Landstar Flatbed? One Year Experience.

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by jgrues, Apr 3, 2024.

  1. jgrues

    jgrues Bobtail Member

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    Jul 21, 2019
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    Howdy gents and ladies.

    Currently a lease op for a large carrier in their flatbed division. I have a year of experience now and still have a lot to learn, really enjoy the job, but am looking at better opportunities.

    The relationship is beginning to sour, with me paying over $1,200 a week on the lease (that I won’t own), a dispatcher that forgets home time or doesn’t honor to route requests, and a number of very low grossing weeks without good reason (always early to appointments, and no accidents, claims or citations).

    Another driver put a bug in my ear and I’m trying to get some preliminary research done. So tell me what I know correctly or don’t know at all. But it sounds like I could put some money down through a truck financing company like Lone Mountain, pay up for an MC number, plates, etc. Then start running with Landstar if I’m accepted and make better income with more control over my routes/home time. Open to OTR Midwest regional or lower 48 which is what I do now.

    My personal overhead is low. House is rented out, personal vehicle is paid off, I have savings in the bank, and very excellent credit. No accidents/preventables, DUIs, criminal history, or load claims. I’m in my mid 30s. Only thing I’m missing per LS requirements is a hazmat endorsement which I can get.

    Does anyone have experience running with them? Can advise me on potential expectations if I take this route? Have any input on variables I should be aware of? Or have any suggestions on additional options I should consider?

    Much appreciate the assistance!
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
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  3. Kenworth6969

    Kenworth6969 Road Train Member

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    You'd be better off being company driver than hauling at today's cheap rates and giving up large percentage.
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  4. 77fib77

    77fib77 Road Train Member

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    Have you talked to LS? You don't need an MC if you lease on with them. You can get a plate with them too. Flat rental is $180 a week. If you rent one, you get an extra 8% for your cut. You need to book $2400 a week to cover the $180 a week.
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  5. jgrues

    jgrues Bobtail Member

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    Jul 21, 2019
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    I have not spoken to them. Considering applying but at this point just gathering intel so I understand as much as I can going in. That info is helpful. Looking for others experience/knowledge as much as possible.
     
    77fib77 Thanks this.
  6. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    What he said.
     
    exhausted379 and Diesel Dave Thank this.
  7. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    South west Missouri
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    If you’re looking at 65% of linehaul, and payments on a trailer or dealing with LS trailer fleet - as @Kenworth6969

    said - you’re better as a company driver.

    Honestly, if you have a paid for truck and flat - I could be more positive about the idea.

    I’ve been there 9 years with truck and 2 deck trailers if that means anything.

    Right now, leasing a truck and renting a trailer is an unstable idea.
     
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2024
  8. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    You can buy a truck with much cheaper payments.

    I don't know why everyone insists on the long haul cheap freight idea though. When staying home working local pays better. And you're not running the truck in to the ground. You do need a trailer though.
     
  9. 77fib77

    77fib77 Road Train Member

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    It's 65% of the line haul if you just use their trailer. If you rent one of theirs or have your own its an "extra" 8% of the linehaul. So, 73%.
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  10. 77fib77

    77fib77 Road Train Member

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    Call them first ask them there requirements.

    Look at ET transportation videos on YouTube. He cover truck auction prices and other things. Auction prices are going down. Buying a Ritchie brothers truck might be a thought. Volvo offers their warranty on used trucks. Freightliner select trucks, does the same I believe. Melton flatbed sells trucks with warranties remaining. Melton the flatbed company.

    You need to buy a headache rack, and flatbed equipment too.
     
  11. RStewart

    RStewart Road Train Member

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    The idea of staying home and running local is nice so I'm assuming that you have your own customers? When I was running the load boards I didn't see much local freight and I doubt those brokers are paying any better for local runs than they are otr runs.
     
    exhausted379 and 77fib77 Thank this.
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