J.B. Hunt’s History: Built by People

Our storied history of success comes down to one thing: our people.

Since 1961, J.B. Hunt has been a company recognized for innovation. Our founder, Johnnie Bryan Hunt, was known for his big ideas, constantly coming up with new ways to be the best and better the industry. Mr. Hunt’s passion for excellence is what grew J.B. Hunt from a small rice hull operation into the Fortune 500 company we are today.  

From the beginning, Mr. Hunt, along with his wife, Johnelle, knew our success relied on one thing: our people. The Hunts ignited a people-first culture that still fuels our company to this day. As we celebrate 62 years of changing transportation, we’re looking back on how J.B. Hunt has made people a priority, and how that commitment has built J.B. Hunt into the resilient industry leader we are today.  

Our Foundation of Family 

To the Hunts, everyone who worked for J.B. Hunt was family. Mr. Hunt invested in people who were invested in J.B. Hunt, making sure the company did right by the drivers, diesel technicians and office employees who bought into his dream for J.B. Hunt. From hosting company picnics at their home to Mr. Hunt’s morning walks through the halls of corporate, it was vital to Mr. and Mrs. Hunt that every employee feel valued and recognized for their work. 

Today, when you ask our employees to describe the J.B. Hunt culture in one word, that word is often “family.” We’ve built our inclusion initiatives, employee benefits and workplace culture on the foundation of family established by the Hunts. No matter how our company grows and evolves, people will always be a priority. Our belief in doing right by all who etch their name in the scroll will never change. 

“What J.B. Hunt does to create that culture of family in a company this size and as one of the largest within our industry is just amazing,” said Montez, a sales executive in Overland Park, Kan. “I love their intentional efforts around diversity and inclusion. I love their intentional efforts trying to make the best employee experience possible.” 

People Drive Our Success 

Mr. Hunt instilled his passion for breaking the mold in everyone who worked with J.B. Hunt. When he walked the halls of corporate, he would ask, “Is today going to be big?” Throughout the years, our people have stepped up to that challenge and brought Mr. Hunt’s big ideas to life. From our venture to the rail through Intermodal in 1990 to launching our J.B. Hunt 360°® digital freight-matching platform, our people have powered our success and expanded our capacity to deliver.  

Mr. Hunt’s legacy of innovation is still felt today and fuels our vision of creating the most efficient transportation network in North America. For 62 years, our people have been the driving force behind every accomplishment. From our diesel technicians to our engineering and technology teams, our people will continue to reinvent transportation and impact supply chain in the years to come.  

“Mr. Hunt’s vision for his company continuously inspires me to be bold in my pursuit,” said Hannah, a senior strategic accounts client manager. “No idea is too small, no beginning is too humble. His legacy reminds us that we are all capable, far beyond our wildest imagination.” 

Supporting Our People Through the Years 

Throughout J.B. Hunt’s history, we’ve experienced times of great opportunity and success and times that presented great challenges to our company and our people. There were business ventures that worked and some that did not. Through tough economic times, a global pandemic or supply chain disruptions, our commitment to providing job stability and support for our people never wavered.   

“J.B. Hunt is a great company that values its people. While other companies lay off people when times are difficult, like the 2008 recession, J.B. Hunt does not,” said Charlene, a senior manager in the tax department. “This just shows the commitment the company has to its employees.” 

The trust we have in our people and the diverse ways we move freight allows us to navigate tough times best positioned for success while keeping our sights set on our future. We look at every challenge as an opportunity for growth, and through thick and thin, our people have proven that when we invest in them and provide job stability, we build stronger, together. 

Be Part of Our Future 

It’s been an exciting 62 years, and we’re grateful to all employees for the part they’ve played in our storied history. We know there are big things ahead for J.B. Hunt, and it’s our people, technology and capacity that will drive our success in the years to come. Search jobs to join our team and be part of our future today. 


Frequently Asked Questions

What is it like to work with J.B. Hunt?

In addition to our fulfilling job opportunities, there are many advantages to a career with J.B. Hunt. From corporate amenities to professional and personal development, a career with J.B. Hunt can take you places.

How do you find job stability in a company?

The trust we have in our people and the diverse ways J.B. Hunt moves freight allows us to navigate tough times best positioned for success, while keeping our sights set on our future. 

Why is job stability important?

Through tough economic times, a global pandemic or supply chain disruptions, J.B. Hunt’s support for our people never wavered. We look at every challenge as an opportunity for growth, and through thick and thin, our people have proven that when we invest in them and provide job stability, we grow bigger, stronger, better together. 

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