Landstar Questions

Discussion in 'Landstar' started by Brickman, Jun 25, 2007.

  1. Driver Eight

    Driver Eight Light Load Member

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    Oct 26, 2012
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    This is the exact thing I’ve been struggling with. Yet someone out there is buying the new trucks. The only thing I can come up with is the warranty advantage. Which, can make up some of the difference. I don’t know about tax write off ins and outs. Just beginning to dive into my options.
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2019
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  3. Hegemeister

    Hegemeister Road Train Member

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    Jun 16, 2012
    Mechanicsburg, PA
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    Depends somewhat on the type of freight your hauling.
     
  4. Driver Eight

    Driver Eight Light Load Member

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    I assume this is in reference to financial advantage in the choice of truck. What type of freight would be best with a used truck v a new truck?
     
  5. Shardrk

    Shardrk Light Load Member

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    Aug 14, 2011
    Macon, GA
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    I would recommend freight with a flexible delivery time schedule, and also flexible pickup when you can do it. That would allow for time to fix those easy to repair breakdowns without incurring any failure of service penalty. Look for a company that fits that bill. I know 2 easy to find companies where that is possible, and there may be more. Landstar is one of them. The freight would depend on the company. I have pulled both flatbed and van for the same company previously, and more flatbed customers on average seemed much more flexible for deliveries on average. "Any time is fine. We were just hoping you'd be here before the end of next week" was one response I got on a Tuesday. (Yes, two different averages). However, the one company I will probably come out of retirement to join does not do flatbed. Still flexible times. Landstar is still in my sights though as one of those two.

    Honestly this is the wrong question. You spec the truck to the freight and area you run, not pick the freight based on new or used. And honestly, New trucks seem to break down quite often as well. It's just when you get done wrestling about it, you often get the repair paid for. Doesn't help with the downtime though when it happens.

    The key is how much money do you have set aside for those unplanned breakdowns? Is it enough to cover your company and personal bills during the downtime? Is it enough to cover the repair cost to get back on the road? Is it a repair you will have to pay and then get re-imbursed, or just pay out of pocket? How difficult is it to get the repair bill covered by the warranty? Those are the questions to have in mind while doing your research.

    Best of luck. I recommend you do not bypass those questions, and truthful answers compared to the other experienced owners inputs here. They can be the difference between probable, but not guaranteed, success and almost certain failure.
     
    F4T6UY, Driver Eight and Dave_in_AZ Thank this.
  6. interpreter

    interpreter Light Load Member

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    Jan 3, 2013
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    Good idea is to find a list of WM DCs and separate the grocery from the GM. Only haul groceries if it’s well worth the PITA to wait.
     
  7. interpreter

    interpreter Light Load Member

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    I bet that’s just a hoot when said guy is watching his Landstar demo on the ####ter...
     
  8. interpreter

    interpreter Light Load Member

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    When in the process do you have to give them information on your truck? Coming over to Landstar (or anyone else for that matter) would be my sole reason for purchasing a truck. I would hate for something strange to happen in the hiring process and end up being rejected. I don’t foresee any reason that would happen but it pays to cover all bases.
     
  9. interpreter

    interpreter Light Load Member

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    The problem you’re missing is that as a professional driver, it’s YOUR responsibility to inform the doctor of your status as a CDL holder. I had a doctor prescribe me Xanax years ago for anxiety. I had to remind him I have a CDL. He promptly gave me a prescription for something that was non-controlled.
     
  10. chasedog

    chasedog Light Load Member

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    Not at all. You can go thru the entire hiring and orientation process and then secure your truck. Most drivers do bring their truck to orientation because while you are in class LS can install your ELD and apply the labeling on the sides, but you can wait. You will have already had to pizz in a cup and had your ballz rubbed if you haven't recently had a physical, but the rest of it including the IRS $550 fee can be done after you have your truck. And you'll need an inspection at a LS approved facility which you will pay for. Expect a delay of a week or two as opposed to getting it all done before and during orientation.
     
    interpreter Thanks this.
  11. secorp

    secorp Medium Load Member

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    Jan 16, 2013
    Lakeland Florida
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    I remember the LS inspection as being free as long as you passed.
     
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