Landstar Review from former Landstar Owner Operator

An HONEST Landstar review from a former Landstar Owner Operator since they can't fire me! Landstar can be a bit strict about what's posted to social media so it's difficult to get true thoughts from an owner operator still working for that Landstar pay! Well, since I'm no longer a Landstar BCO, here's my unadulterated thoughts about Landstar Transportation.
I create educational trucking videos so consider subscribing!! 👇🏻
🛑 Subscribe here for teaching Trucking Videos - kzbin.info...
Landstar Review from former Landstar Owner Operator
Equipment used in my videos
Camera - amzn.to/2KsoWNG
Desk Mic - amzn.to/3KrRvd4
Rode Mic- amzn.to/2PR7ybj
Lens - amzn.to/2KoIhPG
Joby Gorillapod - amzn.to/2QY6wXn
Drone - amzn.to/3mPvLvg
ND Filter For Camera - amzn.to/3i8geTJ
Rolling Camera - amzn.to/2DV37WA
Music From Epidemic Sound
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
TubeBuddy- A secret weapon for creators
www.tubebuddy.com/Driventrucking
Disclosure- Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
01:08 Hiring
02:05 Hazmat
03:09 New Hire Tools
04:47 Agent Load Search
07:33 Mentors
10:02 Safety Net
14:12 Pay
17:24 Preparation
#landstar #owneroperator #trucking

[@BJ-iv6ly]

Really good advice here. Trucking can be a very good jumping off place for a different career if you treat it like a business by knowing the numbers. As a high school drop out, I spent the first 16 years of my working career (68' to 84') running my butt off hauling cars. Saved enough to open my own HVAC, plumbing and electric business. After 35 years, I sold that business in August of 2020 for 14 million dollars.

[@austro3852]

Trucking is freedom.

[@timbodnar6711]

Hell yeah! Good for you!

[@arisk.ramosbautista1283]

Ok 👌 😬😮‍💨

[@Dontex_r]

@@arisk.ramosbautista1283 🤣🤣

[@franklingell4546]

Fantastic 🎉😊

[@jeffcarroll4852]

I wish I could say that many things good about them. I was raised in trucking and I was leased to Landstar for nearly a year when I was hauling covid hit. I was doing a lot of deadheading and was hauling caterpillar equipment to Arizona from Georgia. I stopped in a rest area in the and fell off my trailer and broke my neck and subsequently had a stroke. I finished my load to Arizona that trip and thought I had just pulled a muscle. When I got unloaded I realized something was messed up. Long story short I finally got hooked up with the partial workman's comp. I had got through the company and it all went to hell after that. I ended up losing my truck and filed bankruptcy to keep my home . The insurance company said they didn't believe that my stroke had anything to do with my fall and cut me off and sent me to their Dr and it was a joke. I have finally got my disability after a 2 year battle and I'm about to go crazy just sitting here. Doing nothing is the hardest thing I have ever done. Worked all my life and had about 3 million miles in a truck. Hopefully this won't happen to anyone else and I pray it doesn't. God bless you and yours Jeff

[@hayleyandkilo]

people like you are the reason youtube needs character limits in the comment section.

[@lroacho]

Thank you for the video brother. My old man retired after spending his last 10 years as a BCO with Landstar and he's passed me his truck so I can get on with them. I'm 2 months shy of my required OTR time to join Landstar due to being a fuel tanker yanker for Pilot for nearly a year. He pulled Landstar direct freight from El Paso to Laredo and back for his last 3 years and was paid very well for it. You've pretty much described what he's told me about the company and is a smart move to make good money and experience.

[@mangaku1]

Dude thank you so much for taking the time to make these vids. By far the most informative out there.

[@TheBuddilla]

My carrier was blessed in by landstar corporate due to the nature of the load and the equipment requirements. We now have access to move the high value loads in less than a year. Love Landstar...

[@jakekaras149]

Landstar has a ton of double brokered freight, using foreign agents over seas. That's the first thing that comes to mind when I hear Landstar.

[@DrivenTrucking]

That’s a problem everywhere unfortunately which is why I tried to run direct freight only at Landstar and tried to run as many high profile company loads as possible. Wasn’t an issue after that

[@georgejungle2255]

That’s a fact and I’d say more than half the loads you call from those jokers aren’t good loads anyways.

[@rce8540]

Landstar agents sit at home and watch lnternet truckstop and other load boards. Take freight from them then put them on load board. Double and triple broker it. Witch is not legal.

[@arisk.ramosbautista1283]

@@rce8540 and that’s the way they make easy money 💰 😂 …..meanwhile the drivers are on the road far away from family and friends 😬😬

[@richardleon318]

So done with these for sure

[@Robert-po8jn]

Landstar taught me to always run your own license plates. If they fire you while on the road you're stuck until you get new plates. But they are a great learning platform become a better OO and how to run different trailers. Then step out on your own MC. I liked running their board as an independent.

[@fighter4christ7]

@757 Trucker Are you saying you don’t have to use their equipment? They told me your truck has to be capable of hooking up with their ELD.

[@carlosdonestevez7532]

@@fighter4christ7 your truck your trailer they sell you an eld if you don't have one that works with there system.

[@shsuususjssnjsus8239]

You should always have that and your own insurance

[@Itspaigeytv]

Could you explain how you run your own license plates?

[@Robert-po8jn]

@@Itspaigeytv you register it under your company name and get the plates. When you lease on to a company you’ll have the “Landstar” on the side and then operated by and your company name. I had my company name on my fuel tank and Landstar on the bunk door.

[@roadfloat3067]

Welcome back! Still wearing the hat, went through the box of Rotella. Sweet! Happy to hear your insights again. Best content available, hands down.

[@C.Earl77]

Welcome back! We were a bit worried about ya. Glad you're alive man!!!

[@ftwtrucking6969]

Been with landstar for eight years now… wish I would’ve came over sooner 👍

[@Prodigal1]

Well done. I had 19+ yrs experience 5 1/2 yrs as an owner op. I was in the process of applying for my own authority and had enough of company B.S. but decided to first give Landstar a shot albeit with a lot of skepticism and a willingness to walk out the door if I found things they said not to be true. That was in the fall of 2009. Well, still there 13 yrs later.They aren’t perfect but the freedom they give you is immense compared to other carriers and the money is good. There are other perks that you may not know about and that I won’t mention as I am sure that kind of financial assistance is based on your reputation and longevity with them and wouldn’t be offered or even mentioned to new hires.

[@Prodigal1]

@@secondamendment573 Does Landstar care? I don’t speak for them but I imagine if you were dumb enough to ask them and put them on the spot they would tell you they do but in reality I am sure a number of there leased on owner operators (BCO’s) have trucks with emissions systems deleted. They don’t ask , why should they? There is no age requirement on your equipment. It just has to be in safe operating condition. The inspections they require every 4 months that they pay for and must be done at one of their approved locations doesn’t check or ask about emissions. Unless you have an obvious exhaust leak, cracked flex pipe, etc then you get that fixed. Otherwise their inspections are the usual, tire tread, brakes, lights, etc.

[@jemac13]

Would it be better to go landstar authority are my own having trouble figuring that one out

[@DieselTrucker2018]

I was ON TOP of everything- It took them 1 1/2 months to get me leased on!!! But due to several issues while there... I am no longer running for them. They treat their AGENTS with a LOT more respect than they do their drivers.

[@redtruck1834]

Glad to see you're back. Missed your videos. Was surprised when the notification bell rang

[@eztrucking6211]

You have taught a lot of opendeck information on your channel soooo glad you are back on KZbin missed you brother 👍🏾 I'd love to get information directly from you some how

[@dirtroadsalvation]

Pretty good info glad to see your back putting out videos again.

[@douglasmijangos3327]

Thank you for the insight and the honesty brother.. God bless 👍🏻

[@michaelboyle9512]

I dont have any interest in being a trucking business owner op, but I'm interested in learning about it. I like being company and focusing my effort on personal investments not trucking business. I do appreciate you teaching more about the industry, and would like more classes on it.

[@zachmiller2521]

You’ll have more to invest as an owner op

[@facediaper4607]

Lol if you like being under paid and stolen from sure keep being a company slave

[@codywatkins1814]

You’re the main one who got me into trucking I hope to be off the road in ten years or less and not have to drive if I don’t want to I look forward to the lessons you have to offer and hope the best for you

[@scottw2157]

I was 10 and done. I'm in a office running service and repair. I don't miss driving.

[@ne9835]

​@@scottw2157 You didn't like driving?

[@landriver1]

I like to be in business for myself but not by myself. Landstar is the perfect fit for me.

[@abrahamjackson6019]

This is why I (subscribe) always on point never giving bad info.

[@conwayconway2177]

He lives!! Lol . Welcome back

[@dixiemae5042]

Yes. I’m right here 💁🏻‍♂️

[@conwayconway2177]

@@dixiemae5042 hey Mr Mae c'mon 🤘 wooooooooo 🇺🇸

[@tedc6694]

8 years at Landstar as a flatbedder and I approve this message. Good, honest video

[@loading...7583]

How much is your revenue per week? I’m with Prime inc

[@tedc6694]

@@loading...7583 it varies WILDLY. a good week (not record breaker but unusually good) $5000 right now. $3000 a week isn't hard to achieve for me. But some fellas have a hard time averaging more than 2500 (2023. Last couple years things were much better than this year)

[@loading...7583]

@@tedc6694 dang. Im averaging 1800 to 2100 a week. lol

[@skid3339]

I always hear something useful here, thanks

[@tatt2]

Good to see ur back

[@Roc900]

17:40 I believe you are so correct… I have a Friend that pulls for Landstar, And He basically said the same thing, Translation - If you are an Owner Op, At Landstar, they take care of all the Back Office Administrative Things that if one had his/her own authority, those daunting duties you inherit plus the added cost of doin business, No Fuel Discount, No Tire Discounts, Etc. So that 35% does not truly add up to a literal 35%. Thank You For Sharing!!!!!

[@bhhookkick3]

Wow things has really changed over at last star I was over at last star inway and it took only a few days at the most and I was out on the road but this was back in the 90s.And yes when I was there they were older guys that told me at the time how to do it use only a few agents and when they know you by name your in the loop 👍🏾

[@reggiewilliamsjr146]

Good to see ya it’s been a while !!!

[@bigb63fsu]

He’s back!!!!!! 🙌

[@davidfs.6233]

Thy for heads up..First time going to Landstar few weeks..

[@HotRodDave]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I am doing my research

[@nasimwehbe8410]

Thank you for this video. I'm new to LandStar and I got off to a bit of a rough start but they've been there every step of the way. I have goals and I'm determined to reach them.

[@usmanaslam2939]

I m thinking to work with them is it right decision or not can u guid

[@nasimwehbe8410]

@@usmanaslam2939 they have some good benefits and discount programs for drivers. I think it would be a good decision.

[@paulbrown8370]

Many years ago, i signed on with what was Mayflower Transit Company, they took about a month or more to get you going, if you needed truck driving experience they put you through their crash course of driving and helped you get a License in Indiana, and they use their address for your home address till you get home and took the test in your home state, but the company wasn't to bad to deal with, but they pushed you a lot and wanted you to keep moving.

[@Stuartthehobbytrucker]

100% agree with everything you have said

[@TheTruckersTable]

I made $250,000 gross last year after Landstar’s cut and I’m on track to make more than that this year it’s a great company just have to be smart about the way you run. Book ahead and build relationships with direct shippers

[@DrivenTrucking]

💯 facts

[@pep5772]

What type of trailer you pull?

[@Donato2018]

The best video ever about trucking

[@michaelwright1602]

I was at LS for a bit during Covid, it was not worth it, found a small local carrier and doing much much better.

[@DrivenTrucking]

That time period was ROUGH for all, congrats on your new found carrier and happiness!

[@kanys3564]

What's that small company pliz?

[@michaelwright1602]

@@kanys3564 Expedite outfit in Detroit area, there are a few around Detroit and Toledo. I can tell you we are not hiring, things are slowing down like 2008 and Covid, I see it getting much worse, 1970's worse as the economy collapses. Nothing like going from a republic, to a democracy and finally the communistic state. Almost there.

[@Quane_turnbull]

Perfect breakdown 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Phillip4six]

Good to see ya!

[@chrislucy1589]

Thanks for sharing your incite, definitely helps .

[@rogergoff5874]

Man. You look so. Different without all the. Whiskers. Iean like 10 years younger. Good for you. Get back in it. Helping other Drivers.

[@DrivenTrucking]

🙏

[@n.l.7308]

Good advice. I need to find those good agents in Texas for flatbed. If the money is right. I will go.

[@AMTruckin]

Made the mistake to go there ... I should went to MERCER , I don't recommend Lstar to no one , even to my worst enemy.

[@michaelzma9102]

But landstar is known for heavy haul.. rgn opportunities...

[@whiteliontransportation5516]

Well said my friend I’m a BCO at landstar with 4 trucks there !! Surprised u didn’t talk about the 35 percent everybody seems to frown on !! Mabe another video to let be understand what u get for the 35 percent

[@JimTomatore]

Agreed. It sounds like a lot at first glance, especially when other carriers boast higher percentages, but most people don't truly understand why that's the case and where most of that money actually goes. Also, there's a huge value proposition to factor in. I can tell you, right off the top about 10% goes directly to the agent/agency. It varies slightly depending on the agents performance metrics, but 10% is a good average for our purposes. They too are independent contractors and most work their butts off behind the scenes to make your experience as streamlined as possible. Don't think they work hard? Try spending a little time talking to some agents, get to know them a little, find out what it's like for them. Once you do talk to them you'll both get a better understanding of their role and cultivate better working relationships that are mutually beneficial. Even some of the agents who don't work with direct freight are working hard to get good loads. Many of them work hard to cultivate relationships with certain brokers or 3PL's to get loads that would otherwise not be available to BCO's. Bottom line, any agent who wants to earn at least a decent living will be working hard behind the scenes and their percentage reflects that. Now you have a trailer. Bring your own and you get an additional 6-8% depending on equipment type. Now, for those who own a trailer this number may sound high, and it can be. But when people are dealing with equipment that isn't theirs they (usually) don't take as good a care of it. There's also the drop and hook aspect that can only be realized by having more trailers than drivers and the additional costs associated with this model Bottom line here is that they know the average cost FOR THEM to provide company trailers and that's where this percentage comes from. You are free to buy or rent your own trailer and manage it's expenses more efficiently while collecting the additional %. As a flatbed hauler I do just that. I rent/lease a trailer and the additional % I earn is greater than the costs I incur. I lose out on drop and hook, but I also don't incur the additional expense of multiple trailers for a single power unit. So, right there we've seen where roughly half of that 35% goes. The rest basically goes to corporate to run the company and pay for all the services and conveniences that you enjoy. Think of it as outsourcing parts of your business to another company so they can handle the things YOU don't want to deal with as an individual. The MAIN reason why you are leased to a carrier instead of being a carrier. This can be broken down into 3 main categories: Paperwork, Liability and Convenience. Paperwork includes dealing with all the government regulations and requirements, processing freight bills and handling billing and all the other odds and ends that would otherwise have you driving a desk instead of a truck. Liability should be pretty obvious. It includes insurance but also goes beyond that. Lawyers cost money. Dealing with freight or damage claims costs time and money, even if they are bogus and denied. These may not be frequent things most OO's have to deal with, but when they do occur they usually aren't cheap to address. And if you're handling them yourself then you're not behind the wheel earning revenue, which makes everything worse. Finally there's Convenience. Can you put a price tag on your time? You absolutely should! Every moment spent working is time out of your life that you don't get back. Work, while important both personally and to society as a whole, isn't everything. So, in an attempt to preserve as much of your freedom as you envisioned when you decided to get your own truck you need to balance your work and personal time. Sure, you COULD do all these things yourself and some people do. But for most of us we either can't find the extra time or maybe we just don't want to. And for that convenience, that service, we pay someone else to do the work for us. It's a simple business reality in managing your workload. This is a normal cost of doing business that most individuals overlook until it is forced upon them. One person can't do everything, but spreading out the workload among multiple people also means spreading out the money. Whether you give that percentage to Landstar or you hire your own employees or contract with other companies, the work needs to be done and someone needs to be compensated for their work. So, how much is your time worth again?

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

@@JimTomatore Your comment is almost better than the video. I worked for a truck shop here in town for a few months and the owner there needs to read your comment because he tries to do everything himself and ends up losing out. This is Grand Rapids Michigan so everybody here tends to think in terms of dollars and cents ( cheep dutch) but the fact of the matter is, you need food and water not dollars and cents to survive and a living breathing human being is worth far more than any pieces of paper with letters and numbers or metal coins! Convenience is definitely something to be factored in, my time (AND BRAIN SPACE) is very valuable!! Brain space is getting even more valuable as technology gets more advanced😳

[@timstafford355]

What *TIMING* Even took the words/beliefs of Land ☆ of of my mouth/heart. After 3 years @ 89% of Great loads Things have CHANGED :/ I'm starting my

[@russwondergem38]

hey hey good to see ya ma man. Hope all is well

[@k.eubanks6473]

I was a 1099 handled as a W2 employee. I wish the guy I was working for watched this video. This guy worked exclusively from the load board and he would take a new load each and every day of the week, so we were stuck with whatever we got for six days out of the week. I tried my darndest to set him up with customers I was networking and I was getting good feedback too but the guy had a weird obsession with keeping his trucks on single day loads so he could micromanage the driver's times. Don't think I'll ever talk to that guy again, I made okay money with him, but the way he would dispatch you would spend half your off time at a shipper each and every night and if there was ever a problem with the load you missed out on the good weekend load which paid half your check.

[@lovelyshermane8814]

Excellent advice

[@kinnywolf2862]

Great video good information

[@dixiemae5042]

Hazmat was the easiest endorsement to get

[@Eddie-Van-Hammerlane]

Hey bud, thanks for the advice. Why did you stop pulling for LS? Are you still trucking?

[@TruckinWitGizmo]

Thank you for this video I start Landstar Orientation 8/31.👍

[@maxendlich3693]

How do you like it so far?

[@robertking7269]

Can't see why they fired you they should have paid you. Thanks for your honest directness, this business isn't for the faint operated. BCO is better than o/o😁

[@simpleexpress5794]

Great content and information. You look so different without you goatee

[@SuperBigblue19]

No matter how on top of it plan on a month at least. I'd be running those HM loads all the time. You just better be good at navigating tight spaces & know how to read the paperwork & what paperwork you need. You also shouldn't worry about how cool you look & just have something dependable.

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

There would be way less O/O going belly up if they weren't so worried about looking good.

[@montedyoung3247]

Looking for consistent freight…is the first hurdle!

[@edgartovar25]

great video so landstar is best company to lease on

[@simbadkadric186]

You make some good points. I’d love to pick your brains on a few things. I have a trucking company and feel you’d have some good info to help me improve what I do. If you read this, let me know how to get I touch with you.

[@bigb9061]

Very true. I am leased to landstar. You have someone trying to scam people on your site. Pretending they are you.

[@DrivenTrucking]

Yeah, I’ve reported them but they are bots. They will keep showing up unfortunately, thank you.

[@markmungiole3547]

I followed you since you were at Mercer,. I learned a lot from you. I just left landstar after 2 1/2 years. I done really good my first year I done everything you talk about in this video. Now I realize the trucking business the last year or so has been crap and that's not landstars fault. But the way they manage this down turn sucks. They just hire more off shore agents who cut and paste loads they don't look for direct customers. The agents that have direct customers stick with the drivers that have been loyal to them which you can't get mad at them for that but you won't get in with them now. What I ended up doing was signing on with a company that pays 90 percent there expense to me is not as good as landstar but it's not even close to 25 percent worse. My equipment is paid for I don't owe anybody so I don't need to make as much money as some drivers to live. This allows me to be picky with what I haul and sometimes sit for a day for a better load. Keep your expenses low it will make a big difference. I wish you were still around making videos because you really helped me and I'm sure a lot of drivers also. I hope everything is going good for you and stay driven.

[@mikehiggins5233]

Life with a company .good luck 🤘

[@robertmott-smith433]

Really good advice, if you don't want to put in the hard work needed to be successful, maybe O/O is not for you. Maybe just be a driver for a major company.

[@eyezforeverlowb7249]

Thank you man…thanks how i think

[@Imsamhill]

What do you say about this plan. I am trying to get my CDL and looking at doing prime inc school. So basically after I get my CDL it would be: Prime inc lease > Prime inc lease to purchase > Landstar owner op > my own authority

[@BK-xl1ig]

Hadn't seen your video in a minute, you hung your driving gloves? Or just moving on from landstar?

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

I've heard so many guys that worked at Landstar, with completely opposite experiences. Some guys love it and are still there, others left soon after being hired, and swear they were the worst company out there. I think that just proves there is no such thing as the perfect company.

[@LTLdriverestes]

Great video!! I’ve specialized in hazardous waste for the past 7 years, and I’m thinking about buying a truck and going to Landstar and doing hazmat there

[@jesseostone386]

Check with LS before going forward. Not sure of the details, but I’ve been with LS for three years and it seems to me there is a prohibition of hauling HZ *waste* as a solo driver. Lots of HZ freight available for solo drivers, though.

[@LTLdriverestes]

@@jesseostone386 thanks for the info!!

[@xylliiiking]

It's not the endorsement of hazmat that you Need to worry about it's the stupid freight and how it comes out and how you need to watch it and if how dangerous the freight is the move

[@ceelos69]

I'm specialized in hazmat with a hazmat carrier and it's funny when I see normal guys pulling hazmat.they thinks it's simply put a placard and go.someone at my company got fined 3500 each for 2 placards that flew off.9k ticket in ohio.knuclehead just place placard in slot and go with no tape.

[@t.s.3669]

Landstar provides some nice clear cover plates that prevents that. They offer them for free just by asking the Hazmat Dept. Also, always checking with same dept. when loaded at customer, really keeps you legal...

[@capriceboney5394]

Good info

[@edgargonzalez8372]

Yes landstar should make agents post every load at load board so everyone have the same opportunity to make money.

[@thehandynomadthehandynomad843]

I’m a broker. I only use Landstar for last minute hot loads that I have a hard time covering. They are a last minute option every time. They have truck capacity but the biggest reputation for double brokering.

[@TheAmlx]

Because you don't understand the difference between a good agent from a bad one and that's perfectly fine. I'd rather have the likes of you talk shit while I move direct freight that pays good and bypass you completely. My best guess is, your freight is probably cheap so reputable reps wouldn't be calling on said loads in the first place. Which, leaves you with the newbies and rotten apples calling on your freight cause they don't know any better. For me personally, I choose whom I work with, just as much as you do. I'm definitely not going to play games or be someone's back up option, especially for cheap freight. If you've been in this game for a while, then you know the lanes, the shippers, commodities and above all else, rates! Once you have all that, you're golden and if I was at LS and had their fleet!? Yeah, good luck hearing from me on your shitty DAT posts telling me how that's the market average .. gtfo 😂😂

[@wcurtin1962]

Has things gotten better there sinch 2016?

[@rowanmartinez9933]

As a Landstar BCO this video is from a box jockey, as a skateboard pulling Haz Mat load’s doesn’t pay like it use to, but referring to his opening statement about obtaining a Haz Mat license, Landstar requires everyone to have it not just for employment but also they don’t have to pay for a federal background check on you

[@DrivenTrucking]

I pulled my step while I was there and a box for less than one month, as total of about a year and a half there or so

[@rudygallegos912]

Love the flag that’s where I am from don’t know if your local I need some mentoring willing to pay for time just getting started

[@eyezforeverlowb7249]

I’m open to more information owner operator..I use D.A.T loader board but it’s sucking 😢 right now

[@EddieV19]

Got to be careful with Landstar. They don’t like KZbinrs, lots of KZbinrs move on from Landstar when Landstar starts giving them issue due to KZbin

[@DOAN1000]

For an O/O who comes in with my own truck, how much do they charge for leasing on to them ? Also do they offer flatbed/reefer trailer rentals ?

[@geovanicaballero5914]

They will charge u 27 % on flat and 35 on dry van

[@shannnism]

I love this video but it leaves me with a question. So why did you leave landstar?

[@Phan-Xu]

Does Landstar have great consistent refer loads

[@franmc161]

Just started with landstar having a hard time need some advice

[@mudpuddle8805]

Landstar used to be good. They stopped supporting their owner operators many years ago. I was with them for 4 years. Mercer sucks more. I signed up with them as well. I laugh every time I think about them.

[@joelalvarez2090]

Thanks. I've been curious about how working for Landstar is.

[@JimTomatore]

Working with Landstar is great, if their business model works with your business model. They are upfront about how they operate so there shouldn't be any real surprises going in. They do their part and you do your part. They won't bother you about how you do your job unless you do one of the few things they tell you up front isn't allowed. They don't try to micro manage you like an employer would, but they do have certain federal requirements regarding safety and record keeping that result in familiar reminders and messages, safety meetings and paperwork requirements. Some of it plays into CSA but some of it is just requirements that every motor carrier must adhere to. I've been here 4 years now. I book my loads, do my job, follow the basic rules set forth in my lease contract and almost never talk to anyone on the corporate end of things. I took 6 months off last year and the only time they bothered me was when my weekly deduction balance started to get too high. Paid that down and they were happy. They don't hold your hand. They provide most of the tools you need to succeed but it's up to you to do something with them. You don't have to negotiate with shippers for freight, but it's up to you to find the available loads that work for you. The load board helps, especially when getting started, traveling through a new area, or during normal shipping fluctuations. Otherwise, given some time, your main source of loads should be from direct relationships you develop with agents. They secure the loads and most of them like to have reliable BCO's that they can turn to and count on to move their freight. Many have lists of drivers that they call first before posting a load to the board. They also use these relationships to secure freight from shippers knowing that they have the capacity to reliably cover a certain volume of loads. Shippers too like the idea that they are getting reliable trucks to routinely haul their loads. It's a win-win-win scenario. Everyone gets some peace of mind knowing there's reliable loads and coverage while also having the flexibility they want and need. I have another comment on here breaking down where their % goes and why. It may seem like a lot at first, and there are companies that take lower %, but from what I've seen it's all a trade off, a balancing act of costs and services that everyone in business has to deal with in their own way. I will say, between their tire and fuel discounts alone, I probably make up for some of that higher %, compared to my friends at other carriers. And, they pay fast. Weekly settlements for loads that have all the paperwork submitted by your cutoff (which is about 46 hours prior to when they deposit the settlement to your Comdata card, excluding exceptions for federal holidays.) Also pre-trip advances are pretty easy, usually takes only a few clicks on the computer or smart phone app. In fact, nearly everything you need can be done via web browser or app. Most of the complaints I see against Landstar fall into these categories: High percentage/deduction (see above and my other comment on this video) Not enough freight. Either you live or work in an area where they don't have much freight, which happens, or you're just not trying hard enough to connect with agents or you haven't learned how the truckload industry actually works. Too strict. Really, they are no stricter than any other federally compliant motor carrier. See above. Stay legal, avoid the small number of no-no's they clearly tell you about and successfully do your job and you will be just fine. They tell you what they expect on the back of every company owned trailer: "Hiring Safe, Compliant Owner Operators". Be safe, be regulatory compliant, and actually be a business owner - not just a driver. If you want to be lazy, don't own a truck!

[@joelalvarez2090]

@@JimTomatore thanks

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

@@JimTomatore hey soul, here's a question: Do you think you could negotiate with them for a higher percentage after, say, 3 to 5 years?? It seems like someone that shows consistent performance should be able to be rewarded! Obviously they have their costs, but why wouldn't they try to be generous whenever they can?? The way I see it, the better you treat your workers, the better chance they will do better work for you! Better better better😁😁😁

[@rogergoff5874]

Like Smy always. Says; the most important load is the one you set up next.

[@burt714]

Glad to hear I’m in the upper crust…. Started with my own authority as a hot shot now driving a W900. I’m still thinking of going to Landstar to reduce my operating costs. Also I’m not running full time and the owners I’ve personally talked with seem to like this company…

[@Mike_The_Hog_A_Nator]

I was laid off & drawing unemployment from a Electrical Contractor Job. Then Unemployment contacted me about a Career Change? I went through a fully paid 10 month CDL (6 days a week) Federal Grant Paid Course at my local College. I came out Top of my class with X Endorsement, Hazmat, Doubles, Triples & Heavy Load qualified. They also taught the business, which is very important. If your thinking of leasing? Get some financial education. I went to work for buddy that was leased to Landstar. However, he pulled his truck & rented a dry van. He had a well trusted Broker & I drove for him mostly in the NW. Companies wanna keep you in the NE like NY City, Jersey, etc. I was making big money driving my buddies truck straight out of College. The Fed. Grants are out there & available. Train in a 10sp or 18sp manual transmission also. Too many drivers out there driving Automatics & then have to jump into a manual & they have no clue how to shift. 🤟

[@sergiotrucker3011]

They have agents in Eastern Europe and all they do is double broker, i see lots of posting on loadboards where it says no Land Star

[@montedyoung3247]

What experience are you talking about, that they give you…that you need to have before you get your numbers?

[@franmc161]

Thank you what do you do at landstar

[@jimdunlap2769]

I'm now living in the Philippines

[@bryansalter7883]

Sorry Sir I’ve stopped watching you & truckin with Kev …. Good luck on your journey Sir !! I like my info from the road …. GOD bless!!🙌🏼🙌🏼💯❤️🇺🇸🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@thegoodkidshow]

Hey buddy are you still driving? I don’t see any new driving videos.

[@lajuandixon6015]

Update please 😎

[@SelenaandJ]

We did well at landstar, got some good dedicated work and made some great money on the team stuff. A couple years past it now I can say they had alot of company rules and oversight we didn't care for. That being said, if you're going to run landstar then just keep your head down and don't make videos and don't rock the boat just like any other big corporate company. Run your loads and go home. Find your lanes and work it. Would I go back to landstar? Ya if I just wanna fly under the radar and not have a voice on KZbin. I run with a small carrier now with no rules like landstar and the stress is nonexistent like back then, under these circumstances I don't think I would ever go back to landstar and look to move forward to just getting my own authority instead of leasing to a company, especially a place like landstar.

[@DrivenTrucking]

Thanks for the well thought out reply, from a KZbinr perspective Landstar is certainly not it 😂 I didn’t make a ton of content when I was there but they never bothered me though I think I was certainly the minority.

[@412hwc]

bro u look fuccin funny with no beard hahaha hilarious and this is tha guy that told me lease ops aint owner ops 😂

[@DrivenTrucking]

Most likely you didn’t listen to the video about lease ops vs leasing a truck from a mega carrier. People hear what they want to hear

[@412hwc]

@@DrivenTrucking well, i did, i am trolling u outa boredom lol. but PS grow ya beard bac tho bro....u look like u waiting for chris hansen to show up

[@DrivenTrucking]

@@412hwc lol, no worries, it’s too damn hot for a beard down in Htown. Get over the man crush about the beard 🤣

[@juanlemod]

Your video is very informative, well structured, well thought out, and I appreciate the fact that you took the time to make it. I also like that you shot it in 4K! Very good quality! That said, it’s been a couple months since I’ve seen your videos. I have been busy with life. I’m happy that you are doing good, and I got to catch up with your videos and watch the ones I’ve missed. I have a question for you. I was wondering if you aware of any websites, tools, or places that connects drivers with BCOs at Landstar that are looking for drivers to drive their trucks? Does Landstar themselves have a list or something like this? I thought about finding a BCO at Landstar to work for and drive their truck, but I’ve had very little luck googling around and finding such opportunities. I’m not sure if there are even a lot of BCOs looking for drivers to drive their trucks for them (I’ve only heard of a couple cases, anecdotally).

[@DrivenTrucking]

Thank you! There was an 11 month hiatus where I wasn't posting so I don't think you missed much lol. I think, not sure but I believe they have a wait list. if you contact their recruiting I think they can point you in the right direction.

[@fighter4christ7]

As he said contact their recruiting. However they do not have truck for you to drive. Landstar hires O/O only and you transport their trailers with your truck. They do not lease trucks either so you will have to seek one out yourself. They recommend Lone Mountain Truck Leasing for a loan and truck.

[@stevewheeler8434]

Excellent presentation of what to expect at Landstar. It is not for everyone. You must be a self starter with a plan for success. 95% of all owner operators fail during their first two years (lease purchases are a large contributor to this). 38% of new BCOs fail in the first year also. What I’ve seen with the new BCOs is that, if they get by that first year learning curve, they stay forever, or until they feel ready to become a carrier (getting their own authority).

[@timhoneycutt1367]

I may have a truck for u to drive

[@DrivenTrucking]

@JuanLeMod check it 👆

[@secondamendment573]

Does landstar care if your truck is deleted?

[@dymonshavlak5488]

Thanks for great informative video, I am planning to go get the truck and be an owner op and really want to do lease on to Landstar but they require at least one year of OTR experience I have 4 years of experience but just local, do you think they will let me in? Thanks

[@DrivenTrucking]

I’m not sure, I think they do require OTR experience but I’d give the recruiting department a call and ask. Worst they can say is no 🤷‍♂️👍

[@dymonshavlak5488]

@@DrivenTrucking thanks man

[@JimTomatore]

I never worked OTR before going to Landstar. I only worked locally (home every night) but convinced the qualification center that I basically worked regionally because of the area I traveled. It probably also helped that two of the companies I worked for fell into the mega-carrier category. Ultimately I think they only go by what you tell them plus any publicly available information about the carriers you worked for. So even if you were always local, if the carrier had some regional or OTR operations then you'd be fine putting that on you application. On the other hand, as I learned very quickly, there's certain knowledge/experience being OTR that you don't get from being home every night. Some of it has to do with different operations in different states, some is the interactions with shippers and receivers that differs from local guys, but the biggest is just the reality of life on the road, how to plan ahead, manage your hours, plan your routes, anticipate delays and avoid problem areas. It's the type of thing you don't really learn until you experience it yourself. This is why all companies ask specificity about OTR experience instead of just plain old driving experience. Physically driving the truck is only a part of what you need to be able to do.

[@dymonshavlak5488]

@@JimTomatore thank you so much for the information, I appreciate, hopefully they approve it 👍

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

@@JimTomatore once again Mr Soul Man, excellent comment. I have about 6 experience years off and on with a temporary company and had local Regional and some otr. I drove 4 months last spring OTR and there was about a 2 to 3 month learning curve for me to get settled in. It is a different Beast. Thankfully the guys I was with were fairly patient. I'm glad I did it.

[@MeandGodtruckin]

Hey man great video! I’m looking for some advice please. I’m looking to buy my first semi and get into the owner operator business and run for Landstar. What would be the process? Should I talk to Landstar first and get some kind of pending-contract so I can show that to the bank? Or do I purchase the truck first? I’ve been trucking for many years now so I’m not new to the trucking game just new to the owner operator business game. but I’m driven to succeed so I’m not afraid just need some good guidance. Thank you in advance!🤙🏾

[@DrivenTrucking]

Love it! I'm pretty sure you need to purchase the truck first but I believe you can start the process with them prior to purchasing which may help speed things along after the purchase. It's a pretty huge question so difficult for me to answer in the comments but I may made a number of videos on the topic of buying. I need to put all of those together in a playlist to make it easier to find for everyone so I will do that tonight. Thanks and I hope you get some value from them.

[@MeandGodtruckin]

@@DrivenTrucking Yes many things to learn about this business and I appreciate your channel and I’m looking forward to watching more of your content. I already got my LLC and a business bank account. I do have a down payment for a descent truck. What are your thoughts on buying Penske trucks?

[@jdrancho1864]

@@MeandGodtruckin Being somewhat familiar with Penske, allow me to offer some thoughts on that. Buying a used Penske truck is generally speaking not a bad idea. They have been well -maintained according to schedule. Since they share info in house, their techs often become aware of problems with new trucks across brands at the level of brand techs, if not sooner. I believe they also may make financing easier with a dedicated lender. As with any used vehicle purchase, picking carefully is key. Since most trucks are fleet-spec, you won't find any truck=show specials, not will you find trucks suitable for specific, unique applications. Also, since they've been used be different drivers, cab conditions can vary widely. So being selective during the buying process is key. I think Penske also offers a sort of limited warranty. The fact that Penske has locations all over the country, often in close proximity to one another, is a plus when it comes to service, repairs - in or out of warranty, if you opt for a service contract, or the availability of a replacement unit if that is needed.

[@jamesclee1722]

Landstar has good and bad I was there for about a year I did ok but always thought that there fees are to high

[@DrivenTrucking]

It definitely makes it difficult to run the generic freight unfortunately which is why ran mostly direct customers. Of course a well run authority will make the most in the end 👍

[@kassoumtraore6971]

I really doubted that you were not being paid by Landsar

[@abdurrahmanharris6347]

Never heard of a mentor at landstar. Must be something new

[@DrivenTrucking]

I don’t think they call them that but new drivers receive a phone call from at least one experienced driver. Wouldn’t surprise me if this doesn’t always happen.

[@abdurrahmanharris6347]

@@DrivenTrucking never heard of that! Neither any of my drivers. Like i said it must be for certain people who needed it.