besides schneider and landstar

No ... what is AA&E ????

 

Amunition and explosives.

 

Arms Ammunition and explosives, but they also haul other things for the goverment that requires DDPS.(dual driver protective service), Can take some time to get a security clerance.

 

All Landstar freight is handled by agents. I know of at least a couple of their agents who have told me that they don't like to load BCO trucks. One said that he only loads other carriers or independents. Some of their freight requires that it be put only on Landstar trucks. It depends on the agent and shipper. Landstar pays independents or other carriers 80% of the load. If you lease to them you get 73% if you have your own trailer. If you pull their trailer you only get about 65%. I believe they pay a small premium of 1% for pulling some specialized trailers. You should expect it to take about 6 months to learn Landstar's system.

 

If the larger carriers and feds have their way everyone who owns a class 8 truck used for otr will be required to have an EOBR. It isn't based upon the number of trucks. The legislation is already being challenged. We shall see if it gets changed or is thrown out. Even if it does pass, it will be 3 years before carriers and owners will be required to have them in their trucks.

 

Landstar usually likes for an owner operator be with them for a while before allowing them to haul A & E. And like you say, it still requires a security clearance and having a team. That also requires some time. It can takes several weeks to hear back on the security clearance.

 

I'm trying to find out about mercers van division too. I've spoke to the recruiter at mercer a couple of times. I don't believe the recruiter bs though. I'd like to hear from an actual van driver that is leased onto them. Problem is all I run across with them is flatbedders. Anyone pull a van for them in the Memphis area?

 

I don't know the last time that I saw a Mercer van. If you want to pull a van, you may want to find a carrier who has a lot of van freight. If you want to go with Mercer, you would probably be much better off pulling a flat or step deck.