J&R Schugel Drivers describe carrier’s personal touch, ESOP, equipment & more

Post Date - Feb 11, 2021

J&R Schugel, a 100% employee-owned company, has long been known as a carrier with a heart for drivers, but nothing tops hearing straight from Class A truck drivers about their experience with the company.

John Meredith, a 40-year trucking veteran, has been with Schugel since 2004 and advises other drivers not to look for just one thing, but everything together to see if a carrier is right for the long term. “I’ve seen it all in 40 years on the road,” says John. “When I look around J&R, I see 25-30 drivers who have been here for 15 years or more. That says a lot about a company.”

John, who runs a five-state dedicated route, says the company’s personal touch is very meaningful to him. “We’re not really a small company, but it feels like it because Schugel is so accommodating,” he says. “That flexibility is a huge plus. My dispatcher knows who I am and what I’m about– that lets me know I’m valued.”

Another way John says he feels important to the company is in the equipment Schugel provides. “I’m in a 2020 LT International with a built-in fridge and inverter,” he says. “About every 18 months, I’m in a brand-new truck.”

In the first quarter of 2021, J&R Schugel is bringing on additional new trucks for incoming qualified drivers.

Earning power is one of J&R Schugel’s biggest draws for CDL-A truck drivers. First, qualified drivers with six months’ experience get a $15,000 sign-on incentive before going on to make potentially $90,000 in annual total compensation. This is possible in part through great starting pay and steady miles, but also largely due to the company’s employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). An ESOP is a qualified retirement plan that provides eligible employees with an ownership interest in the company. J&R Schugel makes all the contributions to the ESOP account on the employee’s behalf meaning employees do not contribute any funds towards the plan.

“My ESOP account is so good, the numbers are really strong --- I stopped contributing extra to a 401(k),” John says. “Knowing that stability and security is there is just huge for me.”

If you’re interested in a driving career with a more personal touch, or to learn more about J&R Schugel’s ESOP program, connect with us today!