Landstar Questions

I noticed this the last time I was running the I-40 in New Mexico. The Love's was cheaper than the TA/Petro. I run the same freight lanes so I am getting used to where to fuel and not to.

 

They said ot take bout 1 1/2 hrs, havent had mine installed yet though.

 

If your getting a van trailer it might take a while.....Look for loads that are power only or tow away while your waiting.

 

I appreciate that, it seem like it will be a SLOW process.

 

hello everyone. new here. i am going to orientation monday with landstar. i have been reading all your posts and there is definitely a wealth of info on here. i just have one question when you guys quote rates like don't haul for less than 2.00 a mile or something similar is that before or after ls gets there cut and does that include fuel surcharge also?

 

Less than an hour for the basic qualcomm unit.

No website on its own will improve my fuel mileage,the idea is to have a solid understanding of my numbers. Having a running average of my MPG,CPM and my average fuel cost helps me see where I need to improve and what areas I should focus on to improve my business. Fuel is the largest and most controlable expense I have and its one I take very seriously.

If an O/O is running wild with no knowledge of his numbers when it comes to fuel I doubt he is consistently keeping his fuel costs less than .50 CPM. Most people I talk to that have a dry van operation seem to use an average of 6.5 MPG or .65 CPM when it comes to fuel numbers,thats pathetic. Maybe I see things a bit different,but then again I bought a business not a job. Anything that helps me to impove my operation is worth the little bit of effort it takes and sharing things with others helps make this industry better.

 

Was that pump price. I just dont see there being alot of times that your going to beat TA's cost plus price. But its always good to check.

 

Most of the time your seeing the all in rate.

This dont haul for less than 2.00 a mile way of thinking is dangerous,especially for new BCO's. This way of thinking along with the saying "dont haul cheap freight" both need to be ignored. Your rate needs to be the rate that keeps your operation profitable. I just pulled a 7k load out of UT back to Cali for a 1.88 if I combine that with the 2.78 I get going out Im averaging 2.33. Guess I should have waited around in UT for a few days for that 2.00 load. Im sure my customer in Cali would hold my next 2.78 load while I fiddle farted around.

I know more than a few guys that can run all week long for less than 2.00 and they do fine. At LS there is no reason why you should be averaging less than 2.00 if your running your business correctly. New BCO's need to learn about the lanes and rates in the areas they want to run. Once you know your lanes and rates things will fall into place it just takes some effort and good customer service. There is no reason with good planning that you should end up in a dead zone but if you do then you keep moving. If getting back on your lane means hauling "cheap freight" or empty moving its what you need to do. Bottom line is if your doing things right at LS you really never should be under 2.00 unless its by choice.

 

thank you desert_skies. you and i think a lot alike. i ain't out here for the wonderful scenery and the great meals at the truckstops!!! i am in business to make money. i drive slow to get the best fuel mileage and i study up on everything i can that will increase my bottom line. so when i look at a load on the loadboard will it be broken down as to line haul, fsc and any accesories?

 

I was planning on trying to come over to landstar in after august when I hit 23 year old. one problem, my brother-in-law is finishing up his tour with the army at that time and wants to come drive with me. he will be fresh with his shiny new cdl and only 21 years old. how will that affect the hiring process, it will be my truck and I will be lead seat. he will just be a co driver. im stumped, im don't wanna leave him to the dogs cause I wanna switch and I really cant afford to not get away from where I am. will they take us. clean records across the board. both with army backgrounds. and a clean truck for kicks.

I will have 2 years shifting gears by then as well.