Landstar or Own Authority and Load Boards?

I would never discourage anyone from getting there own authority. With that said, if you do it, you had better get some direct shipper frieght in a hurry. If your business plan consists of running broker frieght from the boards, you will wish you hadn't. The rates that brokers are paying are so depressed right now that a guy leased to a company making $.95 per mile plus fuel surcharge would be doing much better financially without all of the added costs of a trailer and getting and maintaining authority(insurances,compliance,etc.).

 

Keep in mind that loading off the boards you will be hauling less than desirable feight that other trucking companies don't want on their trucks.

Another pitfall is being subject to waiting 90 days or longer for your money. In some instances you have to turn the freight bill over for collection or lawsuit. This is why it is imperative that you must run a credit check on every customer the first time and randomly thereafter.

Unless you want to do all your IFTA, Road mile tax, Ad Valorem Tax, this tax, that tax, registration, drug screening, and multitudes of others you will need to hire a legalization service that will do this for you for a fee.

Now to Landstar. Being leased to them is like having the best of both worlds. You are truly independent with no strings attached. Its like having your own authority with the protection of a large company.

There are no dispatchers. You will seek out and book your own freight. If you are not a motivated self starter you will not succeed. There is nobody to hold your hand. You must make it happen on your own. That, to me, is one of the best benefits about Landstar. You can book the freight that suits your business plan and not what some dispatcher thinks you ought to have. No dispatcher controlling your income so you can fall into "fleet average".

Be informed that the turndown rate for Landstar hovers about 85%. They are the pickiest people in the world and will only lease on the best.

I could go on and on but why not post or email me with specific questions?

 

Your unstable work record could hurt you at LS. If you have only been with your current carrier for only 2 months don't you think you may be making a rash decision?

 

They accepted me with a recent poor work history. However, prior to 2003 my history was stable. They appear to be more concerned about safety. If you have a safe driving record maybe that will help, but not sure of that. You will need a copy of your long form physical. In my experience, this was the most difficult part. They were looking for exact language from the doctor in regard to previous surgery.

Applying with them can't hurt. From what I'm reading outbound northeast rates are terrible. I can't justify the risk at this time. Rates within the northeast might be good, but not sure. Best of luck to you

 

should be appeared....lucky for me no essay on application...