depending on the location and role.

Does J.B. Hunt offer CDL training for felons?

J.B. Hunt's Drive J.B. Hunt CDL training program does accept some applicants with felony records, provided the conviction falls within their acceptable parameters (typically 5+ years old for non-disqualifying offenses). Contact their recruiting line to discuss your specific situation before applying to the training program.

How much do J.B. Hunt drivers make?

J.B. Hunt driver pay varies by division and experience. Company OTR drivers typically earn $60,000-$85,000 per year. Intermodal drayage drivers who are home daily may earn $55,000-$75,000. Dedicated contract drivers can earn $65,000-$90,000 depending on the account. Warehouse positions typically start at $16-22 per hour depending on location.