Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/306069
Path Profiles Career Paul Bicket says he's happiest when he's on the road — after all, he says truck- ing's been in his blood since he was a kid. It was only natural that he became a truck driver, and he can't imagine leaving the road. "I love what I do and who I drive for, and the company plays a big role in that," Bicket says. "I look forward to going to work." Although Bicket didn't start out his trucking career at J.B. Hunt, he realized it might be a good choice for him when he saw how many of their trucks passed by his house everyday. "It was the frequency of their trucks driving by my home," Bicket says. "I fi g- ured if they were there, it would be a good fi t. I was right." Since joining J.B. Hunt, Bicket has hauled intermodal all 16 years. However, he has appreciated the ability to change terminals and routes as his home life re- quired. When he had a young family, it was good to have a job that allowed him to be home at night and on the weekends. Now that his children are grown, he en- joys the extra pay and challenges that come from a night route. "Because of their size, J.B. Hunt has a lot of options and fl exibility for their driv- ers," Bicket says. "It's a challenge every day, but I think liking your job is important. And that goes for any industry." "If you're interested in trucking, I would suggest fi nding a good carrier like J.B. Hunt," says Bicket. "Jumping from com- pany to company will ensure you never get top pay. Give it time. So many people think the fi rst year or two is how it's always going to be." It helps to have a company that ad- dresses any issues that come up, adds Bicket. "J.B. Hunt has always tried to meet any needs that come up. Drivers are important to them, and it helps to be ap- preciated." It's still a two-way street, though, says Bicket. "It's like a relationship. Don't get yourself into bad situations. Speak up when problems come up. They don't want to lose good drivers." Initiative and work ethic go a long way as well. "Drive every mile they offer you, and you can make a lot of money," says Bicket. As for Bicket, he says he can't imagine working anywhere else. "I take every day as it comes," he says. "Sometimes I think about retirement, but I don't know if I ever could. I think about how much I would miss the road." "It's been a good trip," Bicket adds. "I've enjoyed every step of the way." ◆ For your opportunity with J.B. Hunt, call 1-800-297-4321 or visit www.jbhunt. jobs. You can also connect with J.B. Hunt at Facebook.com/jbhuntdrivers. 22 www.studentdriversplacement.com May '14 career path 0514.indd 2 4/21/14 9:33 AM