Landstar Questions

So there is a pretty good chance I could keep a reefer loaded and moving then . I am seriously thinking about getting a reefer trailer what is the tought from the rest of you?

 

Actually I think the opposite. Leasing on to a company that doesn't specialize in the trailer you pull sounds like a bad move, but that is just me. I've owned reefers, vans, flats and step, and I don't see the opportunity here for reefers. I definitely could be wrong, but its a big gamble. Just because some loads are listed on the board doesn't mean they are good loads. There are a lot of agents here without direct freight that just repost loads from other brokers. If I went crazy and bought another reefer, it wouldn't be leased to Landstar, and I'm pretty happy with being a BCO.

 

If I were to go back under a reefer, I'd be searching out the Agents that move chemicals and pharma. Alot of that requires temp control and pays pretty good. Yea, it would be a 53 with a space saver unit, for whatever dry freight I could find, too.

 

Thanks for the replies, think I will stick to pulling one of the vans then.

 

Does Landstar have container loads going to the west coast ports? Do they pay the same as van freight?

 

Most of our container loads are hauled on flatbeds and stepdecks, not chassis.

 

would Landstar help with brake downs if needed? I am also looking into Landstar and was curious.

 

I would think it has something to do with the fact.....it's YOUR BUSINESS, not theirs. Are you going to lead Landstar money if they start having financial issues? Being an O/O means you are a businessman/woman FIRST, then a driver. Two words...PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!

This not ment to disrespect or belittle you personally. It just happens to be a pet-peeve of mine that people have a mentality that it should be others responsibility to take care of them should something go wrong.

 

I totally agree with you Jd, but I have seen the time when I had a major brake down and low and behold before I built the funds back up something else goes wrong. So it was a hypothetical question.
By the way to answer your other statement, we as owner operater do lend them the company money if they start having financial problem. They start cutting back thing from us, expect more for less in hard times, so to answer that part of it yes we do lend them money. LOL but no disrespect taken.

 

I can tell you from personal experience that they will lend you money for emergency repairs, but I don't think they will do a long term loan. I believe the most they are willing to do is a ten week pay back, but they prefer sooner. Also, you need to establish yourself with them first. I think if you were to start here tomorrow, and need an engine overhaul in a week, they wouldn't be willing to help you out.
After you've been here awhile, and they know how you work, and your revenue per week, they will have something to work with. Since I've been here in April, I've bought 2 steer tires, paid cash to LCAPP for them, then I got 8 drive tires. I paid $2,000 up front, and LCAPP financed the other $2100 over 5 weeks. Then, I needed 2 tires for my trailer, and they financed them for 4 weeks. By doing this, as well as working regularly and showing I am here for the long haul ( pun intended), I am establishing myself as being responsible.
In September, I had an EGR valve go bad, and I replaced it, along with a few other parts related to it, at Volvo in Tuscon. I paid cash for this, as I have the money for it. But the next day, I had the other one go out. I had the money to pay for this also, but it would have drained my account, and I wouldn't have anything for an emergency again. I asked Landstar, and they said they would loan me the money to fix it. I paid it off in 4 weeks at $350/wk., and I was able to keep my emergency funds intact, as well as build them up again.
As jdentzjr said, it is our business, and we need to be responsible for our business. But, Landstar won't leave us out there without any help whatsoever. They really do want us to succeed, and they have many programs available to teach and help us do so. but, emergencies do happen also, and they understand this.
In short, I wouldn't want to be leased on anywhere else. I hope this helps answer your question.