About K&J Trucking, Inc.
Named 2024's Best Overall Small Fleet with Best Fleets to Drive For
We are powered by the best drivers in the industry, a dedicated office and shop staff, and an unparalleled commitment to customer service and safety. K&J is a Christian trucking company and we believe in doing the right thing, always.
Looking for a new company to call home as a company driver? Want to become an owner-operator through an amazing lease purchase program with a proven track record?
Look no further! But don't take our word for it, check out our reviews!
Our Core Values:
- Going the Extra Mile
- Do the Right Thing
- We Own it
- Geared for the Community
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K&J Trucking, Inc. Overview
Hiring Areas
Driver Types
- Lease Purchase
- Owner Operator
- Company Driver
Driver Requirements
Minimum Experience
In School Now
CDL License
Class A
Freight Type
- Refrigerated (Reefer)
- Dry Van
Allowable Moving Violations
2
Allowable Preventable Accidents
2
Hazmat Endorsement
No
Benefits
Paid Orientation
Yes
Pets
Yes
Questions and Answers about K&J Trucking, Inc.
- General Questions
Is the company privately or publicly held?
We are privately held.
How many total employees does the company have?
We have 50 employees between our office, shop, and drivers, and approximately 110 owner-operators. About 130 trucks operating overall!
How many drivers does the company currently have?
130 drivers
What is the company’s turnover rate?
8% in 2023, 17% in 2022, 8.8% in 2021, 10% in 2020, 16-17% in 2019
How many empty trucks does the company have right now?
We have three empty trucks right now.
How many terminals does the company have and where are they?
We have one—our home office in Sioux Falls, SD. But we also have a staff presence in Guymon, OK and North Sioux City, SD.
How long has the average driver been with the company?
We have new hires and 41-year veterans, so the average works out to 8.93 years.
What is the passenger policy?
Passengers are fine as long as they are seatbelted and over age 10. If under age 10, we ask another adult to accompany, or the trip needs to be within a couple hundred miles (picking up and delivering typically works well for the younger members of a driver's family).
What is the pet policy?
Pets are allowed. The driver pays any additional repair or clean-up if damage is done by the pet.
- Operational Questions
What kinds of freight does the company haul?
We primarily haul refrigerated goods, but also general commodities. We have a growing dry van and short-haul division as well.
In what states does the company operate in the most?
We’re licensed for all 48, but we run primarily in the West, South, Northwest, and Southwest Central regions, as well as the Mid-Atlantic and a little East, but not as far as New York City or the East Coast.
What is the ratio of driver managers to drivers?
1 to 12
What is the ratio of load planners to trucks?
1 to 12
What is the average length of load?
Our average over all route types (regional, intermediate and long-haul) was 936 miles.
What is the average # of miles per tractor?
125,000 miles
How are the drivers’ miles calculated? (Short Miles, Practical Mileage, Household Movers Guide)
Miles are calculated on practical miles.
What percent of your freight is Drop and Hook?
55 percent
Are drivers required to physically unload freight?
No! We pay for lumper services. In fact, we actively tell drivers not to unload the freight (except for a specialized segment of our driver pool).
How many hours are free before the driver starts receiving detention time pay?
2 free hours
How long do stops take to get offloaded on average?
The average stop takes 2 hours to offload.
Is the company forced dispatch?
Company drivers are subject to forced dispatch but not owner-operators.
What happens if a driver refuses to take a dispatch for a legitimate reason?
It’s okay to refuse a load, but we try to put the driver in the area they most prefer.
Are drivers able to stay within a certain geographical area or are they required to run wherever the company runs?
Yes, normally they can stay within an area, but that can limit their miles. Much of this depends on the health of the current freight environment.
Does your company use customer based freight or brokered freight?
We do both.
What percentage of the company's freight is brokered freight?
20 percent
Does the trucking company have an idle policy?
Company trucks have an idle program. Those with 10% or less idle time get a bonus!
Does the company use satellite communications?
We use Transflo for tractors.
Does the company use E-logs or Paper Logs?
We use e-logs.
If the company uses e-log which system is used? People-Net, Qualcomm, etc?
We use Transflo. We work hard to provide training to our drivers on using the system effectively.
- Equipment Questions
What type of trucks does the company use?
Kenworths, with a few Freightliners, Volvos, and Internationals.
What is the average age of the company’s tractors?
The average age of company trucks is 2 years.
What is the average age of the company’s trailers?
The average age of trailers is 2.5 years.
Do the trucks come equipped with APU’s?
Yes, all company trucks have APUs.
Do the trucks come equipped with power inverters?
Yes, all company trucks have inverters.
If no power inverters are installed can the driver install one aftermarket?
Yes, power inverters come with most trucks but can easily be installed aftermarket. The wattage limit is 1500.
Does the company “slip seat” drivers or assign drivers to trucks?
Drivers are assigned to a truck—no slip seating.
If a driver takes extended home time is there a risk that their truck will be taken away and reassigned?
Drivers will not lose their truck with time off, even extended time off unless there are extenuating circumstances discussed with the driver.
Are drivers able to take the tractor home with them on home time?
We prefer trucks to be housed at our shop/yard but will allow drivers to take them home based on the situation and location.
Do drivers need to be prepared to have a place to keep the trailer on home time?
If a driver takes a truck home under a load, then trailer accommodations are the driver’s responsibility.
Can drivers leave the trailer locked up in a different location than the tractor on home time?
Drivers can utilize a secure lot at our terminal, customer, or other lots that are secure to store their trailer on home time.
Do the trucks come equipped with refrigerators?
All company trucks have refrigerators.
Do the trucks have single bunks or double bunks?
All company trucks are double bunks.
- New Hire Orientation Questions
How long is the company’s orientation process?
Our orientation process is 2 days.
Are new hires paid anything for orientation?
New hires are paid $100.00 per day for orientation. New owner-operators are given a $100/day yard fuel credit.
Does the company pay for all travel arrangements?
We will make arrangements for travel to orientation if needed.
What method of travel does the company use? (Flight, Bus, Rental Car)
Normally we’ll hire locally, but if not, we will grab a ride with a truck heading to the terminal or arrange for alternate transportation.
Does the driver get their own hotel room or are drivers required to room with another driver?
K&J pays for hotel rooms for company drivers during orientation and we do one-on-one orientation so you won’t ever have to share a room.
Does the company expect the driver to pay them back for orientation expenses if the driver does not drive for them for a certain period of time?
New hires are not responsible for the expense if they don’t stay.
After orientation is finished how long will it take for the driver to get dispatched home to pick up his/her gear?
New hires are typically dispatched by the end of the second day of orientation. We often encourage drivers to bring their gear with them to orientation, but if they need to stop home to pick up additional items that can usually be arranged within the first week.
Are pets and passengers allowed to attend orientation with the driver?
Pets and passengers aren’t typically allowed but can be if needed.
Does the company have enough trucks for all of the drivers it hires at orientation or will the driver need to travel to another facility or terminal to recover a truck after orientation is finished?
Drivers will get into their truck at the terminal unless hired for owner-operator who may keep their truck at another location.
- Compensation & Pay Questions
How does the company pay?
We offer mileage or salary pay to company drivers and percentage pay to owner operators. We pay weekly through direct deposit.
Based on my level of experience – how much is the company willing to pay me?
Our overall pay package for drivers with experience is $0.55/mile plus a .05 per mile bonus if you get over 10,000 miles a month. This bonus is on every single mile. We also offer stop pay and detention. Our company drivers average between $65,000 and $85,000 a year depending on how much they want to be on the road. And you'll still get plenty of home time!
What is the max rate of pay for your drivers?
Pay varies depending on the experience of the driver. We evaluate driver performance twice per year and increase based on performance. Our pay package is competitive with other refrigerated truck lines.
How does the company handle raises?
Raises are based on a semiannual review.
What type of benefits does the company offer? (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, etc.)
Company drivers have health insurance, including an HSA option, dental, and vision. They also receive 401k, flex, vacation pay, disability, accident insurance, and cancer insurance. Drivers who work for an owner-operator can normally expect to have health insurance, vision, dental, disability, accident, and vacation benefits available.
How long must a driver be employed before benefits kick in?
A company driver must be employed for 60 days before becoming eligible for benefits.
Does the company offer a fuel bonus program?
A fuel bonus is offered via an idle bonus program.
Does the company offer a safety bonus program?
We have monthly safety bonuses that come as e-gift cards to retailers of your choice! These are based on positive driving behavior data from the Netradyne forward-facing cameras and all drivers are eligible. We also have yearly bonuses for owner-operators and fleet drivers without accidents chargeable to them. To qualify drivers must drive 100,000 miles a year. The payout for these is $25 for the first year and $50 for each subsequent year. If a driver receives a violation they will start anew from the date of the incident. Example: 1st year - $25, 2nd year - $75, 3rd year - $125
Does the company offer a performance bonus program?
A performance bonus is included in idle bonus.
Does the company offer any sign on bonuses?
We do not offer a sign-on bonus.
How does the sign on bonus pay out?
Not applicable.
Does the company offer longevity bonuses or retention bonuses for tenured drivers?
Pay is increased based on years of service as well as truck options and area of operation preferences. There are financial bonuses for certain anniversaries!
Does the company offer a driver referral bonus program?
Yes, we have a referral program. If you refer an experienced driver to us you get $500 once they go on the road, $500 at their 6 months, and $1000 at their one-year anniversary! If you refer an inexperienced driver you will get $1000 at their one-year anniversary.
Does the company offer transition pay for changing employers?
We do not offer transition pay.
Does the company offer orientation pay?
Yes, we offer orientation pay. $100/day for company drivers and $100 yard-fuel credit per day for owner operators.
- Lease Purchase Questions
Does your company offer a Lease Purchase Program?
Yes, we offer a lease-purchase program.
Is the driver required to be a company driver first before becoming eligible to lease a truck?
You must be a driver at our company for at least six months with satisfactory performance. If you are brand new to trucking, we recommend waiting a full year.
Are your hiring qualifications for Lease Purchase different from what they are for your company drivers? If so, how are they different?
Hiring qualifications remain the same for drivers or potential lease operators.
What is required from the driver to get started with the Lease? (Money Down, Money in Reserve, Credit Check)
You must complete six months of satisfactory service including no accidents or minor accidents, on-time delivery, good communication with dispatch and shop, and a minimum of 10,000 miles per month. No money down, no credit check, maintenance escrow required.
What type of equipment do you lease?
Equipment available for lease is company-owned and typically is a Kenworth T680. All trucks have fewer than 500,000 miles and are four years or newer.
Does the company buy the trucks from a dealership when a new driver starts or do new drivers use equipment that has already been leased out?
New drivers take on used equipment the company has in the fleet.
How long is the lease for?
The lease runs 2-3 years depending on the truck, mileage, etc.
How much does it cost each week for the lease?
Typical payment is $750+ per week depending on mileage and truck specs.
Are drivers required to pay truck payments when they are off the road?
Owner-operators are still required to make lease payments when off the truck.
Is there a balloon payment or a buyout at the end of the lease?
Depending on the year and mileage of the truck, there is typically a balloon payment at the end of the lease, if the owner wants to purchase the truck. If the driver intends to upgrade the truck or stay in the lease program, the balloon is either extended to a different date or rolled into the next truck. The lessee always gets the equity they’ve acquired while leasing a truck from the company.
What happens if drivers are unable to pay this at the end of the lease?
The equity that the driver had in the truck can be applied to their next lease with us or applied as a down payment to another truck if they want to finance through a bank.
Does the company help drivers finance the remaining balloon?
We do not, but we have a very close relationship with a bank that can help with this!
What are all of the “other” charges that drivers are required to pay in addition to the truck payment? (Plates, Permits, PrePass, Tolls, Scales, Lumpers)
A driver who becomes an owner-operator is responsible for all costs of operating the truck. Lumpers are reimbursed with a receipt. We have several discount programs for fuel, insurance, maintenance, etc. that we pass along to the leased operator.
What types of insurance are lease purchase drivers required to pay? (Physical Damage, Bobtail, Occupational accident)
Our lease requires Physical Damage and Bobtail coverage.
Are drivers responsible for finding these insurances on their own?
Operators are always welcome to find their own insurance, but it can also be secured through the company’s group policy and this is usually the cheapest option.
What type of escrow accounts does the company make the driver set up? (Maintenance, Tires, Walk away lease escrow)
We set up a maintenance account at $25.00 per week for a leased truck. Operators have the option to also participate in other escrow accounts, but maintenance is required.
What happens to the driver in the event they are unable to finish the lease? Are drivers charged a fee?
If an operator is unable to finish the lease, the options are as follows: The lease requires the driver to continue making payments until the truck is released or sold. Or, if the operator returns to company driver status, all payments are waived. All accounts are settled 45 days after the lease ends, and if money is owed, it is returned to the operator.
Do lease purchase drivers get special preferences for freight?
Operators who use our in-house lease program are treated like all owners and drivers. We do not practice special treatment.
Are LP drivers paid for all miles?
All operators (including lease operators) are paid a percent of load—no empty miles are paid.
Does LP driver get 100% of the fuel surcharge?
The operator receives 100 percent of tractor fuel surcharge.
Are LP drivers paid by the mile or by Percentage? If by the percentage how will drivers know what their true percentage is?
All line haul freight is paid by percent: the operator gets 100 percent of stop pay and tractor fuel surcharge and detention is paid on percent to operator, all amounts listed on settlement.
What type of maintenance is the driver responsible for?
Operators are responsible for maintaining their tractor to meet federal DOT requirements.
Will someone in the office keep track of when regular maintenance is due or is the driver responsible for scheduling their own maintenance?
The company is happy to keep track of maintenance on all operator trucks and willing to schedule maintenance on leased trucks if requested.
Where are the repairs performed? Does the driver have a say in this?
Repairs can be done at the operator’s choice of shop, however, the company shop has a reduced labor rate and discounted parts. If the truck is involved in an accident, the company requests the repairs be done locally at a reputable shop.
How often are driver paid? By the week or by the load?
Operators are paid weekly based on the paperwork they (electronically) submit for completed loads.
Do LP drivers need to have their own Trailers? If not, are drivers charged a rental fee for the use of the company's trailers?
The company provides all trailers, no additional rental is charged to the operator beyond our percentage of the load, and all expenses are paid by the company for the operation of the trailer.
Does your company offer any type of tax services to help the driver out when filing their taxes?
We do not have an in-house tax service but will offer several suggestions and help with tax planning if requested by the operator.
What are the total weekly expenses for all charges on the lease each week not including fuel?
We are unable to quantify weekly expenses as all operators run their business differently. But if you have questions about how your finances might look at K&J, we usually connect you with several of our operators to talk about their experiences!
Can drivers get fuel anywhere or are they limited to certain fuel stops?
Operators can purchase fuel at any stop—the company provides lists of discounts daily to all operators.
Does the company keep track of all maintenance records for each truck? If so, can the driver see a copy of all maintenance on the truck before leasing?
The company keeps all maintenance records, and they are available for a potential operator to review prior to leasing a truck.
Can the driver get the contract for the lease sent to them before coming in so the driver can review the lease?
The lease document is available to all drivers who currently work at K&J or are considering the lease program in the future.
What are the most negative things about your lease compared to what other companies are offering?
The biggest drawback for some drivers is our six-month waiting period. However, we feel it’s necessary for a new driver to get to know our program prior to entering into a lease. Our lease program has been very successful over the past 30 years with very few issues.
Can you give me the name and number of a current Lease Driver so I can get feedback directly from a driver on how the lease works?
Yes, current operators in our lease program are available for questions. For the name and number of a current leasing driver, email us!
Is the driver allowed to customize the truck, such as installing new wheels, shifters, seats, stacks, etc… before having it paid off?
An operator can customize a leased truck as long as they understand the guidelines set forth in the lease. Operators cannot use maintenance escrow for the customization of the truck.
