Compared the two

Mercer - paid after each load
Landstar - paid once a week
Mercer - pays approx 75%
Landstar - pays between 67% using their trailers to 75% using your own trailer (I think)
Mercer - pays your IFTA tax
Landstar - YOU pay your IFTA tax
Mercer - you can choose your load from their board OR have your coordinator/dispatcher pick your loads
Landstar - you do your own dispatch
Mercer - first in first offered on load
Landstar - whoever calls in the fastest (or offered to friends and family of their agents)
Mercer - gives driver a chance if they get tickets or warnings by offering safety training to reduce points
Landstar - will fire you for a warning you may have received months before
Many small differences, but they all add up. Your mileage may vary.

 

Mercer cool landstar drool

 

As stated there are many differences between the two. Both are good companies and depending on you will determine which one is better. For me Mercer is the only choice. But I know for many Landstar might be better. I'm not sure why but I do believe everyone has a right to decide for themselves.

 

Mercer is 75%, not approx. Edit: It was pointed out to me that approx. was correct. It's actually 75% of 99% which equals 74.25% of 100%.

Landstar is 65% with their trailer and 72% with your own van or flat and 75% for reefer. I may be wrong on the flat %. It may also be 75%, but I think it is the 72%. It's been a couple years since I have left.

 

Mercer is actually 74%! They pay 75% of 99%(1% excluded for insurance) which is 74%.

 

Close enough. Wanna split hairs? It actually works to 74.25% of 100%! lol

 

Landstar charges 1.5% for ins.

 

I didn't know that!

 

Of course it could have changed, not like i call them every day, but that's what it used to be when i was trying to make up my mind between mercer, admiraln landstar, ace doran, daily, fikes, and bennett.