Frequently Asked Questions

Owner operators (percentage program)


COMPENSATION & BONUSES

  • Our average independent-contractor grosses approximately $130,000 per year.
  • Independent-contractors are paid 65% of freight revenue plus certain accessorials, excluding permits, escorts and other accessorial charges paid by L.J. Kennedy.
  • L.J. Kennedy provides all trailers. A loading charge is usually assessed when L.J. Kennedy personnel load & tarp owner-operator loads.
  • Settlements are paid weekly: they are detailed and easy to understand.
  • All loads are paid upon receipt of clear bills-of-lading; there are no delays or hold-backs for broker loads.
  • $2500 for an escrow account is required, with deductions of $75 per week.
  • Independent contractors are paid 100% of the fuel surcharge

SERVICE AREA
LJ. Kennedy primarily serves the USA, East of the Mississippi River, with a focus on the Northeast & New England.

DISPATCH
Loads are dispatched from our seven facilities in the USA. We offer 24-hour dispatch support at the terminals with an asterisk:

Phone numbers are listed below:

Aliquippa, PA (866) WANT-LJ-3
Auburn, ME (866) WANT-LJ-0
Bristol, CT (866) WANT-LJ-1
Carrollton, KY* (866) WANT-LJ-6
Florence, NJ* (866) WANT-LJ-8
Kearny, NJ* (866) WANT-LJ-4 (Central Dispatch)
Stony Point, NY* (866) WANT-LJ-9

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Accident/Occupational Disability: You must obtain your own occupational disability coverage with a $1,000,000 minimum coverage policy required. At this time the charge for occupational disability coverage is $171 per month, through Baldwin & Lyons Insurance. Click HERE to download a brochure.

Bobtail: You must obtain your own bobtail coverage, with a $1,000,000 limit.

Physical Damage: You must obtain your own physical damage insurance.In the event of an accident that results in cargo or liability charges, your exposure is capped at $2500 per occurrence.

DRUG TESTING & PHYSICALS
L.J. Kennedy pays for all drug tests & physicals. There is a chargeback if your lease is terminated before your six-month anniversary with L.J. Kennedy.

EQUIPMENT

  • L.J. Kennedy provides all trailers & decals.
  • Your tractor and/or trailer must pass an FHWA inspection & a L.J. Kennedy bi-annual inspection. (Monthly maintenance reports required).
  • Equipment reports must be submitted monthly.
  • You are charged back for tire, equipment & property damage you are responsible for.
  • Your tractor may not be more than ten years old.
  • L.J. Kennedy does not pay for your base plates.
  • The tractor gross weight may not exceed 19,000#.
  • Decals & door signs are provided by L.J. Kennedy.

SATELLITES
All tractors are to be equipped with Qualcomm mobile-satellite receivers. These units will be provided by L.J. Kennedy, with a deduction of $10 per week made from your settlement.

SECURITY DEPOSITS
A $2500.00 security deposit is required. Deductions of $75 per week are made until the $2500 threshold is reached.

FUEL TAXES & LICENSING

  • L.J. Kennedy pays for your IFTA sticker, but not for replacement stickers.
  • Drivers are charged back for applicable fuel taxes
  • You must provide your own base-plate.
  • There is no fee for advances on your Comdata card. (You must be leased to L.J. Kennedy for at least 14 days before you are eligible to receive a Comdata card).

ADDITIONAL REASONS TO JOIN OUR TEAM

  • Direct deposit is available to you, without charge.
  • Work is usually not seasonal; but the winter tends to be the slowest season.
  • There is an open door management policy. We will make time to hear your suggestions & thoughts, even your complaints. You are part of our team and we will treat you that way!
  • There is no "hold-back" on your settlement.
  • Emergency repair service available.
  • There is parking at many terminals for your tractor, excluding Kearny & Stony Point.
  • Continuous safety training is provided.
  • There is virtually no loading or unloading by the driver.
  • We have shower facilities at our Aliquippa, Florence, Carrollton, Kearny & Stony Point terminals.
  • Scale charges are paid for by L.J. Kennedy, when approved by your driver-manager.

RIDER PROGRAM
No riders are permitted in vehicles leased to L.J. Kennedy.

LOANS & CASH ADVANCES
Parts & tires are available, after 90 days of active duty, at the discretion of management. (Cash advances via Comdata fuel-card are available).

FUEL
Low-cost terminal fuel is available, as is discounted road-fuel. (Terminal fuel is available only in Florence/Kearny & Aliquippa). You must be leased with LJK for 14 days before becoming eligible to purchase terminal fuel and receive a Comdata card.

NEW YORK CITY
Drivers are required, at times, to deliver & pick-up loads in the five boroughs of NYC, and other metropolitan areas, excluding independent-contractors who are paid by the mile.

RECRUITMENT BONUS
A bonus of up to $1,000.00 per referred driver hired is available; ask for details.

TERMINAL-NETWORK

  • Aliquippa, PA
  • Auburn, ME
  • Bristol, CT
  • Carrollton, KY
  • Florence, NJ
  • Kearny, NJ
  • Stony Point, NY
  • System Drivers

The information contained in this website is posted by L.J. Kennedy Trucking in good faith and is subject to change without notice. This is a guide, not a contract or offer of employment. L.J. Kennedy reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to make adjustments due to errors.