Changing Carriers and Thanks to EO Members

jjoerger

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
US Army
After three years with FedEx Custom Critical we have decided it is time for us to leave.
Six months ago we were ready to move on but decided to give the FedEx flat rate program a try first. The program works well if you can ignore a few deceptions. Such as not always being paid to your planned layover, rarely getting paid for tolls and being left to sit for as long as 8 days. Getting a lot of miles was great. But, it just did not pay well enough to operate and maintain a quality truck. At the current rate we would be better off driving for a fleet owner.
Making a decision to move carriers is mentally and emotionally challenging. We would like to thank all of the EO members who provided information on their carriers, and shared information on miles and pay. There were more than 100 PM’s exchanged during the last few months and an equal amount of e mails. The information we received from all of you was invaluable in helping us to make our decision.
For us the choice came down to Load 1 or Landstar. I even spent the night in the Load 1 yard so I could talk with other drivers and speak with Brian, the Load 1 recruiter. Load 1 has a great program and every one we met was knowledgeable, professional and happy. There really is a family type attitude going on there.
We have decided to go with Landstar, simply because we believe that there business model fits better with our business plan, business goals and personal goals. Landstar is not the company for everyone, but we believe, with the help of many of their BCO’s we will be successful.
So, thanks again to all those that helped to make this decision possible.
 

paullud

Veteran Expediter
Pretty soon they are going to need to setup a Landstar carrier forum. Good luck.

Posted with my Droid EO Forum App
 

TeamCaffee

Administrator
Staff member
Owner/Operator
Jim I wish you luck as well even though you do not need it. Landstar is lucky to get you. Enjoy your new company.
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
WOW, congrats!

I'm wondering about L-1 lately, you are the third person who said they went somewhere else.
 

OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
WOW, congrats!

I'm wondering about L-1 lately, you are the third person who said they went somewhere else.

Greg I've talked to 2 out of the 3....same concern....that L-1 may have over recruited straights with the market conditions...That said....since there is no real gauge since LSE is almost extinct on the forum...no one really knows how active LSE has been in their recruiting....and whether their system can absorb the sudden infux of trucks...
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
Greg I've talked to 2 out of the 3....same concern....that L-1 may have over recruited straights with the market conditions...

I don't think over recruiting is an issue, there is something else missing.

That said....since there is no real gauge since LSE is almost extinct on the forum...no one really knows how active LSE has been in their recruiting....and whether their system can absorb the sudden infux of trucks...

Actually the LS people know. I don't think the fleet has grown as with L-1 or other companies but I do know we still have a lot of freight.

If you didn't get the idea from past posts, we don't need a forum to talk about the LS issues because there isn't any issues we face as you do. :)
 

jjoerger

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
US Army
We didn't choose Landstar over Load 1 based on the number of trucks they have recruited. John Elliot knows what he is doing and how many trucks are needed in his fleet.
We decided to go with Landstar because we feel they are a better fit for us. Our goal is to work with the brokers and eventually develop enough contacts where we can consistently run the areas of the country where we feel the most comfortable operating.
I should also mention we considered Allstate Express. They too have a great program and are a growing well managed company.
I have recommended them to a couple of owners as well.
 

60MPH

Expert Expediter
Thank you for being honest about the flat rate program. I figured there were hidden downsides that eventually would be brought to light. Good luck with LS I am sure you will do well there once you learn there system.
 

jelliott

Veteran Expediter
Motor Carrier Executive
US Army
Jim,

Best of luck on your move to Landstar. They are a great company and I am sure you will do very well there. You nailed it right on the head, every owner has to pick the company that they think best fits THEIR business model. If I am someone's second choice out of all the choices in the industry, I am just fine with that.

Greg, feel free to stop bye and discuss your insights with me anytime. Coffee is free!
 
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davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
Good luck you guys on the new gig. I couldn't and still don't know how one could last on doing dollar loads consistently. Just agony spread over a longer period of time.
What I would find as disappointing is not sending you home long before rotting for 10 days in SC. Have to wonder how that happens doing dollar loads? It would appear that they had no intent on loading you or telling you that. If that is the case, well....it speaks for itself.
Stay in touch with how it is going.
 

jjoerger

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
US Army
They sent us a load offer about an hour and a half after we left for home. (34 hours of dwell time) But by then we were already in the going home mode.
 

idtrans

Expert Expediter
FECC I think could care less who comes or goes since all the little carriers haul so much of their freight anyways. I know i won't do any work with FECC the rates are pitiful !
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
You know ... never mind - you guys are not thinking of what I said.

What's missing is freight.

Based on a rant in the Load-1 forum, it seems that you guys are running slower than usual which is a surprise.
 

OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
You know ... never mind - you guys are not thinking of what I said.

What's missing is freight.

Based on a rant in the Load-1 forum, it seems that you guys are running slower than usual which is a surprise.

Is it really missing freight Greg? or the same freight spread out between more units?...
 
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