Frequently Asked Questions

Owner operators (percentage program)


COMPENSATION & BONUSES

  • Our average independent-contractor grosses approximately $150,000 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: L.J. Kennedy will provide occupational disability coverage and charge you back if you cannot obtain your own coverage, subject to company approval. At this time the charge for occupational disability coverage is $171 per month.

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 21,000#.
  • 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 & NY HUT stickers, 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 30 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/Carrollton, Stony Point & Aliquippa). You must be leased with LJK for 30 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.