AS Jamaica begins recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Kingston-based haulage and logistics company MJ Trucking is among those coordinating heavy equipment and transportation support for critical areas across the island.

The company activated its Natural Disaster Operational Plan days before the storm made landfall, a protocol strengthened after its experience with Hurricane Beryl.

“This plan ensures that we are prepared not only to safeguard our fleet and employees but also to support quick recovery efforts for the communities and companies we serve,” Michael Johnson, director of MJ Trucking, told the Jamaica Observer hours before the system made landfall on Tuesday.

Under the plan, MJ Trucking pre-positioned backhoes and heavy equipment to assist with road-clearing and community-access restoration, once conditions allow. The company also provided logistical support to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) for the transport of emergency supplies. In addition, a risk-distribution parking strategy was implemented, securing its fleet across multiple safe zones islandwide to ensure continuity of operations even in the event of severe damage in any one area. Leadership and dispatch teams remained on duty throughout the hurricane to maintain communication and real-time decision-making.

“The safety of our people comes first, and so does our role as a strategic logistics partner for Jamaica. MJ Trucking stands prepared to continue serving before, during, and after the hurricane, helping to keep the country moving when mobility matters most,” Johnson said.

Now, in the aftermath of Melissa, MJ Trucking’s fleet has joined islandwide recovery efforts, assisting with debris removal, community access, and emergency logistics, an expansion of a role the company has played for nearly three decades. But the scale of MJ Trucking’s operations today was unimaginable 28 years ago when its founder and director, Michael Johnson, was simply looking for a way to sell his coconut water in Linstead, St Elizabeth.

“Registered as Mikey Johnson Trucking, but we go by MJ Trucking, I started the business about 28 years ago,” Johnson recalled in an interview with the Business Observer. “It all began with one truck. Now, we operate over 80 units.”

He recalled starting out with only a small pickup, using it to handle his coconut water deliveries. As demand grew, it became clear that a larger vehicle was needed.

“I remember paying $510,000.00 for my first truck; I bought it from Bruce’s Auto on Trafalgar,” he said.

Johnson explained that while his parents once operated a hardware store, none of his siblings took an interest in business. As the youngest of five, he described himself as the only one who decided to continue along an entrepreneurial path after his parents retired. Still, he credits his family for being a strong source of encouragement throughout his journey. His first major investment was a freezer truck, which soon opened the door to new opportunities. Through GraceKennedy he began handling delivery contracts, using the same vehicle to transport both his coconut water and Grace products. While still employed full-time at Grace, Johnson purchased a second freezer bus to meet the growing demand for his services. Another delivery opportunity quickly followed, bringing his total to two vehicles in operation. That period proved pivotal as Johnson began recognising the wider potential within the transportation sector, particularly for corporate movement of raw goods and finished materials. This was the point at which MJ Trucking began shifting from a small venture into a structured business serving clients across the manufacturing industry.

“I gave it [the coconut water selling business] to a friend of mine. He continued it for a while until he died,” he shared.

With two vehicles now in operation, Johnson kept seizing every opportunity that came his way. The more opportunities MJ Trucking secured, the deeper the business moved into full-scale trucking. That model of expansion involved acquiring fleets or small businesses to take over contracts, which became a cornerstone of MJ Trucking’s growth strategy.

“Ridge Valley Farms wasn’t a trucking company but we bought the company and took over their contracts. That’s basically what we’ve been doing for years, moving from just getting one truck to buying fleets or companies to expand the business,” Johnson said. “For us, that’s one way to get in. Right now, we’re hauling for most of corporate Jamaica.”

MJ Trucking first operated out of Waterhouse in Kingston, where Johnson’s friend offered him a small space to get started. From there, the company moved to Lyndhurst Road, then West Kings House Road, before acquiring its own property at 6 Elm Crescent in Kingston. The site, which spans roughly three-quarters of an acre, now serves as the company’s head office. Today, MJ Trucking employs more than 100 people and operates a fleet of over 100 trucks. The company is fully equipped with its own mechanical and maintenance team, including in-house mechanics, spray technicians, tyre specialists, and an accounting department. The operation also features a dedicated garage and storage facilities across Kingston to support its growing fleet.

Johnson noted that the company’s reputation has allowed it to grow primarily through referrals. Many of its contracts come from recommendations passed along between major corporate clients, helping MJ Trucking establish a strong and steady presence in the logistics and haulage sector. The company now services approximately 40 clients, with the bulk of its business coming from partnerships with large corporations, though MJ Trucking is eyeing opportunities across other industries. Growth for MJ Trucking has not come without obstacles. One of the most persistent challenges over the years has been securing financing to expand operations. Johnson explained that trucking is often classified as a high-risk industry, making it difficult to access credit from traditional financial institutions.

“I’ve learnt that you don’t really bank with a bank; you bank with a banker. When that person believes in what you’re doing, they’ll go the extra mile to help you access financing,” he explained.

Beyond financing, safety has been one of the company’s biggest operational challenges. Like many transport operators, MJ Trucking has experienced accidents over the years, including two that were fatal. Johnson recalled the toll those incidents took on both staff and company morale, noting that counselling and recovery efforts were critical to moving forward. He also shared the advice from his late father that has shaped his leadership approach: After one serious accident, his father insisted he return to driving the same day so fear wouldn’t take root. That mindset of resilience now defines the company’s culture.

“Whenever we face setbacks we pick up the pieces, repair, and go again,” Johnson said.

In response to the risks of the industry, MJ Trucking implemented comprehensive safety initiatives. The company now mandates defensive driving certification for all its drivers through partnerships with Grinnell Driving School and other training providers. Monthly health, safety, and operations meetings are also part of the routine, complemented by annual awards that recognise drivers with clean records and well-maintained vehicles. Since these measures were introduced the company has seen a notable reduction in accidents. Still, one of the ongoing challenges is finding and retaining skilled drivers. Johnson said the shortage continues to affect the industry, which is why MJ Trucking is looking to take a more active role in workforce development. The company plans to partner with HEART/NSTA Trust to establish a structured training or operators’ course using its own equipment.

“In Jamaica, driving, especially truck driving, isn’t seen as a career,” he noted. “But it can be. It’s a skilled profession, and we want to change that perception.”

Even with its impressive scale, MJ Trucking continues to operate within tight margins. Johnson acknowledged that the industry remains highly competitive but believes the company’s structure and reputation have given it an edge. Succession planning is already well underway. Johnson, who has five sons, shared that two of them are actively involved in the business. Alongside them is long-serving Manager Sherrie Grant, who has been with the company for nearly 18 years and plays a central role in its daily operations. Looking to the future, MJ Trucking is exploring the possibility of listing on the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

“It’s an idea we’ve been toying with for about a year now,” Johnson revealed to the Business Observer. “Of course, we’re still dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s because being on the stock market is a completely different ball game. The responsibility would be much greater, but we’re ready for the challenge, and that’s where we’re heading eventually.”

Beyond profitability and expansion, Johnson said the true reward of entrepreneurship lies in creating opportunities for others. As the company continues to expand, Johnson’s focus is not only on growth but also on improving the wider industry. He envisions developing a large-scale truck stop and logistics hub, a dedicated space where drivers can park, refuel, and rest safely. The proposed site would include amenities such as a garage, truck wash, restaurant, and shower facilities. In addition, MJ Trucking plans to introduce a third-party logistics (3PL) arm to complement its existing operations. The goal is to offer a complete service package, including warehousing, staffing, and distribution, to meet the growing needs of corporate Jamaica.

Trucks at MJ Trucking head office at 6 Elm Crescent, Kingston.

Director Michael Johnson and his uncle, Maintenance Manager Stephen Ragbeer.

Director Michael Johnson and General Manager Sherie Grant, whom Johnson trusts to help with succession planning for the company..

JOHNSON…whenever we face setbacks we pick up the pieces, repair, and go again.

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MJ Trucking director Michael Johnson and Operations Manager Dorian Johnson in the company’s lobby.