J.B. Hunt provides a competitive compensation package that includes:

  • Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Share Units (PSUs)

  • Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP)

  • 401(k) Plan with a 3% match and Mega Backdoor Roth option

 

 While the plan offers excellent benefits, there are nuances—such as no match on Deferred Compensation contributions and a lengthy vesting schedule for the 401(k) match—that require careful planning.

Your compensation package is a powerful tool that, when evaluated correctly, can be structured to maximize its full earning potential. At Heritage Oak, our goal is to integrate your entire financial landscape with your benefits elections to ensure every decision works toward your long-term success.

Let's Talk About Your JB Hunt Compensation Strategy

401(K) Plan

    • Match: J.B. Hunt offers a generous match, and we want to ensure that you are on track to contribute your full legal match for the year.

    • Mega Backdoor Roth: Allows after-tax contributions and in-plan Roth conversions—this can be thousands of dollars of tax savings when utilized correctly.

    • NUA Strategy: Company stock in the plan creates opportunities for Net Unrealized Appreciation tax treatment.

    • Prioritize maxing out the 401(k) before contributing to the DCP.

    • Use Mega Backdoor Roth for additional tax-advantaged savings.

    • Evaluate NUA strategy for company stock to reduce taxes on gains.

Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP)

    • Eligibility: If eligible for deferred comp, we will help you calculate your current account value against the projected value.

    • Bonus vs. Salary: Guide you on deferring your bonus vs. your salary

    • No Match: J.B. Hunt does not match DCP contributions and offers no restoration plan for lost 401(k) match.

    • Length: Determine the benefits of deferring your pay over a longer timeframe (5-years vs 10-year payouts)

    • Timing: When to start taking your deferred salary once you retire

    • Defer income now (up to 37% tax rate) and receive it later at a potentially lower rate

    • Compare tax savings vs. forfeited 401(k) match.

    • Consider installment payouts to manage tax brackets over multiple years.

Equity Compensation: RSUs & PSUs

    • RSUs: Granted annually, vest over several years (average ~3 years). Taxed at vesting.

    • PSUs: Awarded to senior executives based on performance metrics; typically vest on a cliff schedule after 2–3 years.

  • Planning Opportunities:

    • Use equity cash flow to increase contributions to tax-advantaged accounts.

    • Diversify to reduce concentrated stock risk.

    • Adjust tax withholding—default is 22%, often lower than actual rate.

The Bottom Line

J.B. Hunt’s compensation plan offers strong benefits, but the most important decisions usually come down to:

  • How to manage equity compensation.

  • How to maximize tax savings with the DCP and 401(k).

Timing matters. Tax implications matter. Every decision impacts your long-term financial picture.

At Heritage Oak Wealth Advisors, we help J.B. Hunt leaders:

  • Navigate equity vesting and tax strategies

  • Optimize DCP elections for maximum tax savings

  • Coordinate 401(k), DCP, and equity for a holistic plan

Connect With Our Team

Heritage Oak Wealth Advisors is not affiliated with J.B Hunt. While Heritage Oak communicates with its clients regarding J.B Hunt employee benefits and educates itself on available J.B Hunt benefits, there is no guarantee that the information provided is accurate or complete. J.B Hunt employees are encouraged to contact their employer directly with any questions regarding their specific employee benefits.