[azcardnlz]

Landstar Gemini, Landstar Inway, Landstar Ligon, and Landstar Ranger. I assume they all used to be seperate companies, but are now owned by Landstar. What's the difference today? I also hear about a BCO having a "Domicile Agency." What does a domicile agency do for the BCO? What can a good domicile agency do for a BCO? How can someone looking to lease to Landstar know which agency might be better? Can you change later? Does it even matter? Thanks to all.

[Cam]

Just saw your post. You still around?

Don't know exactly the difference. I don't think they'll hire you in any division except Ranger anymore. When it comes to loads, I pay no attention to whether it's Ranger or Inway or whatever and I don't think the agents do either. Express? That's the vans and straight trucks, I think. Not a great answer except to tell you that the distinctions don't mean anything to the drivers, at least the Ranger drivers.

I don't pay attention to my domicile agency either. That brings up the topic of how you plan to get loads, and I'll wait to see if you're even around anymore.

[azcardnlz]

Yeah Cam, I'm still here.

I wonder why they still maintain the seperate names of Ranger, Gemini, etc.

[landstartammy]

First, I work for a recruiting/freight dispatching agent for Landstar. Were are right, the different divisions of Landstar used to be individual companies that have been bought by Landstar and are all under our unbrella. Basically there are three divisions: Ranger is the dry van/reefer division, Ligon is the flatbed, specialty division and Express is the cargovan, hot shot division.

Our agency is a domicile agency so here is the second part of your question. The domicile agency is supposed to assist the new driver and is for corporate to contact when a driver has been a "bad boy". Our agency goes a little further than a lot of the other agencies. Our new drivers are given a phone call when they get hired on by our office to welcome them to Landstar, help with any questions they have at that time, explain what freight we have, we assist new and old drivers locate loads from other agents when they get "stuck" and can't find a load, we help them with any problems they have until they learn the Landstar system. I even give my drivers my instant message address so they can get in touch with me when our phone system is clogged up, plus the drivers who are dispatched by wives are in contact with me when they encounter. We even send all our domicile drivers birthday cards!

And to answer your last question: yes, you can change a domicile later if you are not happy with your domicile.

I hope this answers you questions, but if you have more feel free to give me a call.

[mike3fan]

wow a welcome call and birthday cards........sweet :?

[Cam]

I don't think I've ever even spoken to my domicile agent. Further, I don't even know which agency it is. LandstarTammy's agency goes above and beyond. New BCOs are assigned a 'BCO advisor' who do the things Tammy's agency does, save the Birthday card :wink:

One of the main ways of getting freight is the computerized load matching (load subscriptions) system. You put into the computer your parameters and you get calls that match your requirements. The other way is the old system where you actually have relationships with agent(s) who know your name. With the computer system, you are completely in control and owe no one anything. The downside is that a lot of good freight never goes into the load matching system because agents are passing it off to their regulars. Now, watch this AzCardnlz, ssssaaaayyyy Tammy, got any regular drivers...!?

I've been with Landstar for one year and did $120,000 gross in 10 months using the computer system alone (not braggin', reportin') But, the way it sounds that's pretty good for a beginner. I'm trying to find a niche to raise up my rate per mile. I applied for a FAST card. Been thinking about flatbed (thinking...for a long time, right now I'm Company Van). Single, no kids, sometimes stay out for a month or two. Got places in Michigan and Florida but run 48. Have you got any special deals...!?!?

[landstartammy]

Well hello there Cam!!! Welcome aboard!!! To answer your question... Our agency has alot of regular drivers that haul our loads. You are right about some freight not going onto the boards. Our office puts everything on the boards, except the loads for our "dedicated drivers" (drivers that haul the same loads week after week). As an example...let's say we have 5 loads out of CA to NJ, we usually have about 2 of the loads covered by regulars.

Give me a call at DUV and I can tell ya about us!

[Cam]

Oh yeah! Got a computerized call today from an agent about a load- I called back immediately. The agent said, 'I just brokered it out.' I'm spending another day enjoying the beautiful weather at the Pilot in Phoenix.

I will be calling...

[GMAN]

Cam, you might give them a call over in Fontana. They are usually pretty good about getting trucks out. Sometimes you need to go West to come East out of Phoenix.

[Cam]

Thanks Gman. Actually, I got a call and miraculously I was evidently the first to call back. Loaded right there in Chandler going to Memphis, 4,000 lbs and $1.25 to the truck practical miles.

Usually, everybody considers pay kind of private but I prefer to talk about it. I'm still wrestling with what I 'ought to' be making. I got a good rate going into Phoenix so I consider myself very blessed to get a load like that with minimal deadhead going out.

I know how life is, though. We can think we're doing fine getting by with the standards we have never realizing that there is so much more someplace else. I don't want to settle for what, say, an autohauler might consider laughable wages. I watched the other day as a van driver was talking about problems he was having with his pay on an already cheap load while this flatbedder just sat there saying nothing. Having an idea what they make I asked him when's the last time you pulled for that and he just smiled and said he really couldn't remember :lol:

Like I say, the way things are I consider myself really blessed to have this one.

I've been on a 'politics board' and haven't been around much lately, Gman. How have you been?