Jett Express's Brad Hackett Reveals the Big Four Drivers Really Want
The best fleets don't just recruit drivers. They deliver on what matters most.
In this episode of Attention Retention, host Jackie McManus, CEO of KJ Media, sits down with Brad Hackett, Director of Recruiting at Jett Express to uncover the "Big Four" drivers really want and how fleets can meet those expectations to boost hiring and retention. Brad shares how his background in operations shaped his approach to recruiting and how Jett Express, in partnership with KJ Media, builds loyalty by focusing on transparency, responsiveness, and culture.
Key insights from this episode:
Why defining a driver persona helps recruiters focus on the right candidates
The Big Four drivers want: fair pay, good equipment, home time, and respect
Why recruiters must be fully armed with information because "drivers have the best BS detector"
How recognition and culture create long-term driver loyalty
Drivers: Ready to work for Jett Express?
Apply now: https://www.jettexpress.com/careers/
Connect with Brad Hackett on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/brad-hackett
KJ Media is the recruitment advertising agency trusted by fleets nationwide.
See how we help fleets attract the right drivers and reduce turnover: https://www.kjtransmedia.com
Ready to uncover quick wins in your recruiting strategy?
Get your FREE 30-minute recruiting audit today: https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis
Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/
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3 Oct 2025
Paper Transport: Earning Driver Trust Through Authenticity
Struggling to stand out in today’s driver market? Authenticity and culture may be your most powerful recruiting tools.
In this episode of Attention Retention, Jackie McManus, CEO of KJ Media, sits down with Cory, Director of Recruiting at Paper Transport. From earning his CDL to going through the company’s own hiring process, Cory shares how firsthand experience shapes trust and long-term connections with drivers.
Key insights include:
Why understanding the driver journey builds credibility and stronger recruiting relationships
How the Accelerate Program helps CDL grads succeed with mentorship and training
Using a 100-question driver assessment to match candidates with the right roles
The impact of family-focused recognition on retention and satisfaction
Budgeting and social media strategies that support data-driven recruiting
Whether you’re a fleet leader, recruiter, or driver looking for a company that invests in people, this episode is packed with takeaways you can put to work.
Connect with Cory Helmle & Paper Transport:
Cory Helmle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-helmle-676a9880/
Paper Transport on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paper-transport/
Paper Transport Driving Opportunities: https://www.papertransport.com/drive-pti/
Stay Ahead with KJ Media:
Want to cut your cost-per-hire? Book your free recruiting audit: https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis
Explore proven recruiting strategies and case studies: https://www.kjtransmedia.com
Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/
18 Sept 2025
Baggett Transportation: Recruiting & Retention That Works
Struggling with turnover or drivers ghosting after orientation? You’re not alone. In this episode of Attention Retention, host Jacquelyn McManus sits down with Rodney Eaves, Director of Recruiting at Baggett Transportation, to talk about the art—and necessity—of building lasting driver relationships. From his early career in logistics to leading a recruiting team today, Rodney shares practical insights that go way beyond job postings.
Key insights you’ll hear in this episode:
Why active listening is a recruiter’s secret weapon for matching drivers to the right role.
How Baggett’s Day-1 “expectation sheet” bridges recruiting and dispatch to prevent turnover.
Rodney’s 30-60-90 day follow-up system that keeps drivers engaged long after orientation.
The little things that make a big impact—like lunch during orientation and personal recognition.
Whether you’re a recruiter, a trucking exec, or a driver yourself, this conversation is packed with strategies to strengthen connections and keep your fleet rolling.
Drivers – Ready to work for Baggett Transportation?
Apply now: https://www.baggetttransport.com/
Fleet Leaders – Want to cut recruiting costs and improve retention? Get your free recruiting audit: https://recruit.kjtransmedia.com/free-competitor-analysis
Learn more: https://www.kjtransmedia.com
Follow our social media channels to never miss an episode of "Attention Retention" and stay updated on the latest insights in organizational management, employee engagement, and recruitment strategies:
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kj-media/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMedia
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_media/
Inside a recent episode
Building a Trucking Legacy with R.E. Garrison
Published 8 Aug 2024 · Transcript excerpt
[…] I'm super excited about it We started the program in March of 22 I believe maybe 23 Oh 22 and we started with a class of 50A drivers and we're well over a hundred drivers now I think we're about 130 drivers in the program male So it's really exciting the the program is Kind of self -propelled male which is really nice But I think that it's important at Garrison that we know what kind of drivers we align with and that they know what kind of carrier They align with and our goal is that every driver's success Is shown in their crown status and it's equal and level the the KPIs are equal for all terminals all tractor types all customers all planes Saying seven KPIs and I think it's important that we're not constantly changing the expectation And Tracy's been very modest. […]
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