J.B. Hunt Marks 35 Years of Intermodal Excellence
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. (NASDAQ: JBHT), one of North America’s largest supply chain solutions providers, recently marked a significant milestone as its intermodal service surpassed 35 years of operations. This achievement reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in freight transportation.
The Birth of an Industry-Changing Vision
On a February morning in 1990, the first J.B. Hunt intermodal load departed Chicago, launching the industry’s first collaboration between trucking and railroad companies. This groundbreaking partnership was the result of the vision shared by company founder Johnnie Bryan Hunt and Santa Fe Railway President (now BNSF Railway) Mike Haverty. They named the service Quantum, a term symbolizing its innovative approach and transformative potential in the freight industry.
“Intermodal started as an idea to bring two services together and create a customer-focused, efficient solution,” said Shelley Simpson, president and CEO of J.B. Hunt. “This dream was brought to life by teams working closely together, never losing faith in the belief of a better way to move freight, one rooted in integrity, respect, safety, and excellence. It changed freight transportation forever and set the company on a path of continued innovation, sparking 35 years of growth and expansion.”
Growth and Expansion: From 150 Trailers to Industry Leader
When intermodal service first began, J.B. Hunt started with just 150 trailers. Today, J.B. Hunt Intermodal (JBI) operates the largest intermodal fleet in North America, boasting more than 122,000 containers and 6,500 tractors. A key factor in the company’s success was its early adoption of double-stacking containers, an innovation that improved efficiency, reduced loading and unloading times, and encouraged widespread customer adoption.
By 2000, intermodal services had become a dedicated business unit within J.B. Hunt, enabling the company to refine its operations and enhance service quality. JBI soon emerged as the company’s largest revenue-generating segment in 2003, a title it still holds today. The company continued to break records, moving over one million loads in a calendar year for the first time in 2010. That milestone was later surpassed in 2018 when J.B. Hunt transported two million loads in a year. Most recently, in 2024, JBI achieved historic records for quarterly, monthly, and weekly intermodal volumes.
“The long-term impact of intermodal demonstrates just how groundbreaking the service has been,” said Darren Field, president of intermodal at J.B. Hunt. “Intermodal has been a driving force for reducing the amount of long-haul over-the-road freight. This means unmatched efficiency and sustainability benefits for customers. For our drivers, it gives them more quality time at home with their families. Thank you to our people, customers, and rail providers all over North America for 35 years of helping us set the standard of great intermodal service. Along with investments in our people, technology, and capacity, your momentum continues to fuel intermodal’s potential. As Mr. Hunt would say, we’re just getting started.”
Strengthening Rail Partnerships and Enhancing Service
Throughout JBI’s 35-year history, the company has fostered strong relationships with all major North American rail providers, forming a solid foundation for continued operational efficiency. Collaborations with rail partners have resulted in enhancements such as onsite terminals and express gates, allowing J.B. Hunt to streamline processes and improve service offerings for its customers.
To better serve its growing customer base, J.B. Hunt expanded its intermodal infrastructure in 2021 with the launch of its first transload facility, designed to improve the efficiency of international freight transportation. This expansion has continued, with additional locations now spanning five of the largest ocean ports and the busiest land port of entry into the U.S.
In 2023, J.B. Hunt partnered with its long-time rail provider BNSF Railway and GMXT to introduce an innovative Mexico service through the Eagle Pass, Texas, Border Gateway. That same year, the company revived Quantum, reintroducing it as Quantum: A J.B. Hunt and BNSF Service™, designed to accommodate service-sensitive highway freight needs within customer supply chains.
Pioneering Sustainability Through Intermodal Shipping
J.B. Hunt Intermodal leads the industry in converting traditional over-the-road shipments to rail, a move that significantly reduces environmental impact. On average, shifting freight to rail reduces a shipment’s carbon footprint by 65% compared to highway truck transportation. Over the past decade, J.B. Hunt’s intermodal services have helped prevent approximately 30 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Sustainability efforts remain a key priority for J.B. Hunt, aligning with broader industry trends toward reducing emissions and enhancing environmental responsibility. Through continued investments in technology, infrastructure, and capacity, the company aims to further its positive environmental impact while maintaining the efficiency and reliability its customers expect.
As J.B. Hunt celebrates this significant 35-year milestone, the company remains focused on the future of intermodal transportation. Plans for continued expansion, infrastructure improvements, and technology-driven innovations will drive J.B. Hunt’s intermodal business forward, ensuring it remains a leader in the industry for years to come.
Through its pioneering spirit, dedication to innovation, and commitment to sustainability, J.B. Hunt has not only transformed the freight industry but also set new standards for efficiency, reliability, and environmental stewardship. With 35 years of achievements behind it, J.B. Hunt Intermodal is poised for even greater success in the decades ahead, proving once again that, in the words of its founder, “we’re just getting started.