Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

J.B. Hunt Replacing Intermodal Container Fleet

Arkansas-based J.B. Hunt is replacing its mixed fleet of intermodal containers with new 53-foot, stackable DuraPlate containers from Wabash

by Staff
September 5, 2001
2 min to read


Arkansas-based J.B. Hunt is replacing its mixed fleet of intermodal containers with new 53-foot, stackable DuraPlate containers from Wabash.

Wabash National, Lafayette, Ind., announced this week it had received the orders, worth more than $70 million, for 6,000 53-foot DuraPlate domestic containers and a smaller number of container chassis.
The 53-foot domestic containers will be of a new design featuring Wabash National's DuraPlate technology. The stackable, "high-cube" design features an uninterrupted sidewall and interior dimensions similar to conventional trailers. These will be the first production domestic containers to use the DuraPlate sidewall material.
The new containers will be the first 53-foot units in the J.B. Hunt fleet strong enough to permit the containers to be positioned on the bottom of a "double-stack" on the railcar. In addition to increased customer acceptance, the containers incorporate many features that will reduce maintenance costs and increase durability.
J.B. Hunt President and CEO Kirk Thompson said the company made the decision based on how well its large fleet of DuraPlate van trailers has performed. He said the move will give J.B. Hunt the largest fleet of exclusively 53-foot containers available. Railroads will have the option of stacking the new containers on top in traditional configurations or in the bottom of 53-foot rail cars. And the standard container fleet will "significantly simplify logistics," he said, compared to a mixed fleet of 48 and 53 feet containers.

More Drivers

Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →
Close-up of Western Star truck logo with red star emblem on chrome grille, representing the brand’s identity in the trucking industry.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill

Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of truck driver at podium holding award
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMarch 27, 2026

Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time

CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.

Read More →
Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 Truck with door open and enforcement officer talking to driver about ELD
DriversFebruary 26, 2026

FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List

One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.

Read More →
Photo of truck driver in yellow safety vest walking alongside tractor-trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 25, 2026

How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention

America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.

Read More →
Illustration with photos from some of the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For honorees
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 24, 2026

CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For

The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of driver students around trucks with distressed graphic elements and safety cones
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 19, 2026

FMCSA Targets 550+ ‘Sham’ CDL Schools in Nationwide Sting Operation

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued more than 550 notices of proposed removal to commercial driver training providers following a five-day nationwide enforcement sweep. Investigators cited unqualified instructors, improper training vehicles, and failure to meet federal and state requirements.

Read More →