Tag: driver

Grow Your Fleet

Grow Your Fleet Your Way

Having the freedom to run your businesses your way means owning a fleet in the Landstar network can look different and achieve a variety of goals, depending on the business owner. Here’s a look at a few of the ways Landstar business capacity owners (BCOs), the company’s term for owner-operators leased to Landstar, have structured their fleets.

Fleets Can Be a Family Affair

When the housing bubble burst in 2008, Joe Mullen, who had been primarily hauling kitchen cabinets, knew he needed to find a different way to support his family. With backing from his wife, Elizabeth, he decided to buy a truck and start his own business. “You’ve got to have determination when starting a business – and not be afraid to lose money,” said Mullen. “I told my wife that we can risk it, but we might lose it all. She said go for it.”

The risk paid off. Joe Mullen became an independent owner-operator leased to Landstar, started his company Mullen Transportation, and now owns and operates a fleet of 15 trucks with six trailers and 12 drivers in the Landstar network. The decision to build a fleet came from Elizabeth’s request for Joe to stay at home with the family more, and the fleet allowed him to do that. While Joe handles the truck and trailer side of things, Elizabeth manages dispatch and business administration.

Driver retention is a big part of their business success. “We are always honest and upfront with our drivers so they know how much they are going to make and how they are going to be paid. We want our fleet drivers to know they are valued and appreciated,” said Mullen. “Because of this, we have a core group of drivers who have been with us for several years and we consider to be family.”

Mullen also says Landstar and the relationships he has developed within the company, are an invaluable tool for his business. “Landstar makes being a fleet owner easier – they stay on top of the important things that help keep my trucks and my business compliant, so I don’t have to worry.”

Mullen’s business continues to grow steadily in revenue, but he is near his maximum for the number of trucks he wants to own. “I don’t need a bunch of trucks,” he says. “All I want is enough for my family to be happy.”

Fleets Can Help Others Start Their Businesses

Not long after self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur” Larry Long sold his business in 2007, he came across an advertisement while flipping through a classified ads magazine. The ad recruiting truck drivers inspired him. Eager to start a new project, Long went through CDL school, and began his career as an owner-operator and fleet owner.

Over the next five years, he grew his fleet to four trucks while leasing to another company but was ready to take the next step in growing his business. He decided to move each of his trucks to a different company, including a truck leased to Landstar with a qualified driver, to determine which one would be the most profitable. Less than a year later, it was clear that the Landstar-leased truck was outperforming the others. As a result, Long became qualified with Landstar and moved the rest of his fleet over to Landstar in 2013.

Fast forward to 2022, Long’s Blue Ribbon Logistical Solutions now operates a fleet of 15 trucks leased to Landstar and helps other entrepreneurs get their start in the trucking industry. “My fleet is different in that I’m not looking to hire long-term drivers. Instead, I work with people who want to become part of the Landstar network but don’t yet own a truck,” says Long.

Drivers are employed by Blue Ribbon Logistical Solutions for a year and a half, during which Long teaches them the Landstar system, how to be a successful business owner, and how to save for and purchase their own trucks. Long says, “The goal is goodbye – so after completing the program, drivers are ready to start their own business as an owner-operator leased to Landstar.”

Despite his love for helping others get a start in trucking, Long still has his own business to run and is always looking for ways to grow his fleet. His business model focuses on low overhead and no debt. “My trucks aren’t brand-new, but they are safe, reliable and mechanically sound. And, they are paid for,” Long says. He also has fleet managers who each handle a cluster of five trucks, so he tries to add trucks to his fleet in groups of five.

In addition to owning trucks, Long also works with other BCOs in the Landstar network who own multiple trucks but don’t have an operator or no longer wish to employ operators. By moving these trucks under his fleet, Long can bring on more drivers without having to purchase additional assets, and the truck’s owner can generate revenue on a previously idle asset. “The BCO receives a profit split of the net revenue from the truck,” explained Long. “Thanks to the availability of these trucks, I have been able to sell some of my trucks to drivers who have completed my program and are ready to go out on their own.”

Long credits much of his fleet’s success to the flexibility that Landstar affords independent business owners. According to Long, “Having a fleet with Landstar is the closest thing to having your own authority, but it’s actually easier because Landstar handles the compliance aspects and insurance, which allows me to focus on my business. I couldn’t do what I do anywhere else.”

Smaller Fleets Can Deliver Big Success

For Randy Ladd of Wizard Express, owning a fleet in the Landstar network has afforded a comfortable lifestyle for him and his family. After driving trucks in the U.S. Army, he continued his career as a truck operator working for several companies before leasing to Landstar in 2000. According to Ladd, “Over the years, leasing to Landstar has helped me build my business assets to include a full-service shop, four-car garage, truck port for my trucks and over $1 million in equipment that is paid off.”

His business plan is fairly simple – start with a truck and a trailer, work on paying them off, then add a new truck. He continued to purchase trucks and trailers, eventually building a fleet of five trucks and trailers with five drivers. He also purchased a number of the tools and equipment needed to perform truck and trailer maintenance on the fleet.
“You have to keep investing in your business – learn what things cost and find out if it is
cost-productive to do it yourself,” says Ladd. He used an escrow account with an auto-deposit feature from Landstar settlements to help build the funds needed to purchase equipment.

Owning a variety of trailers has played an important part in Ladd’s success as a fleet owner. “In my opinion, the trailer is what makes the money. If you have the right trailer, you can get the right load,” Ladd says. “Even if you are only focused on van freight, you could have van and reefer trailers to accommodate more types of loads.” He also notes that freight types have seasons and cycles, so owning multiple types of trailers can help ensure steady business throughout the year.

Ladd recently began scaling down his fleet as he starts looking toward retirement, while his wife has become an independent Landstar agent. “One of the best parts about Landstar is that you can pursue multiple types of business opportunities with the support and backing that you need to be successful. I wouldn’t have had the same success on my own without Landstar.”

Interested in starting your own fleet in the Landstar network or bringing over an established fleet?
Visit LeaseToLandstar.com for more information and call 800-435-4010 to speak with a recruiter.

UrgentCare Travel Telemedicine-Based Driver Coronavirus Evaluation Service

UrgentCare Travel, the medical clinic network located at LCAPP® vendor Pilot Flying J Travel Centers, is helping the trucking industry during the coronavirus pandemic by launching a telemedicine Driver Coronavirus Evaluation Service. 

Click the image below to read the full news release and information from UrgentCare Travel:

 

#ThankYouBCOs!

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Each year during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW), industry professionals across America take time to honor the country’s 3.5 million professional truck drivers. To thank these professional men and women for their service and commitment, this year’s NTDAW celebration is set for September 9-15.

During NTDAW, Landstar shows business capacity owners (BCOs) – Landstar’s term for independent contractor truck owner-operators with exclusive lease agreements – some extra gratitude by providing free lunches throughout the week and, this year, our BCO Appreciation Days event in Rockford, Illinois.

Landstar BCOs are invited to any of Landstar’s orientation centers for free lunches and a chance to win Landstar prizes Monday, Sept. 10 through Friday, Sept. 14. Lunch will be served at 12 p.m. local time at each of these Landstar orientation centers:

  • Fort Worth, Texas
  • Jefferson, Georgia
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Reedsville, Pennsylvania
  • Sparks, Nevada
  • Rockford, Illinois

Landstar’s NTDAW celebration also includes the final BCO Appreciation Days event and truck giveaway of the year. Join us in Rockford, Illinois, Sept. 12-13. The Landstar Deliver to Win Truck Giveaway powered by Comdata will be held during the event on Sept. 12.

#ThankYouBCOs

We’ll also be celebrating BCOs on social media throughout the week, as well as posting opportunities to win Landstar prizes. Be sure to follow the Landstar Owner-Operator (BCO) Facebook page, and @LandstarSystem on Twitter. Participate in Landstar’s NTDAW social media conversation by following and using Landstar’s #ThankYouBCOs hashtag in your own posts.

Yokohama Tire Corporation Offers Fall Tire Promotion

Yokohama Tire Corporation is offering Landstar business capacity owners (BCOs) a variety of ways to save on tires this fall. Owner operators can take advantage of Yokohama’s autumn promotion until December 31, 2016.

BCOs who purchase 8 premium Yokohama drive tires (703ZL & 709ZL) will receive 2 Yokohama steer tires for only $100 each, plus federal excise tax. BCOs, be sure the qualifying purchases include a complete set of 2 steer and 8 drive tires that all appear on the same Yokohama delivery receipt and are in sets of 10.

Please note additional information:

  • Offer valid October 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016.
  • Taxes and fees are added to the $100 price of Yokohama steer tires.
  • It is the Yokohama dealer’s responsibility to provide proof of sale to receive pricing for the RY617 or 101ZL SPEC 2.
  • Yokohama reserves the right to limit quantities to anyone and may cancel the promotion at any time.
  • Contact LCAPP at 1-800-531-5227 with any additional questions.

Free Holiday Meals for BCOs

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The Landstar tradition of offering complimentary holiday meals continues in hopes of making the season a little brighter for BCOs on the road and away from their families during this special time of year.

Once again, Landstar has teamed up with TravelCenters of America (TA) and Petro Stopping Centers (Petro) to offer complimentary meals on Thanksgiving day and Christmas day.

There are two ways for BCOs to receive a free holiday meal coupon:

  • UltraONE members can head to LandstarOnline.com where a link will be provided starting on November 1, 2016 to register their card for a Thanksgiving meal coupon. The coupon can be printed at a TA/Petro kiosk on Thanksgiving Day. A link to register for your Christmas meal coupons will be available starting December 1, 2016.
  • BCOs who are not an UltraONE, RoadKing or Passport card holder, can stop by any Landstar Orientation Center or contact LCAPP 1-800-531-5227 for their holiday meal ticket.

The deadline to log on and register for the meal coupon for Thanksgiving is 4 p.m. on November 22, 2016. The deadline to register for the Christmas meal coupon is 4 p.m. December 23, 2016. BCOs can print out their meal ticket on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day at any TA or Petro kiosk.

Coupons are valid for a meal up to $19 for an individual or up to $38 for team drivers and spouses. Meals are available at participating TA and Petro locations with full service restaurants.

Pilot Flying J Extends 10 Point Offer

The 10 point promotion available for Landstar business capacity owners (BCOs) through Pilot Flying J was so popular that it has decided to extend the offer indefinitely. BCOs simply purchase fuel using their Landstar BCO/Pilot Flying J Professional Driver myRewards card to receive 10 points. The points pilot_flying_j_logo-300x106are an added bonus to the 25 cent discount Landstar BCOs already receive on fuel purchases at Pilot Flying J.

BCOs who are not currently members of Pilot Flying J’s myRewards program can join by requesting a card from a cashier at any Pilot Flying J location. The cashier can register the card on site or you can register by visiting www.pilotflyingj.com, then clicking on the gray box titled “Drivers – Earn myRewards Points.”

pilotTruck drivers instantly redeem points for food, merchandise and other amenities at Pilot Flying J travel centers and restaurants. Among the benefits of the myRewards program is the “Shower Power” program. By fueling over 500 gallons in one month, drivers are rewarded with a free shower each day for the rest of that month and one additional month.

Click here to learn more about the Pilot Flying J myRewards card.

New & Renovated Truck Stops Announced

Landstar BCOs now have more truck stop options on the road, as several companies have opened new truck stops and made improvements to some of their older stops. In the recent months Love’s Travel Stops have opened 6 new locations, Pilot Flying J opened three new locations and TravelCenters of America LLC renovated one of its largest locations.

Love’s new locations:Loves-logo

Belleville, Kansas #647, Highway 81 & 7th Street

Bridgeton, Missouri #612, Highway 30, Exit 9

Enid, Oklahoma #630, North 42nd Street & U.S. Highway 412

Liberal, Kansas #632, Highway 54 & Highway 83

Tolleson, AZ #659, I-10, Exit 135

Van, Texas #651, I-20 & FM 314 (S. Oak Street)

For more information on the amenities offered at each new location head to www.loves.com.

Pilot Flying J new locations:pilot_flying_j_logo-300x106

North Charleston, South Carolina #1082, 5714 North Rhett Avenue

Santa Rosa, New Mexico #1070, I-40 & Highway 84, Exit 277

Stratford, Texas #1083, Highway 287 & 54, Stratford, Texas

For more information on the amenities offered at each new location head to www.pilotflyingj.com

TravelCenters of America LLCTA_PETRO logo

TravelCenters of America completed the renovation of its “Columbia North” facility in Columbia, South Carolina. The truck stop located at I-20, Exit 70 (99 Plumbers Road) has undergone extensive remodeling and changes to make it a full service travel center for owner-operators. Guests can now shop, dine, park and fuel at the South Carolina location. For more information about what the renovated TA has to offer head to www.ta-petro.com

 

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

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We appreciate truck drivers 52 weeks a year, but during this year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week from September 11-17, 2016, we’re showing some extra love to the professional drivers who help move America.

Landstar Business Capacity Owners (BCOs) – our term for independent owner-operators – play a huge role in transporting goods safely and on time. So, we ask that everyone join us in saying “thank you” to the men and women professional truck drivers who are on the roads each day.G - BCO-appreciation-Hipp

Attend our online celebration all week by following Landstar on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll have fun posts to share, prizes to win and photo tributes. Use the hashtag #ThankYouBCOs to participate in this online high-five with the Landstar family.

Also throughout the week, Landstar BCOs are invited to visit any of Landstar’s Orientation Centers for lunch. The free meal will be served at Noon, Monday, September 12 through Friday, September 16 at our Orientation Centers in: Fort Worth, Texas, Jefferson, Georgia, Indianapolis, Indiana, St. Augustine, Florida, Lewistown, Pennsylvania, Reno, Nevada, Rockford, Illinois and Burlington, Ontario.

rocktruckTo top off National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, BCOs are invited to join us at our service center in Rockford, Illinois for Landstar BCO Appreciation Days on Tuesday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 14. The event offers BCOs the chance to connect with Landstar executives, attend education and safety meetings, and network with fellow professional drivers. Also, one lucky BCO will drive off in a 2017 T680 Kenworth – the grand prize in the Landstar Truck Giveaway, powered by Comdata.

From everyone in the Landstar family … Thank You BCOs!

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