What no one tells you about Landstar...

Hey Brick, I can appreciate your devotion to LS and from all of the posts you have made regarding them in multiple threads. My question is; why do you have a problem with someone presenting an alternate view? You were obviously comparing apples to oranges when comparing open equipment to dry vans and the things that did transcend both segments of the industry, you agreed on. As has been said many times on this forum, not all companies are right for all people. I will say that LS provides something that no other BIG companies do and that is the freedom and independence. I will say that LS has as many good points as bad, and that is just based on several close friends that are leased there now and a couple of my O/Os who are former BCOs.

Since I have never worked there, I can't speak to too many details about there day to day operations. I do have knowledge of some of there shadier practices though as we have several customers in common. LS agents post alot of double-brokered frieght in the produce segment of their boards.

For example; potatoes out of Fl going to Frito Lay plants are CH Robinson loads. Any Joe Schmoe independent can get those loads from the original broker for as much if not more than what LS gets before they take there cut.(I can haul those taters for 2.55 a mile to Binghampton,NY all season long-based on 45k pounds. Landstar posts those loads at 2.25 a mile to LS then minus there % makes it about 1.40 or so to the BCO)

Another example is Indian Hills produce(bin watermelons). Those loads are also double brokered. LS posts them at about 2.40 from Cordele,GA to MI which is about 1.50 to the BCO. IH produce is one of my direct customers and I get 2.90 for the same loads.

Like I said, they have more good points than bad, but the point is that they do some things some may consider a little shady. My examples were a bit nit-picky but It is the only examples where I could provide first hand knowledge.

One of the first things one learns in any sales or marketing classes is; A person only gets a good deal if they think they got a good deal. I think that concept applies to jobs in this industry as well. A guy only has a good job if he thinks he does, and he only has a crappy job if he thinks he does. I don't know if that will make sense to anyone the way I stated it, but I know what I was trying to say.LOL

 

reefers and flats usually pay about the same,specialized permit loads on flats or open decks of all kinds pay the best,dry vans are less than all types,car haulers rates are highest except for some high paying permit oversize loads or overweight loads,tankers pay like reg flatbed loads and reefers,thats what I have seen and done in 42 years. I too like landstar and have never worked for them on their loads,but,on the other hand I have had friends and drivers in the truckstops show me their loads offered on landstar net and the rates were higher than vans than flats.When I hear a oo putting down the company they are leased to and never leaving,just complaining,It use to mean to us older fellas that the driver don't want to let on why he stays there and also doesn't want others over there taking loads. That is how it used to be and I believe it still is that way. All those complaints would surely make a man want to change companies,so I'll bet it is a good company now just like before,we all have more paperwork these days than ever,due to the ever changing times we are going thru every day out here and all the different regulations we and companies face today.Be safe out there,ya all"""

 

WHEW - The strength of your logic is only exceeded by the eloquence of your presentation.

 

I do not know much about LS..... I just faxed my app to them Tuesday... We will see I am looking to pull flatbed... Flatbed 73% Van 65% granted flatbed is a little more work... Hopefully I will know something soon then I can make my own conclusion!