I am not yet leased to LS, having just recently put in my application, but it seems to me that this is the underlying truth of the matter. It seems like an impossibility for LS to know everything that each of their agents are doing, just as with the o/o's. Since the agents are independents just as the drivers are, it stands to reason that not all of them are looking out for the best interests of LS and the drivers as a whole. So, if one of them tries to get you to do something you know is wrong and unsafe, say no, and report it up the line. I would suggest avoiding that particular agent in the future also, whenever possible. But, as I said, I am not leased on here yet. I'm just learning the ropes ahead of time as best as I can.
Yes. All Landstar BCO's are required to maintain their hazmat endorsement. There are a lot of hazmat loads within Landstar and it allows us to have a larger network of drivers who can potentially pull the loads if they wish to.
Two questions. I'd like to know the current flat/step freight climate in CA at Landstar. I understand it is slow overall, but I see a lot less LS trucks than Mercer trucks sitting in Barstow. I try to stay in the corn belt for a few weeks when I go to work. I just like to get a decent freight to get out of CA without having to wait for 2+ weeks after I go home. The other question is trailer purchase program/discount. - What brand(s) are available? - How much of a discount can you get on average? - Is this only applicable to brand new trailers direct from the factories, or can you get discount on brand-new last-year's models sitting on various dealer lots? - Are BCOs responsible for lining up their own financing, or does LS have accounts with the manufacturer(s) or some banks? I have a paid for Fontaine Renegade flat. Looking to get a 51+foot step with slider. With the price of used trailers as high as it is (I can make $5k profit off my Fontaine if I sold it now), it almost makes sense to buy a new/never-used old trailer if you can get good discount.
Rates are crap coming out of California. Sometimes you can get lucky. There is plenty of freight coming out if you are willing to run for $1/mile. That is if you want to run east. Some agents may have better rates, but you need to get on their loadboard to check specific lanes or rates. Their rates are better if you want to run up and down I-5. Getting decent rates with Landstar requires that you identify those agents who have the rates and freight in the lanes you want to run. That takes a little time. Most of your other questions can be found by calling LCAPP. It is the part of Landstar that helps BCO's get discounts on equipment, tires, etc., You can find the contact information on Landstar's website. When I was leased to them I could have saved $500 if I bought a Great Dane on my own out of a near by dealer with the same specs. They can save on some items. I always check around. As I recall they will finance after you have been with them for about a year and they see how you run. For current information it would be best to speak with LCAPP directly.
It's basically same at Mercer. Plenty of $1.3x/mile freight, going to middle of nowhere. The only saving grace currently is occasional military freight out of Ft. Irwin, 29 Palms, etc. I still get $2-ish/mile to the truck hauling HMMWVs. I figured I'd ask. Not as many LS trucks sitting as Mercer trucks in CA. I understand many good stuff at LS never hits the load board, and as you say, it'll take a while before I get to know agents. I have enough savings to survive for a while, but economy being uncertain due to election, fuel price, etc, I'm not really inclined to take a gamble and deplete my account. I guess it's a case of grass is always greener in your neighbor's yard. I think I'll stick around Mercer until the freight picks up. Thanks for your input.
We can still load mercer, but unfortunately most of the stuff we'll have in CA until the summer is all regional on our end.
Former member here Redd (if you knew him), who's also leased to Mercer, was exploring that option. From what he told me, Mercer makes getting loads from other carriers/brokers pretty complicated. By the time Mercer takes their cut, it's really not worth the hassle. Appreciate your input, though. I'll keep you in mind if/when I go Landstar or get my own authority. I really don't mind doing western region if rates and freight availability are good.
