Landstar Questions

I hope this isn't something that has been asked before. I went through the whole approval process last year was approved and then I decided to put it off after looking at some printed load sheets they sent me. The rates were so low I would have been making less than where I'm at. A question I have is about the FSC. When the rate is posted on the load board does that rate all ready include the FSC? Or is the amount posted the base rate? I can't see the load board but I did look at the Landstar broker board and it has really picked up in my area (Forida) atleast it seems that way.

 

Most of the time the rate includes the FSC. Some times in the comment section on the board it will note inclusive or plus FSC. Depends on the agent how its posted.

 

So if the FS is included in the rate, does that mean that Landstar and the Agent would get a cut of it?

Do they include the FS in the rate to make the revenue appear better than what it really is?

Thanks.

R/

Frat

 

I am thinking of buying a truck and signing on with Landstar. I would like drivers to give me a current status as to how they are doing there, and I have a question as to what is currently the issue in each case.

1. Is there enough good paying freight? (I understand the answer will probably be "never", but you know what I mean) lol

2. How bad is this whole issue with LS agents selling good frieght to brokers and companies? I can imagine it does happen, but is it so bad that it happens more often than not?

3. How often do you call on a load, only to end up not getting it for one reason or another?

4. How long is your average deadhead? Is it because there is only cheap freight in the area and you have to go to better paying runs, or is it a lack of loads?

5. Time constraints? Are most of their loadS HOT, or is there a good mix?

6. Do you find yourself having to stay out longer than you would like to just to stay profitable?

7. Finally... What are the chances of making an average of 1500 a week?

Yeah, these might be a bunch of noob questions. I know. I apologize. But I would truly appreciate someone who currently drives for LS to answer these questions for me.

Thank you

 

1. Is there enough good paying freight? (I understand the answer will probably be "never", but you know what I mean) lol

The good part is rates are up along with freight volume, the bad part, they only hire about 3 out of 100 applying, get approved before you buy.

Yes 3 out of 100, they are particular about who they hire.

 

Thanks for the reply Old Man.

I hope I don't have a problem getting in. I got a clean record, military service, and a little over 3 years driving.

If you drive for LS right now, I'd love to hear what you got to say about the issue with them selling frieght away to brokers and stuff instead of their drivers. Is there still a decent amount of good freight left over that you can actually get? P

 

The FSC is backed out of the rate before L/S gets a cut. "make the revenue appear better"????? Depends on the agent how its posted. If your not very smart then it would look better. If your not very smart you don't belong at L/S

 

You do the math 15,000 to 20,000 loads posted a day plus the stuff that is never posted, 8500 BCO's, they do broker a lot of freight, on the other hand the good quality customers don't allow their freight to be brokered out.

 

Thats encouraging. Thank you.

 

This is what many don't understand: Some customers will not allow their freight to be brokered. Some agents don't post their freight because they would rather call a BCO than have the phone ringing all the time. That freight is never on ANY BOARD.