I start with Landstar

[Chiefwhatdahey]

I decided to close my company and sign on with Landstar as a BCO with a stepdeck, I'm posting this because there seems to be a lot of interest on the other side and maybe a growing interest here, I thought I would give an accounting of my experiences wtih this large diverse organization so here it goes.

The process of signing with Ls is long and sometimes aggravating if you're a former Independant like me, they require more than what the average O/O would provide. The two most aggravating things are that they required from me three years worth of fuel tax statements to prove that I drove in all seasons, that was twenty five pages of info by itself, the other was that they would not accept my current (14 mos. old) medical card, I was told that they only accept those that are a year or less, the sign on process took about three weeks and was only made easier by the efforts of Laurie at Starqual she was great. I start my orientation on Wed. 5-10 and will pop back in to give an unbiased opinion after orientation.

[Big_Dave]

Changing companies is one of the most frustrating things a guy can do sometimes.

Good luck with your new adventure. :cheers:

There's several members here that are leased to Landstar. Make sure to ask them questions if you have any.

[tommy]

Landstar is a company NOT for everyone, you have to really know what you are doin as an O/O, and you seem to have experience as an O/O and they may just suit you better than a new kid on the block, Keep us informed on how it goes and good luck with them. :)

[Chiefwhatdahey]

well I made it through orientation ok, This company has come a long way since my first go around with them in 95. On the technological front they seem to be way ahead of the game, you can search for loads and see what the load pays, you can load your fuel card, make check calls, post your truck and the list goes on.

Landstar is definately strict on compliance if you decide to sign on you will do it their way or you're out, they also stress through out the orientation that what you make or do is up to you. On a lighter note the orientation center is very nice, clean adn offer free showers, wifi, computer useage, and telephones, so far I am impressed but then again I am in the honeymoon stage. :cheers:

My battery's dying so I gotta go, I'll stop back here after a few weeks and update

[Chiefwhatdahey]

Day 30 and I have to say I'm pretty happy, so far. I go online pick and choose my freight ask the line of questions involving the load like fsc tarp pay legal dims etc. when the load is secured I can go online and load my fuel card with up to 30% of the gross revenue including any accessorials after that it's off to the races, no check calls (unless requested) just deliver the freight. After the load is delivered I find a Transflo provider, scan my documents and the pay usually shows up within 24 hrs. on my settlement card from there I can transfer the funds via the phone to my personal bank account. There is a lot of good paying freight and a lot of cheap crap as well, I stay away from the o.d. stuff as the miles don't include out of route miles and I haven't seen anything that pays enough to haul in that dep't yet (I haven't really looked at it too hard to be honest) As for the BCO advisors I talked to mine twice, once when I met her and once when I had a question, I don't see any real purpose to these people but I suppose they fill a need for some. The paperwork and rules are not what I'm used to but the transition has been pretty smooth :D I'll check back in a month or so with an update :cheers:

[Preacher]

Thanks for the update Chief.

[magicman]

OK Chief, another month's up. How's it going over here at LS, for you? Inquiring minds want to know. If I don't get some FEMA this year, this reefer is gonna go down the road, so I can either buy a dry van or an open trailer. Not sure if I want a step, flat, double drop or RGN. Time will tell.

[Capt._Chaos]

Hey, Magicman!

I found your next trailer for you!

http://www.wilsontrailer.com/livestock/Silverstar/index.html

You live in a prime area for that kind of work! :cheers:

[magicman]

Hey, Magicman!

I found your next trailer for you!

http://www.wilsontrailer.com/livestock/Silverstar/index.html

You live in a prime area for that kind of work! :cheers:


Jeff, the only kind of livestock I want to haul is already dead and in boxes. :yikes: :yikes: :yikes:

You won't catch me moooooooving one of those trailers. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[SUNSHINE]

Hey, Magicman!

I found your next trailer for you!

http://www.wilsontrailer.com/livestock/Silverstar/index.html

You live in a prime area for that kind of work! :cheers:

:yikes: :yikes: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Chiefwhatdahey]

Not too much to report, I was put on suspension because LS thought my license had expired after a simple phone call it was straightened out. I did come across an unethical agent (I'm sure there will be others) that double brokered a Schneider load on me. There was a lot of disinformation which the agent blamed Schneider for, I pointed out to him that if it was his freight then it never would have happened needless to say I,ve written him off. MM go flat or step there is plenty of loads and not too much dh, do test runs on the load board to see what's available. I know there are those out there that get to know the higher paying agents and cultivate those relationships, I would do that also except I'm too much of a slacker and don't want any expectations put on me by agents. I make decent money just running the board, so far. :cheers: :cool:

[Jeepers]

it used to be that LS wanted shady brokers reported to them. don't know what they did or if they still want that info

[magicman]

Not too much to report, I was put on suspension because LS thought my license had expired after a simple phone call it was straightened out. I did come across an unethical agent (I'm sure there will be others) that double brokered a Schneider load on me. There was a lot of disinformation which the agent blamed Schneider for, I pointed out to him that if it was his freight then it never would have happened needless to say I,ve written him off. MM go flat or step there is plenty of loads and not too much dh, do test runs on the load board to see what's available. I know there are those out there that get to know the higher paying agents and cultivate those relationships, I would do that also except I'm too much of a slacker and don't want any expectations put on me by agents. I make decent money just running the board, so far. :cheers: :cool:

One thing I've noticed about LS, is that if they even think something is amiss with your driving history, etc, they act right now and ask questions after the fact. I guess that keeps them out of liability issues if they let a person slide with a problem that turned out to be true.

As far as the flats and steps go, I've been doing "test runs" for a couple months, off and on. You're right, not much DH and decent rates.

[EVlLBOB]

Landstar is very strict on who they lease on. Supposedly they offer a lease to only 1 out of every 10 applicants. Freight has been slow at Landstar for the past two years or at least the government freight has been slow. There is also a lot of cheap stuff out there right now too but also some decent stuff. I have noticed that lately a lot of Landstar's freight has been heavy and a little cheap. I can scale about 42,000 with my stepdeck and there has been a big increase in 45,000 lb and up freight being offered at somewhat cheap rates on Landstar's board. The new fiscal year for the government starts Oct. 1st and hopefully I can get back to making some real cash. Oh, and welcome to Landstar Chief!

[Chiefwhatdahey]

Let's see, I've been off for five weeks with a broken foot that was healed two weeks ago but because of my BIG mouth LS would not let me come back till me four week doc appt. and recert for my DOT phys.

I understand LS's approach to safety and that was a big reason with my signing on with them, my gripe isn't so much with their policies but with the people that are hired to administer those policies. The compliance dep't is awash with incompetence, very few know or care what's going on in that dep't, they lose paperwork, put you on foreverhold or switch you to someone else and you get to explain numerous times what it is you're calling about. All things aside I'm still happy with my decision to close my co. and lease to LS.

[Big_Dave]

very few know or care what's going on in that dep't, they lose paperwork, put you on foreverhold or switch you to someone else and you get to explain numerous times what it is you're calling about.
Sadly, that seems to be the 'norm' for almost any large company, trucking or not. :wtf: :angry:

[EVlLBOB]

Let's see, I've been off for five weeks with a broken foot that was healed two weeks ago but because of my BIG mouth LS would not let me come back till me four week doc appt. and recert for my DOT phys.

I understand LS's approach to safety and that was a big reason with my signing on with them, my gripe isn't so much with their policies but with the people that are hired to administer those policies. The compliance dep't is awash with incompetence, very few know or care what's going on in that dep't, they lose paperwork, put you on foreverhold or switch you to someone else and you get to explain numerous times what it is you're calling about. All things aside I'm still happy with my decision to close my co. and lease to LS.

Oh yes, if you fax them anything call first and let them know and then call back after you fax to make sure they got it. They are notorious for losing faxes. Many of the people in the offices are newbies that don't know much about the business and only know about Landstar policy. I had on a load of explosives once and went to get fuel. They had turned off my fuel card because I had forgot to get my new tractor and trailer inspection before the due date. I could not get it done under the load I was carrying for many reasons but I could not make them understand that. I finally told them that I was going to run the truck until it ran out of fuel and that I would then be parked on the side of the road with 1.1D explosives. I then told them that when the Department of Defense called me and wanted to know why my truck had been sitting Idle for so long that I would be more than happy to tell them that it is because the people in the Landstar office are stupid. They finally got the idea that maybe their rules weren't so important. However, make sure that you get your stuff inspected on time every 120 days or give them a call because they are sticklers about this.

[tommy]

They had turned off my fuel card because I had forgot to get my new tractor and trailer inspection before the due date. I could not get it done under the load I was carrying for many reasons but I could not make them understand that. I finally told them that I was going to run the truck until it ran out of fuel and that I would then be parked on the side of the road with 1.1D explosives.


Are you an O/O with LS?? I thought LS was all O/O or do they have company trucks also?

[Capt._Chaos]

Are you an O/O with LS?? I thought LS was all O/O or do they have company trucks also?

Landstar is mostly Owner-Operators, and some LS agents own fleets of trucks & hire their own drivers through Landstar approval.

Landstar did try the Company Truck thing years ago when they bought Poole Trucking (based in Alabama if I remember correctly). After it didn't work they sold that division (Landstar Poole) to Schneider.

[Chiefwhatdahey]

I am finally going back to work, loading for Hou. TX. 9-15 :cool: I went through CABS yesterday, what it amounts to is a half day of safety instruction. Steve Hoefer is the instructor and the class moves at a good pace, some of the video material is not the quality that I was expecting but that has no bearing on Steve. I also stuck around for the afternoon session which entails money management and cost. LS provides a cd with an Excel file that is easy to use and the class is very informative, if anyone ever takes CABS I strongly suggest sticking around for the afternoon session.

I also had my 120 day inspection, the ol gal passed with flying colors, not that I was worried :whistling: :D I don't know when I'll post again as there isn't much more at this point to say except that if like me, an Independant and are sick of the administrative garbage LS is a great option. This co. is nothing like it was back in 95 when I first leased to them and I like the safety first with teeth atmosphere, the fact that I can work when I want and there's no kiss ass unless you choose to (I don't). All I have to do is keep my nose clean, my equip't in shape and put up with some of their sometimes bizarre rules (my opinion) :cheers:

[EVlLBOB]

The CABS class is fairly new and they are making everybody take the course. If you are a brand new driver with little driving experience then you might get something out of the class, otherwise it is nothing more than a pep talk followed up with the advice of "try not to hit anything big".
The second part of the cabs class is the business portion where you get the software etc. Unfortunately they did not give us that part of the class when they made us take it early this summer. That was the only part of the class I was interested in and now I will have to try and get to Dallas and take the class on my own time. Bummer!

[Dice]

Here is an interesting note in the Landstar SEC filing for the last quarter financials:

"Historically, the Company’s carrier segment has primarily relied on capacity provided by BCO Independent Contractors. Pursuant to a continuing plan to augment its available capacity and increase its revenue, the Company has been increasing the carrier segment’s use of capacity provided by Truck Brokerage Carriers. The percent of consolidated revenue generated through all Truck Brokerage Carriers was 36.2% during the twenty six week period ended July 1, 2006 and 32.6% during the twenty six week period ended June 25, 2005."

BCOs have no negoiating power with the take it leave it freight rates! LS can't lose weather you haul it or not!

Good luck Landstar BCOs!

[Chiefwhatdahey]

Here is an interesting note in the Landstar SEC filing for the last quarter financials:

"Historically, the Company’s carrier segment has primarily relied on capacity provided by BCO Independent Contractors. Pursuant to a continuing plan to augment its available capacity and increase its revenue, the Company has been increasing the carrier segment’s use of capacity provided by Truck Brokerage Carriers. The percent of consolidated revenue generated through all Truck Brokerage Carriers was 36.2% during the twenty six week period ended July 1, 2006 and 32.6% during the twenty six week period ended June 25, 2005."

BCOs have no negoiating power with the take it leave it freight rates! LS can't lose weather you haul it or not!

Good luck Landstar BCOs!


Not true Dice, we can negotiate rates with the agents. Broker utilization is an industry wide practice is it ethical I don't think so but none the less it is a snake that isn't going back in the box.

What's it to you anyhow? Is LS a threat to you? I like you was an indie till May 06' I happily walked away from my gig so I could spend more time with my family instead of making sales calls, billing customers, chasing money, wading throught the bureaucratic bs that states and the feds pile on us. The bottom line is Dice I don't turn the key till I'm stisfied with the rate.


Doing just fine at LS :D

[tommy]

What's it to you anyhow? Is LS a threat to you? I like you was an indie till May 06' I happily walked away from my gig so I could spend more time with my family instead of making sales calls, billing customers, chasing money, wading throught the bureaucratic bs that states and the feds pile on us. The bottom line is Dice I don't turn the key till I'm stisfied with the rate.


this is good speakin here, true and honest!! ;)

and SMART! :cool:

[EVlLBOB]

Here is an interesting note in the Landstar SEC filing for the last quarter financials:

"Historically, the Company’s carrier segment has primarily relied on capacity provided by BCO Independent Contractors. Pursuant to a continuing plan to augment its available capacity and increase its revenue, the Company has been increasing the carrier segment’s use of capacity provided by Truck Brokerage Carriers. The percent of consolidated revenue generated through all Truck Brokerage Carriers was 36.2% during the twenty six week period ended July 1, 2006 and 32.6% during the twenty six week period ended June 25, 2005."

BCOs have no negoiating power with the take it leave it freight rates! LS can't lose weather you haul it or not!

Good luck Landstar BCOs!


Landstar is no different from other freight brokers in that if they can't get the load covered they broker it out to somebody else. Landstar is in a good position just like most brokers because they are going to make money for a phone call no matter what. Their percentage is less on cheaper freight though so it is to their advantage to book freight at higher rates and it also causes the agent a lot less hassle since he has no trouble getting the good paying load covered. I don't haul for cheap and I have negotiated the price on loads on occasion. The bottom line is that if it doesn't pay then I don't haul it. The agent has no incentive to book freight that he can't get covered. Sure he can try and broker it out but often that doesn't work out since the rate only gets cheaper and nobody wants to haul the load. Landstar has customers where they are not allowed to broker the load. One other thing, Landstar Agents have to cover 75% of their freight using a Landstar BCO. If they broker out more than that then they no longer get to be a Landstar Agent. That doesn't guarantee that Landstar BCO's get the best freight an agent has to offer but it keeps them from getting to try and use the Landstar BCO base as a dumping ground for all their cheap stuff since most BCO's aren't going to haul for cheap and thus keep the Agent from meeting his 75% minimum BCO utilization.

Landstar has plenty of cheap freight just like everybody else but I don't haul it. I also agree with Chief that I can make just as much money or more at Landstar and have half of the hassle of having my own authority. I negotiated a deal between myself and an agent over here and hauled a dedicated run for 3 years. There are all kinds of things you can do at Landstar. I am an independent BCO and the Agents are also indenpendent and we can freely enter into agreements with each other to get the freight hauled. Some BCO's just haul for one agent and some haul for numerous agents. I usually haul for about 6 or 7 different ones.

[Dice]

You guys can paint a rosy picture of Landstar all you want to, but I have seen first hand the difference!

The big difference in Landstar BCOs and having your authority is with LS there is no negoiating power and what you see is what you get versuses with your own authority you can negoiate a much better deal for yourself.

I have given this example before: Did Power only moves for a circus back during March from Fayetteville, NC to Tallahasee, FL and had to lead 2 LS BCOs who dropped they're trailers and bobtailed in to pick up. We ran together that the customer required and stopped to eat at a resturant. Found out from these 2 LS drivers that the LS rate was $985 with $646 to the truck for 545 mile run and I almost floored them when they heard I was getting $1475 for the same indentical run they had except I was dealing for the customer LS was dealing with directly. They both had that BS story about the LS benefits of being a BCO and not having to buy the extra insurance required to have they're own authority that I reminded them on this 1 short run I was making over $800 more than they were to do samething they were doing and my insurance did not cost me that much for the entire month. Also 1 of the BCOs had somekind of deal in his phone that kept going off while we eatting alerting him about loads that he said were not even in his area. Anyway after hearing them complain the entire trip about running the speed limit of 70 mph most of the trip because they wanted run 60 mph to save fuel on I-95 and I-10, we finnally delivered with both of them bobtailing back to Fayetteville, NC from Tallahasse, FL to get they're trailers for free that I just went over to Enterprise, AL about 50 miles to get a brand new trailer that I loaded with freight for the trip back to Charlotte, NC. Paid to deliver the trailer and the freight in it to another customer versuses those 2 BCOs that were real gensises bobtailing 575 miles back to get they're trailers. Let me add that they're trucks were on the ragged side and was really surprised LS would let them run trucks in that poor a condition.

That is my big problem with LS that those 2 BCOs told me there is no negoiation for a better deal and LS can't lose as long as they get the freight moved it does not matter to them.

I wish everybody out there good luck with Landstar and I hope you are not treated like these 2 BCOs I dealt with were. I really felt sorry for them due to having the lack of intiative to go on they're own, but would rather stay on the same path heading for one major breakdown from being a company driver for somebody else.

[Capt._Chaos]

The big difference in Landstar BCOs and having your authority is with LS there is no negoiating power and what you see is what you get versuses with your own authority you can negoiate a much better deal for yourself.



That is true, but only to an extent.

Some agents will get higher rates for the BCOs in certain situations (like if the load is "hot" and there's a team truck in the area that will run it for a higher rate), and if there's a lot of loads and very few trucks in a given area.

I had a co-driver when I had my truck leased on at LS, and when an agent got a call & needed to get a load moved in a timely manner, it was pretty easy to get the agent to contact the shipper & get them to "cough up" more $$$$$ when they had a team truck they could offer them.

[magicman]

I have, on occassion, been looking on the board for freight. I've come across loads that were fairly decent, but I didn't want to do it for that price. I called on one particular load a couple months ago. I told the agent that I was a Landstar truck and was interested in his load in blah blah, TX going to wherever, CA. BUT I couldn't do it for the rate posted. He asked me how much I'd do it for and then called the customer. They came back about 25 cents higher than it was. I said NOPE. About 2 hrs later I got a call that the customer would pay what I want.

SO, it does happen. ALTHOUGH, you have to be dealing with an agent that will take the time to renegotiate the rate.

BTW, I wouldn't have buckled on that load, because it was heavy and I darned sure wasn't doing it for what they wanted.

[Dice]

I have, on occassion, been looking on the board for freight. I've come across loads that were fairly decent, but I didn't want to do it for that price. I called on one particular load a couple months ago. I told the agent that I was a Landstar truck and was interested in his load in blah blah, TX going to wherever, CA. BUT I couldn't do it for the rate posted. He asked me how much I'd do it for and then called the customer. They came back about 25 cents higher than it was. I said NOPE. About 2 hrs later I got a call that the customer would pay what I want.

SO, it does happen. ALTHOUGH, you have to be dealing with an agent that will take the time to renegotiate the rate.

BTW, I wouldn't have buckled on that load, because it was heavy and I darned sure wasn't doing it for what they wanted.

Landstar can't lose no matter what rate you haul it for!

You just did everything I would do except you are sharing a percentage with somebody to buy some insurance for you! Wow! Good luck at Landstar and I hope they always treat you like you want to be treated.

[Chiefwhatdahey]

Dice, you take one incident involving a couple whiny o/o's and paint a broad stroke with a tiny brush, seems pretty narrowminded to me. Those o/o's could have looked for p.o. freight they obviously didn't utililize their eqp't in an efficient manner, furthermore the outward appearance of a vehicle is no indicator of its true performance.
I have an old truck that I absolutely refuse to get rid of, it may look ragged but it will pass a full inspection and I keep it in top mechanical condition, I see just as many if not more shiny rides with the LS logo, I also see plenty of Indies running around that I'm sure are not compliant as no one is looking over their shoulder.
I started this thread as a way for folks that aren't interested in getting their authority but might be curious about LS, most folks who read these and other posts like this can at least get an honest accounting of LS's practices. I can't speak for everyone but in the orientation class that I went through they stress up front that LS is not for everyone, there is no handholding at LS, whiners should not apply.
I ask you again, what's it to you? Why do you care what LS does? You obviously have an airtight gig going, you claim to make huge money. Do you do business with profitable orgaqnizations or do you take a chance on companies with questionable balance sheets? If someone were to lease to a company it in my opinion would serve them better to find a company that is profitable, organized and truly concerned about safety.
Lastly painting broad strokes with tiny brushes only makes one look ignorant in my eyes.

[Rev.Vassago]

That is true, but only to an extent.

Some agents will get higher rates for the BCOs in certain situations (like if the load is "hot" and there's a team truck in the area that will run it for a higher rate), and if there's a lot of loads and very few trucks in a given area.

And you are claiming that an independent couldn't get these same perks, given the same situation?

I don't think so.

I had a co-driver when I had my truck leased on at LS, and when an agent got a call & needed to get a load moved in a timely manner, it was pretty easy to get the agent to contact the shipper & get them to "cough up" more $$$$$ when they had a team truck they could offer them.

And I wonder how much more it would have been if you could have negotiated with the shipper directly.

[tommy]

you make chump change though vassago, so you have no clue in what your sayin, never do in anything you talk (blab) about..Just run your mouth for no reason. go back to bed.

[Rev.Vassago]

you make chump change though vassago, so you have no clue in what your sayin, never do in anything you talk (blab) about..Just run your mouth for no reason. go back to bed.

That's a good one. I'd love to know how you would have any idea how much I make, or what I do.

I'm not going back to bed, though. I slept until noon today. :fishing:

[Capt._Chaos]

That is true, but only to an extent.

Some agents will get higher rates for the BCOs in certain situations (like if the load is "hot" and there's a team truck in the area that will run it for a higher rate), and if there's a lot of loads and very few trucks in a given area.

And you are claiming that an independent couldn't get these same perks, given the same situation?

I never said that an independent couldn't. As someone who has actually been with LandStar in the past all I did was point out that it's easy for a BCO to negotiate rates if they know what they're doing.

I don't think so.

I had a co-driver when I had my truck leased on at LS, and when an agent got a call & needed to get a load moved in a timely manner, it was pretty easy to get the agent to contact the shipper & get them to "cough up" more $$$$$ when they had a team truck they could offer them.

And I wonder how much more it would have been if you could have negotiated with the shipper directly.

What does it matter? Independent or leased to a company, the bottom line is SAY NO TO CHEAP FREIGHT. If an agent or broker won't budge & offer a rate worth hauling the load for then look for a different load.

I see further evidence once again where Rev is publicizing his obvious lack of comprehension skills.

Hey, Pipeman! He's all yours! :rofl:

[Rev.Vassago]

That is true, but only to an extent.

Some agents will get higher rates for the BCOs in certain situations (like if the load is "hot" and there's a team truck in the area that will run it for a higher rate), and if there's a lot of loads and very few trucks in a given area.

And you are claiming that an independent couldn't get these same perks, given the same situation?

I never said that an independent couldn't. As someone who has actually been with LandStar in the past all I did was point out that it's easy for a BCO to negotiate rates if they know what they're doing.

Is it easy to negotiate rates in any situation, or just when circumstances will allow it?

I don't think so.

I had a co-driver when I had my truck leased on at LS, and when an agent got a call & needed to get a load moved in a timely manner, it was pretty easy to get the agent to contact the shipper & get them to "cough up" more $$$$$ when they had a team truck they could offer them.

And I wonder how much more it would have been if you could have negotiated with the shipper directly.

What does it matter? Independent or leased to a company, the bottom line is SAY NO TO CHEAP FREIGHT.

True, but given the fact that Landstar is taking a percentage off the top, chances are that the freight will always be cheaper than if you negotiated directly with the shipper, on two identical loads.

I wonder if, as a former Landstar BCO, you can provide any anecdotal evidence of being able to negotiate a better rate through Landstar, than an independent was able to negotiate by dealing direct with the shipper, on an identical load. Dice has certainly provided anecdotal evidence of the opposite.

I see further evidence once again where Rev is publicizing his obvious lack of comprehension skills.

Hey, Pipeman! He's all yours! :rofl:

I wasn't aware that the mods were exempt from the posting rules regarding personal attacks, or that they were allowed to egg on other members to do the dirty work for them. I expect this kind of garbage from Bonepacker, but not from you. :no:

[tommy]

expect this kind of garbage from Bonepacker, but not from you.


JEFF IS GETTIN CLASS, GIVE HIM TIME :harhar: :harhar: :harhar: :harhar:


go to work or bed vassago boy

[EVlLBOB]

How many of you with your own authority actually have your own customers or are you just using freight brokers? Obviously if you are dealing directly with a customer then you can negotiate the rate. However, as a driver with your own authority you also have the following:

1.You have to carry a lot of liability insurance
2. You have to keep track and report your miles for fuel tax
3.You have to wait to get your money. Sometimes 30 days or more.
4. If a customer doesen't pay you are screwed.
5. You have to make out bills and bill the customer.
6. You have nobody except your own contacts to help bail you out if you have a breakdown and nobody to cover the load for you when you do breakdown.
7. You have no fuel discounts or parts discounts like many large companies help get for their fleets.
8. You have no discounts on equipment including trucks and trailers and also have no discount finance rate like many companies offer.


I am sure there are other things that I can't think of right now but the preceding are some of the drawbacks to having your own authority. I routinely haul for a good rate and don't have half the headaches of having my own authority. Also, just because a couple of Landstar drivers haul cheap on one particular load doesn't mean that is all they do. I have hauled the same load as other Landstar drivers and got a better rate too just by using a different agent. The secret is to find your particular niche in the business and haul that freight. I haul explosives and security freight and don't have any don't usually have any trouble making money. Although it is kinda slow right now. If I was an independent with my own authority It would do me no good because the government is not going to give me the security freight and I would not be able to afford the insurance to qualify to haul the freight.

So, bash Landstar all you want but I would take them over my own authority any day. I neither want or need my own authority and even if I could make more money that money would come at the cost of a lot more headaches.

[Dice]

So I quess you LS BCOs don't want to hear about what another Independent that was there at Fayetteville like me that got an even higher rate than I did that was to lead 2 more LS drivers that had identical situations told me the samething before the 2 LS drivers I had showed up. Wonder why they picked independents to lead the lease O/Os in groups of 3 trucks, kinda says alot of a customers trust on which one can get the job done. They use 17 trucks everytime they move with LS trucks being about half of those used and as far as I know, not one LS truck led a group. No LS trucks had GPS or even own board computers because they were busy looking in the independents trucks to see the set ups we had that Wowed them.

The condition of trucks I do have a good eye ball for with wore out rubber along with broken fiberglass like a Swift truck normally has and the driver complaining about babying it until he gets the money saved up to repair it. Sorry, but of all the LS trucks that showed up that day, I would not be caught going through a scale house in any of them.

Again not everybody is cut out to have they're own authority and if they are happy with Landstar and the income they are making with LS they should stay put.

This one situation involved at least 4 LS trucks I got to see and heard they're situations that were similar that told me alot about the company. I am only sharing my 1 experience with LS BCOs that I compared to my own which led me to feel sorry for them and wonder how they survive with such a company such as Landstar!

Good luck to all Landstar BCOs!!!

[Chiefwhatdahey]

So I quess you LS BCOs don't want to hear about what another Independent that was there at Fayetteville like me that got an even higher rate than I did that was to lead 2 more LS drivers that had identical situations told me the samething before the 2 LS drivers I had showed up. Wonder why they picked independents to lead the lease O/Os in groups of 3 trucks, kinda says alot of a customers trust on which one can get the job done. They use 17 trucks everytime they move with LS trucks being about half of those used and as far as I know, not one LS truck led a group. No LS trucks had GPS or even own board computers because they were busy looking in the independents trucks to see the set ups we had that Wowed them.

The condition of trucks I do have a good eye ball for with wore out rubber along with broken fiberglass like a Swift truck normally has and the driver complaining about babying it until he gets the money saved up to repair it. Sorry, but of all the LS trucks that showed up that day, I would not be caught going through a scale house in any of them.

Again not everybody is cut out to have they're own authority and if they are happy with Landstar and the income they are making with LS they should stay put.

This one situation involved at least 4 LS trucks I got to see and heard they're situations that were similar that told me alot about the company. I am only sharing my 1 experience with LS BCOs that I compared to my own which led me to feel sorry for them and wonder how they survive with such a company such as Landstar!

Good luck to all Landstar BCOs!!!

Once again, what is it to you? Why do you care? There's high dollar freight in the system and there's low dollar freight in the system, did you stop to think that maybe the agent wasn't budging? Experienced o/o's won't move unless the rate is right for them, not knowing these drivers it very well could be that they were either newbies or extremely stupid.

LS is a technology heavy co. they don't want to deal with BCO's on a one on one basis therefor they provide a website with all the info needed to secure a load with the agent via the internet or through Qualcom, you also can if you choose call the central board which can help you if your computer or Qualcom quits.

LS will not allow a truck that won't pass an inspection in their fleet. LS requires not only an initial inspection before they will sign you on but they also require an inspection at one of their approved facilities every 120 days, these facilities are independantly owned and are monitored by LS to ensure quality.

Unless one has been leased to LS one should not speak of what they think they know.

[Dice]

Once again, what is it to you? Why do you care?

Just because the information I provided doesn't look good for LS recruiters doesn't give you or anybody else a right to question why I provide this information for anybody considering LS that everything is not as advertized! I can share any information I choose to post here because this is an open forum that accepts the bad with the good!

Sorry if I ruined somekind of Landstar recruiting quota with my negative information that may help make a decision or two out there. I am tired of hearing about leased O/Os that lost everything including they're home due to making bad business decisions involving owning a truck!!!

Face it some people have no business owning a truck!

Good luck at Landstar!!!

[Chiefwhatdahey]

Once again, what is it to you? Why do you care?

Just because the information I provided doesn't look good for LS recruiters doesn't give you or anybody else a right to question why I provide this information for anybody considering LS that everything is not as advertized! I can share any information I choose to post here because this is an open forum that accepts the bad with the good!

Sorry if I ruined somekind of Landstar recruiting quota with my negative information that may help make a decision or two out there. I am tired of hearing about leased O/Os that lost everything including they're home due to making bad business decisions involving owning a truck!!!

Face it some people have no business owning a truck!

Good luck at Landstar!!!

You didn't ruin anything Dice. Yes it is your right to sound off and the negative comments are definately welcome if they are factual. I merely provided an honest accounting of my dealings with LS, you on the other hand post based on one incident involving four o/o's out of eight thousand, you make claims about things that you no nothing about as you are not leased to LS.
I don't expect you to see the whole picture based on your narrowmindedness and obvious agenda concerning LS and I'm cool with that, it shows to me and hopefully others that you really no not of what you speak, one needs to look at the whole painting to understand the complete picture. In the future why don't you come to the table with a little more information than one move involving four o/o's that by your accounting are not equipped to perform in this business whether it be for LS or anybody else.

[EVlLBOB]

Dice, your anecdotal experience with Landstar trucks means very little. I could talk about how I have shown up to load with other Landstar trucks and also talk about how their trucks aren't fancy when compared to mine. I can also report many instances where my truck was the least pretty. I can also talk about how I showed up to load and my load paid more than the other Landstar drivers, but, so what. I know that even though some of the Landstar trucks are old and may look a little ragged they still will pass an inspection. Landstar isn't the greatest company but they are better than 99.9% of the companies out there including yours, Dice. It doesn't matter whose load pays more if the driver hauling it is satisfied with the rate. The load I am going to go get right now pays $4.98 a mile. Legal load, total revenue $12,000.00 bucks. This is not typical of the majority of Landstar loads but it is not abnormal at all for the A&E fleet. Landstar has their share of cheap freight but I don't haul it.

[EVlLBOB]

Hey Dice, one more thing. My Dad can whoop your Dad. At least he could if he was still living......Ok, my Dad's ghost can whoop your Dad. Take that.

[Dice]

You guys are right that is the only experience I have with Landstar BCOs and I have pulled a few loads for Landstar Agents that was just like dealing with a broker. I don't understand why you are blasting me for sharing my experience with everybody with my unbiased opinion on the subject! I have nothing to gain or lose by posting this information except it might help others in making a decision! You guys sound like Landstar recruiters to me that just tell O/Os what you think they want to hear so they will sign on and you get a bonus.

I quess nobody here is allowed to post an unbiased negative opinion about Landstar!!!! Again I have nothing to gain or lose by posting my information, just trying to help out others in the industry to make they're own decisions about things and realize they're is a negative side also.

I want to wish all you 67% of 98% guys the best of luck!!!!

[Rev.Vassago]

I don't understand why you are blasting me for sharing my experience with everybody with my unbiased opinion on the subject!

Just tow the line, don't rock the boat, and all will be well with the world. ;)

[Chiefwhatdahey]

You guys are right that is the only experience I have with Landstar BCOs and I have pulled a few loads for Landstar Agents that was just like dealing with a broker. I don't understand why you are blasting me for sharing my experience with everybody with my unbiased opinion on the subject! I have nothing to gain or lose by posting this information except it might help others in making a decision! You guys sound like Landstar recruiters to me that just tell O/Os what you think they want to hear so they will sign on and you get a bonus.

I quess nobody here is allowed to post an unbiased negative opinion about Landstar!!!! Again I have nothing to gain or lose by posting my information, just trying to help out others in the industry to make they're own decisions about things and realize they're is a negative side also.

I want to wish all you 67% of 98% guys the best of luck!!!!


Without getting into trouble with the administrators by posting comments from the other site you are not unbiased, you make assumptions and conclusions based on one incident and yes LS agents can and do broker freight.
Where you failed Dice is you 1. keep coming back as if you have a point to prove 2. You are horribly misinformed about LS policies and 3. You do have an agenda, one which you feel a need to slam a company based mostly on hearsay. Come back when you know what your talking about and post away, be negative, I don't care. I welcome a truthful well informed rebuttal to any of my posts on my experience with LS it would provide a good balance to the subject as no co. is perfect.
Your last sentance just shows your stupidity and bias on the subject, you've been clued in on the LS settlement structure on the other side, why don't you post the whole structure instead of the bottom scale? I think you're better suited to the sparta side bud, there's plenty of room over there to spread misinformation, bias and ignorance.

One more time real slow Dice, know what your talking about before you speak.

[Dice]

Please accept my deepest sincere apologies for messing up your Landstar recruiting program and I hope you make your quota of fresh new recruits!

I don't understand why you guys are coming down on me so hard for posting my experience with some Landstar BCOs??? Makes me wondering if you guys are hiding more negative info because you know all of those BCOs that failed will not be on here telling it because they lost everything including the house and the computer hooked to the net to post such information. Most Landstar BCOs don't even have a computer much less make enough to afford a computer! Give me a break! Yes I know of 4 out 4 LS BCOs that did not have them in they're trucks and were amazed at the computers in the independents trucks that day in NC.

Here is a summary of what I found out with them!

1. LS BCOs were moving the same load I was for $829 less than I was or for 43% of the rate I was getting.

2. LS trucks were in less than desireable condition according to my standards.

3. LS BCOs were not happy where they were at!

4. LS did not care enough to even try to find them something to backhaul to NC to get they're trailers that I had no trouble finding!

Sorry guys if offended anybody, but actually felt sorry for these drivers and I would almost bet they are not with LS today!!!! I quess I keep coming back to the post because I hate to see anybody else be as miserable as those 2 LS drivers on that trip!!! I truely felt sorry for them!

Good luck to all of the Landstar BCOs!!!

[magicman]

Please accept my deepest sincere apologies for messing up your Landstar recruiting program and I hope you make your quota of fresh new recruits!

I don't understand why you guys are coming down on me so hard for posting my experience with some Landstar BCOs??? Makes me wondering if you guys are hiding more negative info because you know all of those BCOs that failed will not be on here telling it because they lost everything including the house and the computer hooked to the net to post such information. Most Landstar BCOs don't even have a computer much less make enough to afford a computer! Give me a break! Yes I know of 4 out 4 LS BCOs that did not have them in they're trucks and were amazed at the computers in the independents trucks that day in NC.

Here is a summary of what I found out with them!

1. LS BCOs were moving the same load I was for $829 less than I was or for 43% of the rate I was getting.

2. LS trucks were in less than desireable condition according to my standards.

3. LS BCOs were not happy where they were at!

4. LS did not care enough to even try to find them something to backhaul to NC to get they're trailers that I had no trouble finding!

Sorry guys if offended anybody, but actually felt sorry for these drivers and I would almost bet they are not with LS today!!!! I quess I keep coming back to the post because I hate to see anybody else be as miserable as those 2 LS drivers on that trip!!! I truely felt sorry for them!

Good luck to all of the Landstar BCOs!!!

First of all, there is no quota for recruiting. We get a whopping $100. So I doubt Chief is recruiting, but rather telling us his experience with Landstar.

If the drivers were pulling the load for that much less than you got, I'd shut my mouth and not let the agent know he could've got it for more. Business 101, Dice....Don't advertise your price to the world, cuz some azzhole WILL undercut you.

If these drivers weren't happy, they need to move on to a different co. and BTW, they'd fit right in over at TruckNet, since damned near EVERYONE is unhappy over there. You should have enlightened them.

Also, concerning these other drivers, it's NOT Landstar's responsibility to "Find" them a load. It lies with them. They should've looked before they leaped.

The inspections performed every 120 days on ALL Landstar equipment are rigid. They're just like a lot of the Household carriers inspections. The inspector has to record tread depths, brake travel and ever brake shoe thickness. If you have a roof bow loose or bent in a van, it fails. No ifs, ands or buts about it. So, the equipment IS safe. Now, I'm sure some find unscrupulous shops that will pass a truck for a buddy, but they, too get weeded out.

As has been stated, previously, Landstar is NOT for everyone. If it's not for you, Dice just go on your way and go bash JB or Werner. Leave us the hell alone.

[Chiefwhatdahey]

Please accept my deepest sincere apologies for messing up your Landstar recruiting program and I hope you make your quota of fresh new recruits!

I don't understand why you guys are coming down on me so hard for posting my experience with some Landstar BCOs???
It's not your experience with the BCO's that I have an issue with Dice it's the way you conclude that LS is a bad co. based on one encounter with 4 BCO's out of 8000, I find it ridiculous
Makes me wondering if you guys are hiding more negative info because you know all of those BCOs that failed will not be on here telling it because they lost everything including the house and the computer hooked to the net to post such information.
If they did then they weren't cut out to be truck owners it, it can happen anywhere

Most Landstar BCOs don't even have a computer much less make enough to afford a computer!
More stupidity, keep it coming


Yes i know of 4 out 4 LS BCOs that did not have them in they're trucks and were amazed at the computers in the independents trucks that day in NC.
Then you met 4 BCO's that will most likely fail, who knows maybe they'll get their authority and really make a mess of things

Good luck to all of the Landstar BCOs!!!

[Dice]

Who said Landstar was a bad company? Are they?

I just shared my experience with you guys and it is obvious you guys took offense of me posting it!

I hate to think you guys think people should not post in here because you don't like what they post! Sad!

[Rev.Vassago]

It's not your experience with the BCO's that I have an issue with Dice it's the way you conclude that LS is a bad co. based on one encounter with 4 BCO's out of 8000, I find it ridiculous

At what percentage can we conclude whether LS is a good company or a bad company? How many BCO's does it take?

[magicman]

It's not your experience with the BCO's that I have an issue with Dice it's the way you conclude that LS is a bad co. based on one encounter with 4 BCO's out of 8000, I find it ridiculous

At what percentage can we conclude whether LS is a good company or a bad company? How many BCO's does it take?

There are always going to be people that don't like the company they're with. I wouldn't dream of driving for Crete as an O/O, BUT I would have them on top of my list if I decided to drive a Company truck OTR.

I'll bet I can find 4 or 5 drivers that think Graebel is a crappy company, but since you think it's great I should listen to you. Like I said, everyone has differing opinions of companies.

Just my thoughts on this.

[Rev.Vassago]

I'll bet I can find 4 or 5 drivers that think Graebel is a crappy company,

I doubt it. Maybe one or two, but that's it. ;)

but since you think it's great I should listen to you.

Actually, that is a reason NOT to listen to me, as I am probably going to paint a rosy picture. A person who has a beef with them is going to paint a negative picture. I think it would be wiser to listen to BOTH, as each probably has valid points. It is up to the person receiving the information to decide what is real, what is BS, and make an informed and logical decision.

Besides, I've talked to people who claim the C.R. England lease/purchase scam is the best thing since sliced bread - by your logic, they are the only ones I should listen to. ;)



_____________________________
Rev.Vassago; is heading out to get his bright red Freightliner right now.

[magicman]

Rev, you just stumbled right into my point. There are people that feel both ways about EVERY company, so a person should use the best judgement they can. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[Chiefwhatdahey]

If an o/o or anybody for that matter makes a negative comment about anything they should at least know what it is they are talking about.
Rev, I know some of what goes on in the HHG industry but not enough to make a negative comment about it. I know very little about Atlas van, Graebel and other HHG co's to make any comment whatsoever therefor I say nothing. I have heard drivers complain about these co's I've seen some old trucks pulling their trailers, does that mean I can make assumptions and conclusions based on heresay and visuals, no.
If I'm going to critique anything I am going to first experience it then after a time I would make my conclusion. To go off about a co. based on the comments of a few o/o's out of thousands is ignorant, to make claims that are obviously false is stupid because those claims can easily be debunked by those that know the co. that they are dealing with.
Dice made some comments in regard to the condition of the vehicles in that he wouldn't cross a scale in those trucks, I know for a fact because I'm leased to LS that those trucks would never get past LS's inspection program. I won't say Dice is outright lieing but I don't believe him.
Dice may or may not have said that LS is a bad co. I quit reading the stupidity on the other site that was being posted but I can read between the lines. There is someone on the other site that had a bad experience at LS, that person is more than welcome to post their negative feedback so long as it's truthful, Dice on the other hand has no clue as to what this company is about and it reflects in his postings.

[Rev.Vassago]

If I'm going to critique anything I am going to first experience it then after a time I would make my conclusion. To go off about a co. based on the comments of a few o/o's out of thousands is ignorant, to make claims that are obviously false is stupid because those claims can easily be debunked by those that know the co. that they are dealing with.

Then I guess none of us can ever discuss the lease-purchase scams going on at C.R. England (and other places) unless we go out and sign up for one. You don't need to experience something firsthand to be able to make a decision on it - I've never been a L/P driver for C.R.E., yet I know from my own research that it is a fraud and a scam. Dice's experience with Landstar is no different.

Dice posted a very valid statement about Landstar's SEC filing, where it stated that 36% of their revenue is coming from their outside brokering of loads - people who are competing DIRECTLY with Landstar's BCO's for freight. It amazes me that they would be doing this, while at the same time I've been hearing more and more of their BCO's complaining that there is no freight to haul, or that it is all cheap freight.

But, of course, the only real response you have given Dice is "why do you care". My question to you is; why do you feel so threatened by what he said, that you are going after him?

Rev.Vassago; didn't see anyone debunk anything Dice stated about Landstar's SEC filing, so therefore, it must not be "obviously false".

[Chiefwhatdahey]

Then I guess none of us can ever discuss the lease-purchase scams going on at C.R. England (and other places) unless we go out and sign up for one. You don't need to experience something firsthand to be able to make a decision on it - I've never been a L/P driver for C.R.E., yet I know from my own research that it is a fraud and a scam. Dice's experience with Landstar is no different.

Lease purchase scams are well documented with first person accounts of the abuses that go on, it has been researched and written about in publications as well as website forums like this. That is far different from Dices opinion based on a few o/o's and obvious mistruths to try and bolster his arguement.

Dice posted a very valid statement about Landstar's SEC filing, where it stated that 36% of their revenue is coming from their outside brokering of loads - people who are competing DIRECTLY with Landstar's BCO's for freight. It amazes me that they would be doing this, while at the same time I've been hearing more and more of their BCO's complaining that there is no freight to haul, or that it is all cheap freight.

I too posted my displeasure regarding broker practices, not to defend LS but the agents are supposed to offer the freight to BCO's first if they can't get it moved then the freight is brokered. Are there abuses in this system, sure, but it is not unique to LS

But, of course, the only real response you have given Dice is "why do you care". My question to you is; why do you feel so threatened by what he said, that you are going after him?

I feel no threat by Dices comments I do however feel that if he is going to have anything to say about LS then he should at least come to the table armed with a little more information than four incompetents. I'm not going after him I am rebutting his comments and calling him out to provide proof to his allegations in regard to these BCO's. I'm also still waiting for an answer in regard to why he cares

Rev.Vassago; didn't see anyone debunk anything Dice stated about Landstar's SEC filing, so therefore, it must not be "obviously false".

What is wrong with making a profit Rev.? As I stated earlier I would much rather deal with an org. that has a healthy balance sheet than one that is either hiding money or defrauding the shareholders like Enron and others have done

[magicman]

Then I guess none of us can ever discuss the lease-purchase scams going on at C.R. England (and other places) unless we go out and sign up for one. You don't need to experience something firsthand to be able to make a decision on it - I've never been a L/P driver for C.R.E., yet I know from my own research that it is a fraud and a scam. Dice's experience with Landstar is no different.

Lease purchase scams are well documented with first person accounts of the abuses that go on, it has been researched and written about in publications as well as website forums like this. That is far different from Dices opinion based on a few o/o's and obvious mistruths to try and bolster his arguement.




Well said, Chief :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Dice posted a very valid statement about Landstar's SEC filing, where it stated that 36% of their revenue is coming from their outside brokering of loads - people who are competing DIRECTLY with Landstar's BCO's for freight. It amazes me that they would be doing this, while at the same time I've been hearing more and more of their BCO's complaining that there is no freight to haul, or that it is all cheap freight.

I too posted my displeasure regarding broker practices, not to defend LS but the agents are supposed to offer the freight to BCO's first if they can't get it moved then the freight is brokered. Are there abuses in this system, sure, but it is not unique to LS

But, of course, the only real response you have given Dice is "why do you care". My question to you is; why do you feel so threatened by what he said, that you are going after him?

I feel no threat by Dices comments I do however feel that if he is going to have anything to say about LS then he should at least come to the table armed with a little more information than four incompetents. I'm not going after him I am rebutting his comments and calling him out to provide proof to his allegations in regard to these BCO's. I'm also still waiting for an answer in regard to why he cares

Rev.Vassago; didn't see anyone debunk anything Dice stated about Landstar's SEC filing, so therefore, it must not be "obviously false".

What is wrong with making a profit Rev.? As I stated earlier I would much rather deal with an org. that has a healthy balance sheet than one that is either hiding money or defrauding the shareholders like Enron and others have done

Well said, Chief. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[Rev.Vassago]

What is wrong with making a profit Rev.? As I stated earlier I would much rather deal with an org. that has a healthy balance sheet than one that is either hiding money or defrauding the shareholders like Enron and others have done

There is nothing wrong with making a profit, as long as it isn't done at the expense of the I/C's who drive for the company.

[Chiefwhatdahey]

There is nothing wrong with making a profit, as long as it isn't done at the expense of the I/C's who drive for the company.

If I were to buy another truck and put a driver in it would I not be in my right to profit from it at the expense of the driver or am I supposed to turn all profit over to the driver in some grand gesture. If I were to re up my authority and put o/o's on are I not allowed to profit?

[tommy]

You have to make a profit or you might as well not own the truck and put up with the headache, you know that Cheif. Don't let the little boys around here get to ya, just kids playin super trucker wanna be's.

I played dirty and would cut off ones toes to get the contracts I wanted..Play is Play, Fun is Fun.

Buisiness is Buisiness


I stomped many a toes in my life to get what I wanted in shippers, then the company I worked for sold out to another company and I disliked the upper bosses , so, after over 20 years I told them to just send my retirement check to the house, and 1 month later I was gone.

Then I built my own customer base and went into it full steam and made a tidy profit after a time and now I am BORED bein retired yet again..

If I could pay an O/O $1.00 per mile and he did a good job, why would I want to pay an O/O $2.00 per mile and get the same results..

I admit, I was a heartless sh!t and cared ONLY for me...If I was not making a % of profit, I had to find a way to do it and it worked out Wonderful..I think I had maybe 2 or 3 drivers who hate me to this day and probably 30 that Love me, and the rest could give a rats behind either way..


Point here, YOU make MONEY or do not run the truck... :cool:

[Chiefwhatdahey]

Ah heck BP it's fun to watch folks put their best foot in their mouth :D I got nothing against these guys, it's no bother :cheers:

[Rev.Vassago]

There is nothing wrong with making a profit, as long as it isn't done at the expense of the I/C's who drive for the company.

If I were to buy another truck and put a driver in it would I not be in my right to profit from it at the expense of the driver or am I supposed to turn all profit over to the driver in some grand gesture. If I were to re up my authority and put o/o's on are I not allowed to profit?

You're missing my point. If you have BCO's who cannot find loads because you are farming them out to outside independents, then you are profiting at the expense of your BCO's. There has been a lot of talk lately about Landstar loads being in short supply, or that the loads that Landstar is offering are substandard.

____________________________

I'll give you an example of profiting at the expense of the driver:

I used to work for a guy who had 6 trucks. When I started, I was earning $0.26 per mile (this was back in 1998), and had 100% of my medical paid for.

After a while, he started paying only 50% of my medical, but I was still getting pay raises - I didn't complain too much.

Then he stopped giving raises altogether, and stopped paying insurance completely, citing that he couldn't afford to do so anymore. Soon after, he built himself a new house, and bought a race car (a NASCAR type car) with a racing trailer. Soon after that, he stopped offering medical insurance completely, even though I was paying for 100% of it out of my pocket, citing that he couldn't afford to keep the group plan anymore.

He went on to get his own individual family policy for himself, and left the drivers high and dry. I quit.

THAT is profiting at the expense of the drivers.

[Chiefwhatdahey]

There is nothing wrong with making a profit, as long as it isn't done at the expense of the I/C's who drive for the company.

If I were to buy another truck and put a driver in it would I not be in my right to profit from it at the expense of the driver or am I supposed to turn all profit over to the driver in some grand gesture. If I were to re up my authority and put o/o's on are I not allowed to profit?

You're missing my point. If you have BCO's who cannot find loads because you are farming them out to outside independents, then you are profiting at the expense of your BCO's. There has been a lot of talk lately about Landstar loads being in short supply, or that the loads that Landstar is offering are substandard.

____________________________

I'll give you an example of profiting at the expense of the driver:

I used to work for a guy who had 6 trucks. When I started, I was earning $0.26 per mile (this was back in 1998), and had 100% of my medical paid for.

After a while, he started paying only 50% of my medical, but I was still getting pay raises - I didn't complain too much.

Then he stopped giving raises altogether, and stopped paying insurance completely, citing that he couldn't afford to do so anymore. Soon after, he built himself a new house, and bought a race car (a NASCAR type car) with a racing trailer. Soon after that, he stopped offering medical insurance completely, even though I was paying for 100% of it out of my pocket, citing that he couldn't afford to keep the group plan anymore.

He went on to get his own individual family policy for himself, and left the drivers high and dry. I quit.

THAT is profiting at the expense of the drivers.

That is the american way Rev. You bettered your position right? So what's the beef? I always look at adversity as opportunity to better myself :cheers:

In regards to the farming out thing, LS agents are supposed to offer the freight to us first then broker it out, whether they all adhere to the policy I don't know but I'm sure some don't. Here's a tidbit for ya LS on average has 1.5 million in revenue that's left on the board per week in the Chicago area alone (according to LS's figures) does that mean there's 1.5 on the boaqrd today? I doubt as I'm seeing a general trend downward across the board. As I said earlier LS is no different than any other co. I've leased to in the past, I leased to a few co's years ago that made it their mission to broker the best loads, put the best loads on co. trucks or not offer any co. freight whatsoever in one case (that co. is long out of business).

[Rev.Vassago]

That is the american way Rev.

Remember that the next time you can't find a load. ;)

I'm happy that you like Landstar. It doesn't affect me either way. I just like rocking the boat, and you are a better conversationalist than bonepacker. At least you can write in complete sentences, with proper grammar. ;)

[magicman]

That is the american way Rev.

Remember that the next time you can't find a load. ;)

I'm happy that you like Landstar. It doesn't affect me either way. I just like rocking the boat, and you are a better conversationalist than bonepacker. At least you can write in complete sentences, with proper grammar. ;)


Boy, you're lucky BP went fishin', or he'd get ya for that comment, for sure.

[tommy]

i am tryin to figger out how to rite in a centance da korrekt weigh

[Rev.Vassago]

i am tryin to figger out how to rite in a centance da korrekt weigh

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Okay - that was funny.

[Jack5]

I was the one that had the negative experience with Landstar. Go over to trucknet and you can read about my experiences with LS. I really don't have the energy to post it all again over here :rofl:

[magicman]

I was the one that had the negative experience with Landstar. Go over to trucknet and you can read about my experiences with LS. I really don't have the energy to post it all again over here :rofl:


Thank God..... :harhar: :harhar: :harhar: Just bustin' your chops, Jack.

[Chiefwhatdahey]

I think you should post your experience here Jack, it would dispel the myth that this is a recruitment thread.

[magicman]

I think you should post your experience here Jack, it would dispel the myth that this is a recruitment thread.

I can help you with that, Chief.....I don't want any more drivers to come to Landstar. We've got plenty, already. :D :D :D

How's that????

[Dice]

If I'm going to critique anything I am going to first experience it then after a time I would make my conclusion. To go off about a co. based on the comments of a few o/o's out of thousands is ignorant, to make claims that are obviously false is stupid because those claims can easily be debunked by those that know the co. that they are dealing with.

Then I guess none of us can ever discuss the lease-purchase scams going on at C.R. England (and other places) unless we go out and sign up for one. You don't need to experience something firsthand to be able to make a decision on it - I've never been a L/P driver for C.R.E., yet I know from my own research that it is a fraud and a scam. Dice's experience with Landstar is no different.

Dice posted a very valid statement about Landstar's SEC filing, where it stated that 36% of their revenue is coming from their outside brokering of loads - people who are competing DIRECTLY with Landstar's BCO's for freight. It amazes me that they would be doing this, while at the same time I've been hearing more and more of their BCO's complaining that there is no freight to haul, or that it is all cheap freight.

But, of course, the only real response you have given Dice is "why do you care". My question to you is; why do you feel so threatened by what he said, that you are going after him?

Rev.Vassago; didn't see anyone debunk anything Dice stated about Landstar's SEC filing, so therefore, it must not be "obviously false".

Well said Rev!!!

Better give it up! The personal biased attacks have started against your unbiased post! The LS BCOs just don't get it and I am giving on helping anybody learn the truth about LS because of these obviously biased LS BCO recruiters here!

Let them dig they're own hole if they are happy, let them be and they can continue to blow smoke to anybody new looking to get in own the LS money machine!

[Dice]

I was the one that had the negative experience with Landstar. Go over to trucknet and you can read about my experiences with LS. I really don't have the energy to post it all again over here :rofl:

Watch out they don't allow negative comments here about Landstar! They want to keep the truth hidden and can't take it!!!!

[Dice]

I was about to forget the one other learning experience about Landstar drivers in general that probably sterotypes the Landstar drivers in general is the episode from the TV show "Cops" that had the Landstar driver that was a crossdresser running down the street in drag that somebody had beat up because they found out the woman was a dude. :chase: Now this sterotypes LS BCOs by having to supplement the income with a night time job due to LS not providing enough income from hauling freight!!! :yikes: :rofl: :rofl:

You LS drivers be very careful out there earning income from that side job! :yikes: :rofl: :cheers: :harhar:

[magicman]

Hey Dice, are you still whining about the Turbo 3000, too??? Did you send it back for a refund, or call them to find out why it didn't work for you?? Or did you keep it so you can be a martyr and say "I have a Turbo 3000 and it doesn't work"?

A few years ago, I said over at TN that if someone showed me where the $2 a mile freight was at, I'd be there in a second. Guess what, Dice, I found it at Landstar.

I don't WANT to go through the BS of being an independent. Too damned much jumping through hoops for me. My wife has no desire to do the recordkeeping required by the government, so I'd have to do it. I don't desire that much paperwork.

BTW, Dice, I've averaged over $1.50 per mile for EVERY mile my truck has turned for over a year, now. And I have no qualms about bouncing home from Denver, every so often, if I HAVE to be home for something. This week I'm emptying out in Ottawa, KS. I have to go up into North Central Iowa, to pick up a car I bought on eBay, so my miles going home to Nebraska will be about 650. MY choice. That could change in the morning if I find a load going that way. Do I blame LS for having to bounce that far....NOPE. It's not their fault. I chose this load, to get close to home so I could do what I need to do.

So what I'm saying is this: I may be deadheading too far, but I'm taking care of the things I need to, and still making decent money. After ALL expenses, I'm still profiting over .27 cents per mile to the corporation. That's with my pay at .50 per mile. So in all actuallity, I make around .75 per mile to ME.

Now, if I were to really force the issue and sit for the perfect load each time, my income per mile would increase, BUT my miles per month would drop, as would my profit at the end of the month. As in any business, you have to take some bad with the good. I also need to watch my deadhead a little more, too, as that brings my income per mile down, too. Lately, I've been averaging over 15% deadhead and out of route miles. That's not Landstar's fault, but rather it's mine. I make the load choices, they just offer them to me. I just can't sit staring at a computer, waiting for the "perfect" load.

[EVlLBOB]

Some bash Landstar because they weren't smart enough to figure out how to find loads and dispatch themselves. Some bash Landstar because they couldn't make it at Landstar and resent their own inequities and try to take it out on the company. Dice's comments about Landstar are so irrelevant as to be laughable by anybody with real Landstar experience. Landstar does have theire faults but Dice has an axe to grind and is bashing to be bashing. I have not recruited anybody to Landstar. I want all the good freight for myself so everybody else stay where you are at.

[Dice]

I am not bashing Landstar and I just only posted my experience with some LS drivers. No bashing here!

If you guys are happy with Landstar, more power to you and please stay there as long as can or even want too!!!!

Good luck to all Landstar BCOs!!!!

[tommy]

This has been a good post, to a point , of different opinions of a company..Opinions are different from most all people.

[Dice]

I got an interesting phone call from LS corporate today looking to find carriers to service UPS during the busy Christmas season coming up and they were also promoting the LS broker board that asked how it was different than the one for the BCOs. They said it is the same freight except the BCOs board might have very small amount of loads that there costumers requested it to be only on LS trucks which they said most customers don't care and the other difference was that the BCOs that had posted rates that WERE NOT negoitable compared to the LS broker board that ALL rates were negiotiable!!

Just posting what I was told by LS corporate!

Not bashing Landstar, just posting what I heard.

Good luck to all Landstar BCOs!!!

[Chiefwhatdahey]

I got an interesting phone call from LS corporate today looking to find carriers to service UPS during the busy Christmas season coming up and they were also promoting the LS broker board that asked how it was different than the one for the BCOs. They said it is the same freight except the BCOs board might have very small amount of loads that there costumers requested it to be only on LS trucks which they said most customers don't care and the other difference was that the BCOs that had posted rates that WERE NOT negoitable compared to the LS broker board that ALL rates were negiotiable!!

Just posting what I was told by LS corporate!

Not bashing Landstar, just posting what I heard.

Good luck to all Landstar BCOs!!!

This corporate person is wrong, I'm on a negotiated rate load now :D PM me the persons name so I can let this person know they are wrong.

[Chiefwhatdahey]

I just thought I would drop a note here and give a negative seeins how some feel I'm too positive (i.e. recruiting) I had a run in with a compliance twit with a power trip who made veiled threats in regard to my lease with LS unless I complied with his wishes. What I found out from a reliable source further up the chain is that compliance does not have the authority to cancel a lease in fact there is a procedure to follow and if you feel you are in the right then you can in most cases be successful with these lil tyrants provided you have documented the complaint they have against you. If a person is going to lease to LS don't bother with BCO advisors in regard to issues involving DOT compliance, find someone further up with a safety/compliance background (and out of the compliance dep't.) who has been with LS for a number of years and cultivate a relationship wth them, they can give very good advice when it comes to dealing with those that are considered the enemy of BCO's like compliance is in my book. I'm still happy to be part of the organization in spite of some incompetents that work in corporate.

[Big John]

What happen to everybody? I was enjoying this.

Chief is it still going good at LS and what type of trailer do you pull?
Flat, Van, Reefer, Step Deck, Specialized, etc.....

I enjoy talking to LS BCO's on the road, some I talk to have bad days and things go wrong but they like the way LS operates. I have talked to some LS BCO's that should be driving a company truck and not owning a truck, but that is with any company. I have always considered Landstar but I am happy where I am at rite know. I pull a skateboard and load with some LS BCO's on occasion but I am happy with what the load is paying and don't care if someone is hauling it for less or more.

Just my 2 cents, Carry on!

[Chiefwhatdahey]

What happen to everybody? I was enjoying this.

Chief is it still going good at LS and what type of trailer do you pull?
Flat, Van, Reefer, Step Deck, Specialized, etc.....

Things are going good, I pull a stepdeck and generally run east of the rockies

[Dice]

Posted September 24th, 2006
Hey Dice, are you still whining about the Turbo 3000, too??? Did you send it back for a refund, or call them to find out why it didn't work for you?? Or did you keep it so you can be a martyr and say "I have a Turbo 3000 and it doesn't work"?

A few years ago, I said over at TN that if someone showed me where the $2 a mile freight was at, I'd be there in a second. Guess what, Dice, I found it at Landstar.

I don't WANT to go through the BS of being an independent. Too damned much jumping through hoops for me. My wife has no desire to do the recordkeeping required by the government, so I'd have to do it. I don't desire that much paperwork.

BTW, Dice, I've averaged over $1.50 per mile for EVERY mile my truck has turned for over a year, now. And I have no qualms about bouncing home from Denver, every so often, if I HAVE to be home for something. This week I'm emptying out in Ottawa, KS. I have to go up into North Central Iowa, to pick up a car I bought on eBay, so my miles going home to Nebraska will be about 650. MY choice. That could change in the morning if I find a load going that way. Do I blame LS for having to bounce that far....NOPE. It's not their fault. I chose this load, to get close to home so I could do what I need to do.

So what I'm saying is this: I may be deadheading too far, but I'm taking care of the things I need to, and still making decent money. After ALL expenses, I'm still profiting over .27 cents per mile to the corporation. That's with my pay at .50 per mile. So in all actuallity, I make around .75 per mile to ME.

Now, if I were to really force the issue and sit for the perfect load each time, my income per mile would increase, BUT my miles per month would drop, as would my profit at the end of the month. As in any business, you have to take some bad with the good. I also need to watch my deadhead a little more, too, as that brings my income per mile down, too. Lately, I've been averaging over 15% deadhead and out of route miles. That's not Landstar's fault, but rather it's mine. I make the load choices, they just offer them to me. I just can't sit staring at a computer, waiting for the "perfect" load.

And now in a very short time we go to this......

With the downturn in freight, I decided I had to leave. I averaged $1.17 per mile to the truck in October and that's just isn't gonna get it. I could've stayed at H&M and made over $1.20 for the SAME loads, pulling their trailer. I caught myself grabbing ANYTHING to move the truck and generate some income.

I'm now pulling my reefer, hauling LTL REEFER freight out of Omaha. Out and back every week. And the pay is quite a bit more. I still haul a cheap load as a backhaul, BUT in the LTL business, the outbound freight is where the money is.

This was a good fit. I've hauled LTL before, and I did reefer freight for years, too. So I fit right in.

I hate it when I am right about something! :yikes:

Good Luck magicman on your new venture! :D

[Big_Dave]

And now in a very short time we go to this......

With the downturn in freight, I decided I had to leave. I averaged $1.17 per mile to the truck in October and that's just isn't gonna get it. I could've stayed at H&M and made over $1.20 for the SAME loads, pulling their trailer. I caught myself grabbing ANYTHING to move the truck and generate some income.

I'm now pulling my reefer, hauling LTL REEFER freight out of Omaha. Out and back every week. And the pay is quite a bit more. I still haul a cheap load as a backhaul, BUT in the LTL business, the outbound freight is where the money is.

This was a good fit. I've hauled LTL before, and I did reefer freight for years, too. So I fit right in.

I hate it when I am right about something! :yikes:

Good Luck magicman on your new venture! :D
It doesn't matter which company you lease on with, once things start going bad, it doesn't take very long for things to go into the toilet.

The first company I leased on with, less than 1 year after signing the lease, my cpm went from $1.05 p/m (not including FSC) down to around .90 cpm. I made the move to a different company.

Second company I leased to, got tangled up with DOT issues and was shut down less than 6 months after I moved onto a different company.

Last company I was leased to, well, I would probably still be there if I would've planned a little better. Magicman was leased to this company before switching over to Landstar. His only gripe with them was inbound and outbound freight in his home area. He lives just north of Omaha NE and the company is based out of the Twin Cities MN. The rates were decent when we were leased on with them. Only problem was, not much freight in his home area. Yeah, we went through his home area all the time, but not much going out or coming in.

As far as Magicman being leased on with Landstar, I don't know all the particulars, but (from what he's told me on the phone), he's seen rates drop big time since fuel went from $3.20 (or more) per gallon, down to around $2.35 per gallon. With fuel still 'that high' (and still getting a decent FSC), with not much freight (to choose from), in or out of your home area, that means 2 things......do a lot of bouncing to get home (or to go get loaded) or take a bite in the azz and haul something cheap in or out of the area.

With Crete, Werner, Seward and a couple others being based in the Omaha area, it doesn't take long for the writing to appear on the walls.

Since he's found a small carrier (50 some odd trucks), in the Omaha area that's been around for 30+ years, maybe now he's found a place that he can call 'home'. :cheers:

[Dice]

And now in a very short time we go to this......

With the downturn in freight, I decided I had to leave. I averaged $1.17 per mile to the truck in October and that's just isn't gonna get it. I could've stayed at H&M and made over $1.20 for the SAME loads, pulling their trailer. I caught myself grabbing ANYTHING to move the truck and generate some income.

I'm now pulling my reefer, hauling LTL REEFER freight out of Omaha. Out and back every week. And the pay is quite a bit more. I still haul a cheap load as a backhaul, BUT in the LTL business, the outbound freight is where the money is.

This was a good fit. I've hauled LTL before, and I did reefer freight for years, too. So I fit right in.

I hate it when I am right about something! :yikes:

Good Luck magicman on your new venture! :D
It doesn't matter which company you lease on with, once things start going bad, it doesn't take very long for things to go into the toilet.

The first company I leased on with, less than 1 year after signing the lease, my cpm went from $1.05 p/m (not including FSC) down to around .90 cpm. I made the move to a different company.

Second company I leased to, got tangled up with DOT issues and was shut down less than 6 months after I moved onto a different company.

Last company I was leased to, well, I would probably still be there if I would've planned a little better. Magicman was leased to this company before switching over to Landstar. His only gripe with them was inbound and outbound freight in his home area. He lives just north of Omaha NE and the company is based out of the Twin Cities MN. The rates were decent when we were leased on with them. Only problem was, not much freight in his home area. Yeah, we went through his home area all the time, but not much going out or coming in.

As far as Magicman being leased on with Landstar, I don't know all the particulars, but (from what he's told me on the phone), he's seen rates drop big time since fuel went from $3.20 (or more) per gallon, down to around $2.35 per gallon. With fuel still 'that high' (and still getting a decent FSC), with not much freight (to choose from), in or out of your home area, that means 2 things......do a lot of bouncing to get home (or to go get loaded) or take a bite in the azz and haul something cheap in or out of the area.

With Crete, Werner, Seward and a couple others being based in the Omaha area, it doesn't take long for the writing to appear on the walls.

Since he's found a small carrier (50 some odd trucks), in the Omaha area that's been around for 30+ years, maybe now he's found a place that he can call 'home'. :cheers:

Since I was quoted out of context, my point would missed if I did not post the rest of it!

Posted September 24th, 2006
Hey Dice, are you still whining about the Turbo 3000, too??? Did you send it back for a refund, or call them to find out why it didn't work for you?? Or did you keep it so you can be a martyr and say "I have a Turbo 3000 and it doesn't work"?

A few years ago, I said over at TN that if someone showed me where the $2 a mile freight was at, I'd be there in a second. Guess what, Dice, I found it at Landstar.

I don't WANT to go through the BS of being an independent. Too damned much jumping through hoops for me. My wife has no desire to do the recordkeeping required by the government, so I'd have to do it. I don't desire that much paperwork.

BTW, Dice, I've averaged over $1.50 per mile for EVERY mile my truck has turned for over a year, now. And I have no qualms about bouncing home from Denver, every so often, if I HAVE to be home for something. This week I'm emptying out in Ottawa, KS. I have to go up into North Central Iowa, to pick up a car I bought on eBay, so my miles going home to Nebraska will be about 650. MY choice. That could change in the morning if I find a load going that way. Do I blame LS for having to bounce that far....NOPE. It's not their fault. I chose this load, to get close to home so I could do what I need to do.

So what I'm saying is this: I may be deadheading too far, but I'm taking care of the things I need to, and still making decent money. After ALL expenses, I'm still profiting over .27 cents per mile to the corporation. That's with my pay at .50 per mile. So in all actuallity, I make around .75 per mile to ME.

Now, if I were to really force the issue and sit for the perfect load each time, my income per mile would increase, BUT my miles per month would drop, as would my profit at the end of the month. As in any business, you have to take some bad with the good. I also need to watch my deadhead a little more, too, as that brings my income per mile down, too. Lately, I've been averaging over 15% deadhead and out of route miles. That's not Landstar's fault, but rather it's mine. I make the load choices, they just offer them to me. I just can't sit staring at a computer, waiting for the "perfect" load.

It is really amazing how in around 45 days how things completely change in the industry! One day LS is an O/O's "hero" and almost overnight they turn into a "loser"!

[truckermanitoba]

he did what was best for him. he still has his truck and trailer and has found something that works for him.The downturn will reverse sometime but have to survive till does.In my case the loads have slowed down it takes longer to get a reload but i am paid by mile and not my truck glad i never bought one have had a couple of chances to do

[magicman]

Dice, I would have left to do this job, even if things hadn't changed as drastic as they did. It pays WAY more than I could ever make at Landstar, without going to the oversize loads.

Yes, 45 days ago, things were beginning to turn bad. BUT, I didn't see it because all things in this industry are cyclic, as you well know. Problem was it didn't cycle back up and kept going down.

Rumor within Landstar has it that the lawsuit with OOIDA, although not that big of a deal, left a sour taste in some of their major customers' mouths. Evidentally there were some things charged to the companies inthe BCO's behalf that never made it to them. So, these customers found other companies to do the loads. THIS JUST A RUMOR THAT IS CIRCULATING. I have NO way to prove or disprove it, nor do I care to. I've moved on.

[Dice]

As of November 13th, 2006
Currently listing 2,613 loads in 49 states and provinces
posted by Landstar Carrier Group and Landstar Logistics agents.

Somebody posted LS had around 9,400 trucks that considering only 2,613 loads available for these trucks will have very very very low rates when you have too many trucks and not enough freight!!!!

Just an observation!

Good luck magicman on your new venture and now people will believe it when they hear everything is not so rosy over at Landstar!

[magicman]

As of November 13th, 2006
Currently listing 2,613 loads in 49 states and provinces
posted by Landstar Carrier Group and Landstar Logistics agents.

Somebody posted LS had around 9,400 trucks that considering only 2,613 loads available for these trucks will have very very very low rates when you have too many trucks and not enough freight!!!!

Just an observation!

Good luck magicman on your new venture and now people will believe it when they hear everything is not so rosy over at Landstar!


I have no doubt they will rebound, as any strong company will. Is it rosy there right now????? No. Is the load count down? Yes, it is. BUT I will say this: I looked at the broker board and found way less loads on it than the company board, so those figures may be skewed. A couple weeks ago there were 8,500 loads available system wide and only just over 4,000 available on the broker board. BUT, that is WAY less than there was back a year or so ago. It was nothing to see 9,000-12,000 loads on the board back then.


The new job will be OK.

[Dice]

I have no doubt they will rebound, as any strong company will. Is it rosy there right now????? No. Is the load count down? Yes, it is. BUT I will say this: I looked at the broker board and found way less loads on it than the company board, so those figures may be skewed. A couple weeks ago there were 8,500 loads available system wide and only just over 4,000 available on the broker board. BUT, that is WAY less than there was back a year or so ago. It was nothing to see 9,000-12,000 loads on the board back then.


The new job will be OK.

If truely feel that way, you would still be at Landstar! :zzz: :zzz:

Good luck on your new venture!

[Dice]

I have to share this, that a LS Agent called me today and I booked a load that was 1,035 miles for $2,600 this week. Must have been one of those scrap loads I keep hearing about. :D

[Capt._Chaos]

I have to share this, that a LS Agent called me today and I booked a load that was 1,035 miles for $2,600 this week. Must have been one of those scrap loads I keep hearing about. :D

So Dice- what ever happened to your gig at Watkins where you were bragging about pulling pups for $4 a mile??? ;)

[magicman]

I have no doubt they will rebound, as any strong company will. Is it rosy there right now????? No. Is the load count down? Yes, it is. BUT I will say this: I looked at the broker board and found way less loads on it than the company board, so those figures may be skewed. A couple weeks ago there were 8,500 loads available system wide and only just over 4,000 available on the broker board. BUT, that is WAY less than there was back a year or so ago. It was nothing to see 9,000-12,000 loads on the board back then.


The new job will be OK.

If truely feel that way, you would still be at Landstar! :zzz: :zzz:

Good luck on your new venture!


Again I will re-iterate, I would have left LS even if it was going good like it was earlier in the year. I fail to see any correlation between the amount of loads offered and the quality ($$$$$$) of the loads offered. :wtf: :wtf: :wtf:

[magicman]

I have to share this, that a LS Agent called me today and I booked a load that was 1,035 miles for $2,600 this week. Must have been one of those scrap loads I keep hearing about. :D


I'll finish up tomorrow with my present load that pays $3724.44 for 1178 miles. :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: That's TO the truck. $ 3.16 per mile. :D :D :D

SO, you see why I left. :chase: :chase: :chase:

[Dice]

I have to share this, that a LS Agent called me today and I booked a load that was 1,035 miles for $2,600 this week. Must have been one of those scrap loads I keep hearing about. :D

So Dice- what ever happened to your gig at Watkins where you were bragging about pulling pups for $4 a mile??? ;)

Please copy and post this where I was suppose to have made this statement involving Watkins that is now Fed-Ex National LTL????? :type:

[Dice]

I have to share this, that a LS Agent called me today and I booked a load that was 1,035 miles for $2,600 this week. Must have been one of those scrap loads I keep hearing about. :D


I'll finish up tomorrow with my present load that pays $3724.44 for 1178 miles. :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: That's TO the truck. $ 3.16 per mile. :D :D :D

SO, you see why I left. :chase: :chase: :chase:

Good for you that you found better than LS! We have the good loads and then the great loads. I had one last week Concord, NC to Pasadena, TX 1,051 miles for $5,100 @ $4.85 per mile to the truck. :yikes: :yikes: :yikes: 12 ft wide, 38,000 lbs, drop and hook with permits only costing $140. Picked up Monday am and delivered Tuesday afternoon. Even found a nice little 20' long generator to bring back towards the house weighing 22,000 lbs from New Orleans, LA to GA. Back to the house Thursday afternoon. It was a good week!!!! :cheers:

[tommy]

I have to share this, that a LS Agent called me today and I booked a load that was 1,035 miles for $2,600 this week. Must have been one of those scrap loads I keep hearing about. :D

So Dice- what ever happened to your gig at Watkins where you were bragging about pulling pups for $4 a mile??? ;)

Please copy and post this where I was suppose to have made this statement involving Watkins that is now Fed-Ex National LTL????? :type:


I remember readin this also Capt.

[Chiefwhatdahey]

I started this thread to give those who are thinking of coming to LS my honest experience. I would appreciate it if those that have a bone to pick or want to post claims that can't or won't be substantiated to start their own thread, this thread isn't about you. If someone has an experience negative or positive to post about LS by all means do so if you have been leased to LS otherwise start you own thread.

I have had a good experience with LS so far, it doesn't mean it hasn't had its pitfalls and their rules can sometimes be a bit ridiculous but it is their name on my door so I have to accept their rules or put my name back on my door.

As to recent activity regarding the amount of freight available, there is a downward trend in freight right now. As most of you know we are a supply and demand industry which means demand (high or low) will affect the rate. There is a lot of cheap loads on my company board that I will not haul regardless of what my last load paid. There is also a lot of good paying loads out there it just takes a little more time and patience to find those loads.

I have never nor will I post what I make, it is nobody's business and always starts a fight, which is not why I started this thread. I will say however that I am happy with the rates I get but due to the downward trend I am unhappy with how much time I spend putting together a load, I have been here before and down the road the trend will turn upward, it always does, my many years in this business tells me that.

[GMAN]

I was leased to Landstar several years ago. For the most part, my experience was positive. You have good agents and bad ones. Landstar has good paying loads as well as cheap ones. It depends on the agent who has the load. I run my authority and do broker some loads through them. If someone is an experienced driver or owner operator and are self motivated, they could do well with them. About the only difference between leasing to Landstar and running your own authority is the rate and freedom to find loads with other brokers or carriers. Of course, they also do your paperwork and file your fuel taxes for you. And then there is the 27-35% of the line-haul that they keep. :yikes:

[Jack5]

I was leased to Landstar several years ago. For the most part, my experience was positive. You have good agents and bad ones. Landstar has good paying loads as well as cheap ones. It depends on the agent who has the load. I run my authority and do broker some loads through them. If someone is an experienced driver or owner operator and are self motivated, they could do well with them. About the only difference between leasing to Landstar and running your own authority is the rate and freedom to find loads with other brokers or carriers. Of course, they also do your paperwork and file your fuel taxes for you. And then there is the 27-35% of the line-haul that they keep. :yikes:

Aren't you Gman1 over at trucknet? Welcome. :cheers: That is one reason I would rather have my authority,since the 35% of linehaul can add up FAST. :yikes:

[EVlLBOB]

Freight is down at Landstar or at least flatbed type freight is down. However this is not just a problem at Landstar. According to "The Trucking News" the downturn in the housing market has greatly affected flatbed freight. The other problem is that the government has still not approved the budget and government loads aren't being moved. October is usually my second biggest month and I did hardly anything that month because the government doesn't have any money until the budget is fully approved.

In regards to overall loads available versus the number of trucks Landstar has leased to them:

1. The Landstar.com load board available to the general public does not post all loads available.

2. The total number of trucks leased to Landstar does not mean that there is not enough freight when comparing the total number of trucks versus the total number of loads.
a. The total number of trucks 9600 doesn't take into account the number of trucks available for loads. Up to 1/3 or more trucks may be at home or not available for load at any given time.
b. A certain percentage of the 9600 trucks doesn't truck full time. Many at Landstar don't work through the winter months.

3. The winter months are traditionally slow for flatbed freight and the aforementioned conditions involving the downturn in housing and the federal budget not being approved have also greatly affected flatbed freight this year. I have not seen it this bad in the past several years.

My solution to the problem is to park my stepdeck and pull a van for a few months until things improve. I have done load searches and have found that there are plenty of good van loads to haul at Landstar and will set about hauling them until conditions improve. Magicman chose to leave and that was his solution to the problem. The point is that you must adapt and overcome and have a backup plan because business is dynamic. That is any business, not just trucking. Good luck out there.

[Chiefwhatdahey]

It's been a while since I posted so I figured I would update. Freight and the rates appear to be on the upswing for flat/step, there is still plenty of cheap loads but my time spent looking for the better paying freight is much less than it was a month ago. My phone is also ringing much more than it was which is a good indication that freight volume is up.


It has been just about a year since I closed my company and leased to Landstar, I told myself when I did this that I would give it a year and make a decision to either stay, retire from trucking or re up my authority, I have to say that I do miss running my own gig but I don't miss all the hassles that go with it. I have been thinking pretty hard lately about getting out altogether but who am I kidding, I can't find another gig where I live that supports the lifestyle I've accustomed myself to which is minimal work and maximum play :D So for now I'm going to stay put, I will reevaluate on a yearly basis and take it from there.

I've built some relationships with agents that I consider to be ethical and I also have a personal blacklist of agents that either are too stupid to be agents or are low class pusbags, if anybody that reads this complete thread including the pimples and has questions I will be happy to answer the ones I can. :cheers: