Day 433: Truck You

***UPDATE II BELOW***

So even though I'm going to be start a PT gig tomorrow, I'm still looking.

Yesterday I read a story saying that the long-haul trucking industry was experiencing a shortage.

Well, hey, I like to drive, I'm a good driver, and there's a certain appeal about seeing the country. So I went to the Web site of a nearby firm mentioned in the story, JB Hunt Transport.

JBH has a pretty good reputation and stature within the industry. This is no fly-by-night outfit; this is one of the top trucking firms in the U.S.

Perusing the job listings, it seemed that the minimum requirement was at least four months of experience. But four months is not a lot of time. How does one get that experience, I wondered? Maybe JBH has an apprentice program.

About this time, a pop-up window: Would you like to talk to a JBH representative? Why, yes, thank you, I would.

Actual transcript of actual conversation follows:

Me: So, how does one acquire the minimum experience? Do you guys have programs for newbies?

JBH: no we do not train

JBH: not our thing

Me: Many of your driver jobs require only four months of experience. How does one break into the business then?

JBH: google

JBH: entry level class A CDL jobs

JBH: call the companies that hire rookies

JBH: JB Hunt is a career carrier you come here to retire one day not learn the ropes

Me: Wow, you've been incredibly helpful and condescending.

JBH: well all I can do is point you in the right direction

JBH: sorry

Me: Your bedside manner can use some work.

JBH: Good Luck

Color me stunned. Maybe I don't have the required skills to drive for JB Hunt, but I *do* have enough of a background in customer service that make me fairly confident that JB Hunt does not want to represent itself in such an obnoxious manner. Maybe I could train their customer service chat reps. Here's the script that this dude should have been using:

Me: So, how does one acquire the minimum experience? Do you guys have programs for newbies?

JBH: At present, JB Hunt does not have openings or training for beginning drivers.

Me: Many of your driver jobs require only four months of experience. How does one break into the business then?

JBH: Beginning drivers would be classified as entry level class A CDL jobs. Many companies will train. Once you have obtained the relevant experience, we hope you will consider JB Hunt for future employment. Good luck and thank you for your interest in JB Hunt.

I've written JBH about this interlude. Will report back if I hear anything.

UPDATE: It's been more than two business days, and other than an acknowledgement of receiving my concern, JBH has not responded. I'm beginning to wonder if their idea of customer service is just that they don't have any.

UPDATE II: It's been a week. Still no word... KARK reporter Marci Manley on trucking company pressure on drivers to violate safety regulations... Marci's story