Hey guys why does it take so long for Landstar to get you approved especially if you have an excellent driving record and all?

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Krockodile

I sent my application (to be qualified as operator) on Thursday and a lady called today to say that they got the app. and that it is normally 3 to 5 days. I got my haz-mat back on the license and got a new 2 year card before sending off the papers. I didn't want to hear any smack about a physical.

My problem is that I don't have a truck and I don't know what to get or where to get it from: here are the pros and cons that I have now. I have started several threads on here but have received minimal input.

Freightliner Century:

Cons:This is the truck I know best, which is a con. The cabinets and dash vibrate like heck and screws start falling out everywhere. My knee gets banged up slamming into the cup holder all day. No majore repairs but nit-picking repairs every week.
Pros: An aerodynamic truck that I know gets ok fuel mileage with a Detroit and it is an affordable truck. I've never had any major problems with my freightliner. I will probably have to settle for a selectruck since I am a first time buyer.

Volvo: Pros: I drove one once, and it was a great ride with lots of room and I know they get good fuel mileage.
Cons: They're expensive and I have heard nothing but awful things about them. My friend was driving a brand new one and it had electrical problems and something wrong with the front end.

Peterbilt: Pros: An American truck of high quality made in America. I would love to have a 387, since it is aero, but I don't know if I can get one as a first time buyer.
Cons: I don't know anything about the 387 - I don't know if it has enough room in the back. I dont' know if I can get one as a first time buyer. I don't want a cat engine - I heard they get horrible fuel mileage and parts are expensive.

Kenworth: Same as above. Would love the t2000, but don't know how much room is really in the back and if I could get one, etc.

Mack: No thanks.

Western Star: Pros: truck has tons of toom in the sleeper. Cons: they're huge. You better know what you're doing with one of these even bobtailing. Had one for about 6 months and loved it, but I know they don't get good fuel mileage, so no go.

I am looking for 13 speeds, an engine that gets good fuel mileage (detroit 500???), and an aero truck, with lots of room in the front and the sleeper. I would love to have an APU as well, but I can't find many trucks with them on except for big ole pete's and western stars that have cat's in them.

Good luck at Landstar. I hope to get with them soon. I am excited about taking my life in a new direction by choosing where i get to go!!!

Get a KW T600 with at least 475hp CAT, 13 spd and run 60 to 65. You'll see plenty of mpg and reliability.


Folks love to hate on Cats for poor mileage. But then thats what happens to those that are on top of the heap. Every body else tries to tear them down to their level.

Cats can and do get 6 to 7.5 mpg, I've owned em.

One thing you are correct about is the parts can be costly.

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Took me and others I know 2 months to finalize every thing.

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I've owned Stars for over 40 years and have always got as good fuel mileage as anyone else. The most important thing in fuel mileage is driver habits.

Can we have a Amen, or a Oh boy?

Concerning what brand of truck to buy?

Freightliners are prolly the most less expensive truck to drive. Service is almost everywhere. Parts are cheap and you can get 7-8 mpg always if you have great habits.

They do need a lot of attention. But the kind of attention you can afford starting out.

My Columbia makes me money. I've driven Pete's and want one.
However I don't want the fuel mileage nor the parts price tag.

You need to save the money that you make at Landstar not spend it all. That way you can survive all the pitfalls that you'll encounter no doubt.

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2001 FreightShaka Columbia With Flatbed in tow!

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'''Like a Rocket Sled on Wheels'''||.....|||'|";,__.
_...._______HONDA Racing______|__||_|_|...,]
"(#)'""""""(#)"""""""""""""""*|(#)(#)********( #)

I have stickers of things that I'd like to buy for my bike, so people better watch out.

Just a question, and no, I'm not bein' smart or sarcastic, I just can't find a straight answer on the subject:

I've read the varying opinions about the Kitties for a long time. Cat is now getting out, or has already gotten out, of the new truck engine business and isn't planning to get back in. There's some obvious implications with their exit, but do you think parts availability and price will be effected also?

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Hey Medicineman, I have just applied at Landstar, they stopped charging their trailer rental fees! At least nothing I have seen on their website

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Krockodile

Better dig a little deeper unless they've changed it in the last month. As I understand it, the difference is in the percentage you get running you own trailer as opposed to running theirs. I think the difference is about 7.5% yours vs theirs.

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From what I've heard parts will still be available thru their dealer networks. They have too much reputation at stake to stop supporting existing models.

2009 is the last yr you can buy CAT engines in a truck. The reasons for this are they got tired of the gooberment interference on emissions. They also have an alliance with I believe International, and will be consulting them. I look for IH to build a CAT/IH engine.

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