Hi everyone I have been reading a lot of the comments and there is no doubt that there are a lot of you that are full of knowledge willing to share to any new ones looking to get in the business .. With that said does anyone have any comments on landstar as to how they are as a company and keeping their drivers moving with freight? I have seen that there are a good bit that is with FedEx cc so if anyone has any input it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
landstar?
- Thread starter antdub33
- Start date
I've never driven for them, so don't take my comments with a grain of salt, take them with the entire salt lick.
Landstar seems to keep its drivers moving, according to comments from Landstar drivers. They apparently have a relatively low turnover rate, especially for vans. Once drivers sign on with Landstar, they stay there. And I've never read anything negative on here about them.
They don't have a central dispatch. They use a series of independent brokers across the country that broker the expedited loads for the drivers. I have twice read comments from two different Landstar drivers that said essentially the same thing: it takes about six months for the various brokers to get to know you, and that once you get in good with them, they will get you plenty of loads.
OK, both times, the "once you get in good with them" bothered me a little. But then, since reading those comments, I have had three Landstar drivers, all van drivers, one former and two current, unsolicitedly tell me that if you sort of kick back a percentage of your loads to the broker, they'll make sure to get you loads. Drivers who don't kick back a portion don't get loaded as quickly or as often. The former driver said he got tired of pulling into a place, and then sitting there and watching drivers who came in after him get loaded out first, and he would only get loaded at the point where it was him or nothing.
This may or may not be true, all or in part, but getting essentially the same information independently so many times gives one pause. It does me, anyway.
It may all be true and the drivers there don't have a problem with it, or, as one driver put it, "It's just the cost of doing business." Like I said, drivers sign on there and, for the most part, don't leave, and you never read anything negative about them on here (including this post, which is definitely not meant to be negative). And it may only be a van thing and not applicable to straight or big trucks, but it is something that, I think, is worth investigating before jumping and signing on with them.
Landstar seems to keep its drivers moving, according to comments from Landstar drivers. They apparently have a relatively low turnover rate, especially for vans. Once drivers sign on with Landstar, they stay there. And I've never read anything negative on here about them.
They don't have a central dispatch. They use a series of independent brokers across the country that broker the expedited loads for the drivers. I have twice read comments from two different Landstar drivers that said essentially the same thing: it takes about six months for the various brokers to get to know you, and that once you get in good with them, they will get you plenty of loads.
OK, both times, the "once you get in good with them" bothered me a little. But then, since reading those comments, I have had three Landstar drivers, all van drivers, one former and two current, unsolicitedly tell me that if you sort of kick back a percentage of your loads to the broker, they'll make sure to get you loads. Drivers who don't kick back a portion don't get loaded as quickly or as often. The former driver said he got tired of pulling into a place, and then sitting there and watching drivers who came in after him get loaded out first, and he would only get loaded at the point where it was him or nothing.
This may or may not be true, all or in part, but getting essentially the same information independently so many times gives one pause. It does me, anyway.
It may all be true and the drivers there don't have a problem with it, or, as one driver put it, "It's just the cost of doing business." Like I said, drivers sign on there and, for the most part, don't leave, and you never read anything negative about them on here (including this post, which is definitely not meant to be negative). And it may only be a van thing and not applicable to straight or big trucks, but it is something that, I think, is worth investigating before jumping and signing on with them.
I’ve been an O/O 7 weeks with Landstar Express America solo driving a 22’ dry box with liftgate. The area I’ve been working is a triangle from WI to NH then down to NC and I have been very busy.
Before choosing LEA I spoke with 15-20 current O/O and they all concurred it takes about 6 months to learn LEA system. Once agents get to know your ability to pick up and deliver freight on time without any problems they will be more inclined to choose you.
There are 60+ independent agents who procure freight and then contact trucks in the area seeing who will be wiling to take freight for X amount. You can accept offer, negotiate rate or refuse load. I haven’t heard of any kick backs to agents.
LEA gives O/O they call them BCO (Business Capacity Owner) a great deal of leeway on how to run your operation in comparison to any other organization. No penalties for refusing load(s) go where ever you want and take off as much time as you wish. They supply you with valuable tools to enhance your business allowing you to choose the path you want.
I’m quite pleased with LEA.
Before choosing LEA I spoke with 15-20 current O/O and they all concurred it takes about 6 months to learn LEA system. Once agents get to know your ability to pick up and deliver freight on time without any problems they will be more inclined to choose you.
There are 60+ independent agents who procure freight and then contact trucks in the area seeing who will be wiling to take freight for X amount. You can accept offer, negotiate rate or refuse load. I haven’t heard of any kick backs to agents.
LEA gives O/O they call them BCO (Business Capacity Owner) a great deal of leeway on how to run your operation in comparison to any other organization. No penalties for refusing load(s) go where ever you want and take off as much time as you wish. They supply you with valuable tools to enhance your business allowing you to choose the path you want.
I’m quite pleased with LEA.
John have you heard anything about Landstar building the southwestern region? namely the 4 corners and LA? I have had some contact and they are telling me that is a area that they are really looking to boost? Was thinking of moving to the Arizona area but again just doing my research first, thanks ... TONY
Tony,
For the straight skinny I would call Landstar at 800-872-3278 and ask them those questions.
Like all expediting companies they are always looking to increase their share of the pie in all sections of the USA and other countries.
Arizona to my knowledge has never been a strong source for freight.
Then again there are folks who have done quite well in that area.
For the straight skinny I would call Landstar at 800-872-3278 and ask them those questions.
Like all expediting companies they are always looking to increase their share of the pie in all sections of the USA and other countries.
Arizona to my knowledge has never been a strong source for freight.
Then again there are folks who have done quite well in that area.
Jefferson3000
Expert Expediter
Just as there are a lot of expediters who like to stay on the east coast, there are west coast expediters as well. They just run west of the Rockies. Of course there is more freight running coast to coast these days as well. Definitely check with Landstar.
Drive Safe!
Jeff
Driver for 15 years
O/O for 13 years
OOIDA #829119
Drive Safe!
Jeff
Driver for 15 years
O/O for 13 years
OOIDA #829119
riverrat2000
Seasoned Expediter
folks, I just finished up 7 years in janurary with landstar and I can tell you that their business model is geared for the true independant expeditor. Yes it is true that it takes time to get to know the system but if you are willing to work at it Landstar is a great company to work for. I have seen a lot of people sign up with landstar and can tell you that if they last 3 to 6 months with them they usually stay around for many years. but you do need to work at it mainly at first getting on the phone DAILY and calling the agents, if you are in the area drop int their offices and introduce yourself, a lot of agents want to know who it is taking care of their frieght, Landstar is very picky about who they put on and to this day I have never figured out why some people don't qualify, But I will tell you this, Landstar itself have a safty record that is the envy of about all the companys out there and and of all the operating companys under the landstar umbrella ranger,ligon express, ect Express has the best safty record of all of them, And they mean to keep it. They are always looking for "d" units team and singles, the "b" units are like any other company there are a lot of them even so I know a number of van drivers that do quite well. This is not a company that will hold your hand you make it or not by the work you put into it, another thing this is not a first in first out company they tried to make it that way but the way it is set up it just doesn't work, that is where the business relationships with the agents comes in, you take care of them they take care of you, simple as that. I have never heard of anyone kicking back anything to an agent and if that is what an agent wants I just won't haul his freight. that doesn't mean that i haven't droped in and bribed one or two with a dozen donuts though lol. Frankly if i wasn't leased on with Landstar I would probably get out of expediting.
strong but frank words there river. but thanks for the input they do seem like the let the owners actually be owners I have been driveing otr for fedex and looked at fedex cc they are a good company as well but someone mentioned landstar and said i should really look close at them and get some feedback. Thanks again
I don't know where this kickback stuff is coming from but don't believe it. I put a truck on with them and found them to be a very good company to work for. As mentioned, only the top tier are accepted. "Bribing" an express center with a box of donuts isn't unheard of but kickbacks is notihng but gossip based on my experience and observations. I decided to focus on one company or I'd still be there. They are definitely on my short list for anyone good enough to qualify.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Landstar is very slow right now for vans. Discount companies P,T,FE, and others have underbidded Landstar causing a major lose of business. To Landstar's credit they are trying hard not to ruin this industry by moving freight at rates that make it differcult or impossible for contractors to make a living.
Landstar is the best expediting company to work for but until they find a way to hold on to custumers in the cut-throat business environment you should stay away.
In the past few mounths not even a fifth of the van fleet at LEA as been loaded at any given time.
Landstar is the best expediting company to work for but until they find a way to hold on to custumers in the cut-throat business environment you should stay away.
In the past few mounths not even a fifth of the van fleet at LEA as been loaded at any given time.
Thanks for your input marty IM new as far as expedite freight I have plenty of OTR exp. have been doing a run from Hagerstown, MD to Rialto California and over to Orlando Florida for a while now so that aspect of things IM not too concerned with, but input from actual drivers and reps from the company and the low down on all the numbers is what IM taking my time to break down at the moment. It seems there are a lot of opinions of the company but they are all positive but it seems like with most other companies the bottom line is the O/O. If he or she is willing to work hard the company is willing to work hard with you I mean they want freight moved cause they are in it to make a profit just like O/O are in it to make a profit as well. Valuable information that everyone is giving especially to someone new!
Marty I can tell you this, Dynamex is currently discussing with LEA to do LEA's inbound Canadian loads! I've heard from LEA van drivers they get about 100 bucks to cross border.
Dynamex now has thier own crossdock facility in Romulus Mi.
Don't underestimate Dynamex they have over 50,000 contractors plus agents and affilates in nearly every major U.S and Canadian city AND they have the cash to back them up (read stock report)! They don't pay cheap for nothin!
Dynamex now has thier own crossdock facility in Romulus Mi.
Don't underestimate Dynamex they have over 50,000 contractors plus agents and affilates in nearly every major U.S and Canadian city AND they have the cash to back them up (read stock report)! They don't pay cheap for nothin!
riverrat2000
Seasoned Expediter
Antdub, just wanted to tell you like it was Landstar like any other company has things that could be better but you hit the nail on the head they let you run your business your way, some people are overwhelmed by that because the are not being told where to go, whether to stay put or deadhead to another service area, how long they need to stay out ect, the only thing they really do insist on is that you do it safely and of course if you accept a load you get it there as fast as you SAFELY can, this is about as independent as you can get without getting your own authority, I wish you luck if you decide to give them a try.
wallytrucker1
Expert Expediter
Been with the star for 2.7 yrs. 1.5 here at express am. Run a solo d unit w/liftgate,live in phx, az,however, not there much. ytd 12/28/06 to current to trk 27,685.. can a new guy do that outhere, not in the beginning but can in time. this is slow time , but bills are getting paid, really have to work with the good agts to get good rates, not the cracker heads that want u to haul for 1.20-1.30. read john o in archives, the boy did his homework and signed on and is doing well. i do enjoy the previously listed freedoms associated with landstar and by the way, ZERO kickbacks to no one, but have heard rumors........ email if i can answer any question oh yeah our hiring process SUCKS and i think most applicants actually die while waiting to be hired:'( :'( :'( there, so much for being negative