Landstar System Review 2026

Pay, Benefits, Home Time & Driver Ratings

Founded 1968Jacksonville, FLFleet: 11,000+ independent trucks (BCOs)

Driver Rating

4.3/5 — Very Good

Annual Pay

$150,000 - $300,000+ gross (before expenses)

Solo CPM

Percentage-based: typically 65-75% of linehaul revenue

Sign-On Bonus

N/A (independent contractor model)

Driver Rating

4.3/5 — Very Good

Landstar System Overview

Landstar System is one of the most unique carriers in the American trucking industry. Unlike traditional carriers that employ company drivers, Landstar operates a non-asset-based model connecting over 11,000 independent owner-operators (called Business Capacity Owners, or BCOs) with freight through a network of independent agents. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Landstar is publicly traded on NASDAQ with annual revenue exceeding $5 billion.

Landstar's model gives owner-operators unprecedented freedom. BCOs choose their own loads, set their own schedules, and decide where and when to run. There is no forced dispatch at Landstar. The company's freight board (available through the Landstar app) shows available loads, and BCOs claim the loads they want. This level of independence is unmatched by most carriers.

The trade-off for this independence is that Landstar does not offer the benefits, guaranteed minimum pay, or equipment that company driver positions provide. BCOs must own their own truck, carry their own insurance (though Landstar offers programs), and manage their own business expenses. Landstar is best suited for experienced owner-operators who understand their costs and can effectively manage their business.

Pay & Benefits

Solo CPM

Percentage-based: typically 65-75% of linehaul revenue

Team CPM

Same percentage model, split between team partners

Annual Earnings

$150,000 - $300,000+ gross (before expenses)

Sign-On Bonus

N/A (independent contractor model)

Benefits Package

  • Occupational accident insurance available
  • Fuel discount program (significant savings)
  • Plate and insurance programs
  • No forced dispatch
  • Load board access with thousands of daily loads
View full pay breakdown →

Equipment Used

Owner-provided: any tractor meeting DOT and Landstar requirementsFlatbed trailers (Landstar-provided or owner-provided)Dry van trailersStep decks, RGNs, and specialized trailers

Home Time Policy

As independent contractors, Landstar BCOs set their own home time. You decide when to work and when to take time off. There is no dispatcher telling you when to be on the road. Many BCOs build their schedules around personal commitments and run hard when they want to maximize earnings. The flexibility is the primary attraction for most Landstar operators.

Training Program

Landstar does not offer CDL training. All BCOs must be experienced owner-operators with their own equipment. The company does provide onboarding orientation for new BCOs, covering the Landstar system, load board usage, settlement procedures, and safety requirements. Landstar requires a minimum of 1 year CDL-A experience, though most successful BCOs have significantly more.

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age

21 years old

Minimum Experience

1 year CDL-A with own equipment (2+ years recommended)

CDL Required

Yes — CDL-A

Clean MVR Required

Yes

Endorsements

  • Varies by freight type — flatbed, hazmat may be needed for certain loads

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Complete load choice with no forced dispatch — true independence for owner-operators
  • Access to Landstar's enormous freight network through agents and the load board
  • Strong flatbed and specialized freight available at premium rates
  • Fuel discount program helps reduce one of the largest operating expenses
  • Publicly traded, financially stable company that pays owner-operators reliably

Cons

  • Not for company drivers — you must own your own truck and operate as a business
  • No health insurance, 401(k), or employee benefits (you are an independent contractor)
  • Percentage-based pay means Landstar takes a cut of every load
  • Agent quality varies — good agents get you better freight, bad agents can leave you scrambling

Best For

Landstar System is recommended for:

  • Experienced owner-operators wanting maximum independence
  • Flatbed and specialized haulers seeking premium freight
  • Business-minded drivers who can manage their own costs and schedule

Overall Driver Rating

4.3/5

Based on compiled driver feedback, industry reputation, and compensation analysis. Rating last updated March 2026.

Landstar System FAQs

How does Landstar work for owner-operators?
Landstar connects your truck with freight through their network of independent agents. You sign on as a Business Capacity Owner (BCO), get access to the Landstar load board, and choose which loads to haul. Landstar handles billing, collections, and administrative support. You receive a percentage of the linehaul revenue (typically 65-75%) deposited to your account weekly. There is no forced dispatch.
How much do Landstar owner-operators make?
Landstar BCOs gross $150,000 to $300,000+ annually before expenses. After fuel, insurance, maintenance, truck payment, and other operating costs, net income typically ranges from $60,000 to $150,000+ depending on efficiency, lane selection, and expense management. Flatbed and specialized haulers tend to earn more than dry van operators. Your business acumen matters as much as your driving skill.
Can I be a company driver at Landstar?
No, Landstar does not employ company drivers. All drivers are independent contractors who own their own equipment. If you want company driver benefits (health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, company-provided truck), Landstar is not the right fit. Landstar is specifically for owner-operators who want to run their own trucking business with access to consistent freight.
What kind of freight does Landstar have?
Landstar moves a diverse mix of freight including flatbed (steel, lumber, machinery), dry van (general merchandise), specialized (oversized, heavy haul, wind energy), and some temperature-controlled loads. Landstar is particularly strong in flatbed and specialized freight, which command premium rates. The load board typically shows thousands of available loads daily across all freight types.
Is Landstar better than leasing on with another carrier?
Landstar's model gives more independence than most lease-on programs because you truly choose your loads and schedule. However, Landstar takes a percentage of revenue, whereas some carriers offer per-mile rates. The best choice depends on your business skills, freight preferences, and desired independence level. Landstar works best for operators who can manage their own costs and are skilled at finding profitable loads.

More About Landstar System

Landstar System Company Profile

Jobs, fleet size, and key info

Landstar System Pay Breakdown

Full salary, CPM, and benefits details

Landstar System Jobs in Florida

Openings and hiring info by state

Landstar System Jobs in Texas

Openings and hiring info by state

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