Where Landstar can fit
Landstar is not built like a traditional company-driver dispatch operation. Landstar describes its leased owner-operators as Business Capacity Owners, or BCOs, and says BCOs choose what to haul, when to haul, and when to return home.
That can be a strong fit for an experienced owner-operator who is tired of being told what a good load is by someone who does not pay the truck note, fuel bill, tires, insurance, or maintenance.
Where it can be a bad fit
More control also means more responsibility. If you want someone else to plan the week, cover every decision, and keep your truck moving without your involvement, non-forced dispatch can feel like being dropped into the deep end.
Before you apply, be honest about whether you want to negotiate, compare freight, watch deadhead, protect home time, and say no to loads that do not fit your business.
Questions to ask
- What freight matches my equipment and preferred lanes?
- How do new BCOs learn the load board and agent network?
- What deductions, insurance costs, plates, permits, or fixed costs apply?
- How does percentage pay work on the freight I am likely to haul?