Landstar Questions

I gave up on leasing to Landstar after 7 weeks getting nowhere in the application process and got my own authority instead. Never liked how they talked down to me like I was a 6 year old either.

Does anyone know of any agents that work with customers that have reefer/dry van freight that they're willing to put on a new entrant? I've read its tough finding those first few loads, so I was hoping to have a general idea of where to start looking when I need to. Any tips on finding new entrant freight?

I run the midwest, but can do a load out of the southeast to get started.

 

I would start with some of the big brokers such as CH Robinson. They have about any type of freight you want. If you pull reefer you don't always need to crank up the refrigeration unit. You can also haul dry freight. I would try Schneider, Landstar, Allan Lund, Covenant, JB Hunt, etc., Once your authority is in place subscribe to a couple of loadboards. Start calling on loads that you are interested. I don't know if any of the ones I listed only work with carriers who have been around for a while.

 

Thanks. I was specifically looking for a landstar agent so I can get ahold of one of those fancy fuel/dicount cards that everyone loves.

Already talked on the phone with JBH power only, and they don't have an issue with new entrants. They even said that since I run out of Illinois I might be able to get in on their pilot program that would let me pick loads from their boards.

If they can meet my target CPM I'll give them a fair shake until I can shed the new entrant red flag. If they do really well for me, I might stick around until I can buy a trailer over renting one. Just trying to figure out how I can get that fuel card ASAP.

 

We'll hopefully be doing that same thing very soon. You need to call corporate and ask to speak to Rocco Devanzo though. That is complete crap and is the reason why we aren't pulling in more drivers than we are. He's the VP in charge of BCO retention.

 

After 34 years mostly O/O driving with no accidents, no freight claims, on time for deliveries, and last ticket in March 1981, I couldn't get past the woman that answered the phone because I liked less than a month meeting the requirements for recent OTR experience. I had the recent driving time, but it was mostly three state regional with just over 11 months recent OTR coast to coast, which didn't mean diddly to her.

I was going to buy another truck and come out of retirement of appx six months. And by now my recent experience is way past her limit.

 

You are talking about Landstar's "Savings Plus" program. Once you are set up as an approved carrier you can apply for the savings plus program. It is only a matter of signing some papers and they send you a comdata card. Once you get the card all of your carrier settlements will be deposited on the card. I would not get too excited about the fuel discounts. They are only offered at certain fuel stops. Some offer no discounts. Still, it is convenient and can save you money when you watch where you fuel. Call carrier services or corporate and ask for the savings plus department. They should be able to help you get set up. One drawback to the saving plus program is that you cannot load the card yourself. You only get discounts when there is money on the card. Unless you pull Landstar loads you won't have money on the card since they are the ones who load the card. If you haul for another broker you will not be able to get fuel discounts unless there is still money on the card. I knew a carrier who hauled some Landstar loads and just never touched the money on the card. It was only used for buying fuel. They hauled their own freight out and whatever they could get coming back. Landstar was one of several brokers that they used. There are other brokers who also have their own fuel card where they load your pay and they also have fuel discounts. I think that Bennett, Mercer, Schneider and others also have a similar program. All pretty much work the same. In order to get money on the card you must haul their loads.

 

I'd heard a lot of praise for the card, but nothing as to the actual means of obtainining it. It wasn't the only card I was planning on getting, but its nice to have options. Does that card also carry some discounts on parts and labor? One of the reasons I was looking at landstar originally was the LCAPP program, but that's out the window now. I guess I'll look into the CRE card, and one that a reasonable factoring company is offering me. I've still got plenty to learn.

 

I think that you can get some discounts with the card. As I recall, the Savings Plus program offers the same discounts as BCO's leased to Landstasr receive. I would call and ask about any discounts. It has been some time since I first looked at it. I find that I can get better pricing on my own than some offered by these programs, at least in some cases. Fuel discounts can be very helpful since that is the biggest expense we have as owners of trucks. You may check the Landstar website. There could be something about the program mentioned. However, I believe you will need to contact that department in order to receive current information.

 

Been a LS O/O for over 4 years now (3 with CRST, 1 with Arrow). I work South Texas (Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Laredo and oil field ares,McAllen and Corpus Christi areas) and I've never been happier with the load selection/pay. LS is like night and day with the aforementioned companies. Takes about 4 weeks to process through with a good record. Luck to you!

 

I run a Xoom as well as a laptop(I use the Xoom as a hotspot) I cannot print with my Xoom as my printer doesn't work with it. You will need a laptop for Landstar DirectScan so you can scan your bills from the truck, unless you like finding truckstops that have a working scanner. I've had the Xoom for a year now, and it's definitely not a laptop replacement, but it is fantastic to find loads on.