Landstar reveals it reliance on brokers, has nothing to fear

I think Forty Cal may have just......
Shot me Down In Flames...

 

I'm just pointing out value. If you run mostly broker freight, then yes, authority can be a good idea if you're willing to stay compliant which is easier said then done in the Northeast. It WILL cost you money to stay compliant, you will pay for load boards, and you will use up more of your time finding loads, chasing money, collecting data and filing returns, etc. When you call on 20-30 loads, and every call is a negotiation, you'll miss LSOnline. If you have a solid plan to go on your own and REAL reasons to do it, go for it.

 

I just want to make sure you make the right choice, and base it on facts, not speculation. LS has its faults, and the EOBR is up at the top of the list. If that is you reason for leaving, more power to you. I truly understand. I hope I don't have to make that choice until the Feds require it.

 

LANDSTAR8891 sure looks like those ROSE COLOURED GLASSES sure changed your view of LS in slightly 1 month from when you posted the following.

"This run starts this week and it's a dedicated run.The last guy retired from L/S and it became open...The run is a milk run and it is 3 days worth of work dedicated..The total round is 1250 ''hub'' miles and 15000 lbs or less and pays 3,800.00....My take is around 2,000 to the dinner table...If i want i can run short hops in my 4 days off if i want for extra $.."

I will have 4 days off and i will be the go to man for this important customer working directly with the agent/customer relationship.I have allready met the manager that is running this and he seems to like me allready.He gave me a compliment on how i look and dress professional.He even mentioned that i keep a nice truck for the year.He was impressed by my whole clean cut appearence...Wish me luck on my new dedicted run..."

 

I am dedicated to this run as we speak.As a matter of fact i am doing now...

The money ''IS NOT THE ISSUE''...Everything in life is not about the MONEY.I have plenty of money.More than most think....I seek FREEDOM FREEDOM FREEDOM...I just may be unwilling to see the reality of the whole trucking business.It seems to be going in the direction of having GROWN adults treated like little babies....

This is why i am ''entertaining'' the whole AUTHORITY...I am sorry some facts about Landstar get people peeing on themselves.But some of it is B/S and shame on Landstar...

 

I want to bring some attention to as of lately, My husband has had several different dedicated very good paying loads. Only being used temporarily to run these loads, that are being given to other companies or Independent drivers. NOT because Landstar drivers aren't available to pull them. But because They, the agents are making more money brokering them out instead of giving them to BCO's. They also have started offering fuel discounts, tire discounts, ect to independent drivers. This is at land star broker. com..
I feel its a conflict of interest to BCO's working for Landstar. For this reason he is contemplating leaving after being there for 9 yrs.

 

Landstar has been doing all of the above for the whole 9 years your husband has been a BCO. How do I know? Because before I was a BCO (4 years now), I had multiple trucks and my own authority. In 2005, the year your husband started with Landstar, my two trucks did $100,000 as an outside carrier, and LS was not our biggest broker. It is what it is under pickle man, but what it isn't, is anything new. Good luck.

 

I am aware they broker loads out. In the past they were required to post them to the board for at least a couple of hours before letting outside entities pull them. They may have been doing so But its not ok.
When they are being taken away from BCO's and given to other truck companies or Independents. These accounts are also using Landstar trailers which seem in short supply. Many drivers are having to wait a good while for a trailer.
Giving outside sources discounts is something new.
There doesn't seem to be an reason to sign on with them or stay. You are right It is what it is. But people need to know what they are dealing with.

 

My point is it's nothing new. They've never had to wait a time period for BCO's to decline loads. I called up agents all the time and booked freight that wasn't posted to LSBroker. I bought fuel at Landstar pricing with my Landstar Savings Plus Comdata card in 2006. I also bought tires at TCI in Orlando using the savings plus discount that year as well. I think the discounts were available in 05 as well, but it's been to long for me definitely say. I completely agree with you about outside carriers pulling our trailers. The main reason to be here is to find a few good agents, specifically in a niche market, that have their own customers. I'm making money like crazy in today's market, and I'm getting it while the getting is good. I live in FL so opportunity to find a good carrier is slim. There are better places to lease to or go on your own based on where you live.