The Landstar Summer 2009 Link In This Issue

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Up to Speed Recently I was asked to comment for a story in the August issue of Overdrive magazine on the future of trucking in light of the economic downturn. Pat O’Malley, President Apparently Landstar Carrier Group some people are forecasting that the days of the independent owner-operator may be coming to an end. At Landstar, we believe the “headline hyperbole” about the demise of the owner-operator is greatly exaggerated. Over the years, the transportation industry has Even in tough times, Landstar BCOs have managed to keep their businesses profitable. endured its share of boom and bust cycles. But even in tough times, Landstar BCOs have managed to keep their businesses profitable. They drive down expenses and drive up revenue as much as possible. Many also tap the resources available through Landstar, such as LCAPP and the C.A.B.S. program, to offset their costs. Entrepreneurial spirit is another reason why our BCOs and agents remain committed to their craft. They have profound knowledge of what it takes to be successful, more so than the person who oversees an entire fleet of trucks. It’s going to take more than a sagging economy to keep these dedicated and determined men and women off the open road. As the CEOs of their own businesses, they’ll continue to drive forward one of the most dynamic segments of the transportation industry. Carrier of the Year Award Rheem Water Heating, a division of Rheem Manufacturing, presented the Landstar Carrier Group and Landstar Agent Jack Kellerstrass with the “2008 Rheem Water Heating Carrier of the Year Award” in February. Pictured from left to right: Sylvia Obregon of the Kellerstrass agency in Laredo, TX; Landstar Vice President of Mexican Operations Lou Snyder; Landstar Vice President of National Accounts Bill Yost; Landstar Agent Jack Kellerstrass; Rheem Water Heating Logistics Manager Ray Roldan; Rheem Water Heating Vice President & General Manager Peter Reynolds and Landstar Carrier Group President Pat O’Malley. BCOs in the Know LCAPP Fuel $avings Diesel fuel’s rise to record highs in 2008 put the squeeze on owner-operators, forcing many to cut back on expenses in order to keep rolling. One strategy Landstar BCOs relied on to keep their costs on an even keel was the LCAPP discount fuel purchase program. In total, BCOs received more than $12 million in rebates through “cost plus” and “cents off” pricing. BCOs like James Spangler are pumped up over the savings, to put it mildly. “I saved more than $1,000 each quarter, or about 30 cents a gallon less than the pump price, in fuel costs since I started participating in the program,” says Spangler. “I really enjoy having the services available. It puts money into my pocket instead of someone else’s.” Because Spangler also plans every detail of his trip in advance and prefers to run his truck on premium fuel, he benefits from the fuel purchase program in more ways than one. “I like to plan my trips in advance, I even map out my fuel stops,” says Spangler. “I make the program work to my advantage by calling ahead to get the next day’s fuel price.” BCOs can say hello to “cost plus” fuel savings at most TravelCenters of America and Petro locations. “Cost plus” is based on the price the truck stop pays to obtain fuel plus a pump fee of a few cents per gallon. To get the price, call 800-494- FUEL (3835) and punch in the location code using LCAPP’s Rapid Rebate Directory. 6 Locations that offer the “cents off” discount are also in the directory. But regardless of the type of discount, drivers must first pay full price at the pump before the rebate is applied to their Comdata card following the transaction. “When the cost of diesel fuel went up, I stopped to refuel at places that offered ‘cents off’ pricing,” said Spangler. “And when prices went down, I filled my truck up at locations that offered ‘cost plus’ pricing. You wouldn’t believe how much money I saved.” Scanning Available for Driving Logs Like the convenience of scanning trip paperwork? Put your driving logs in the fast lane as well with Landstar’s in-truck scanning service, TripPak ® Scanning or Transflo Express ® . With Landstar’s in-truck scanning service, documents can be scanned from the cab of your truck. All you need is a laptop, scanner and Internet connection. For complete information on all scanning services, please visit LandstarOnline.com, click on “Info” and then “Scanning Services.” Also here’s a tip on submitting logs: Landstar recommends that BCOs send in driving logs once a week to comply with DOT regulations. Seals Required on Border Loads High security seals are now required on van and containerized loads going into Canada and coming into the United States. To get a supply of seals, contact Security and Cargo Loss Prevention, 800-872-9103.
New Sales Tools Now Available Landstar’s Expedited Services brochure highlighting our ground and air services, and a PowerPoint overview of Landstar are the latest marketing tools available to Landstar agents. To order the brochure, send an e-mail to bcoagentsupplies@ landstar.com and request With flu season just around the corner, health officials are gearing up for a possible widespread return of the H1N1 virus – formerly known as the Swine Flu. In June, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the global spread of the virus. Although the effects to date have been fairly moderate – similar to the seasonal flu – health officials are concerned with the unpredictable nature of the novel H1N1 virus. Influenza is spread mainly person-toperson through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Remember the simple, everyday precautions you can B.U.S. Tip Q: Can you share any success stories of agents who with the help of Landstar’s Business Unit Specialists have had new business opportunities come their way? A: For one, there’s independent Landstar Agent Steve Helton, who runs Helton Transportation Services based in Knoxville, Tennessee. “I have a customer who wanted to use intermodal to move freight cross country,” says Helton. “Meeting the ground transportation needs of customers on your own is one thing. But to do a capable job on intermodal, I needed help, and that’s when I found out about the B.U.S. They turned out to be my salvation! Working with Theresa Lewis and the Intermodal group, I’ve brochure LEA1205. For the Landstar presentation, log on to landstaronline.com, click on Info, General Reference and look for Landstar Sales Presentation. Flu Season is Coming! take to stay healthy. • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. • Stay home if you get sick and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Landstar’s Business Continuity Task Force will continue to closely monitor the official channels for any changes that could affect the business, just as each agent and BCO should plan for any potential impact to their business. Need advice on going intermodal, international and into warehousing, or more information about heavy/specialized and expedited services? Tap the expertise of Landstar’s Business Unit Specialists (B.U.S.) and stay on top of your supply chain challenges. moved quite a few customer loads over the last several months and the entire process has been very smooth. All I do is get the freight information from my customer by e-mail, and then send it on to Landstar and they set up the freight loads. I’d recommend using the B.U.S. as one way to keep pace with the demands of your customers.” 7 Up to Speed Jim Handoush, President Landstar Global Logistics Transportation and logistics excellence remain a building block for future growth despite the economic downturn. As I’ve said before, now is the time for you to evaluate business strategies, chart out a course for the future and identify areas where you can improve business. One area that can have a particular impact on your business is customer satisfaction. Note, I said “Customer Satisfaction” and not “Customer Service.” Customer service is just Customer service handling a transaction. is just handling a But customer transaction. satisfaction is Customer satisfaction taking service is taking service to another level. to another level. It’s an intimate approach that demands individual attention and personal service. It’s customers knowing that you’re available 24/7 to move their freight, that you take no load for granted and that you’re willing to go through extraordinary lengths to meet their goals. Customer satisfaction is focusing on the needs of customers and talking about the capabilities Landstar has available to meet those needs through a wide array of transportation and logistics solutions. Landstar agents not only have the entrepreneurial edge, but also a vested interest in building strong, long-term relationships with customers. And in an era where companies are being forced to do more with less, customer satisfaction is one area where you can deliver value and focus on a commitment to excellence.
Page 1 and 2: The Landstar Summer 2009 Link in th
Page 3 and 4: Agents attending the 2009 Agent Con
Page 5: Kay Baker Capacity Utilization Recr
Page 9 and 10: Movin’ on up Promotions & Appoint
Page 11 and 12: Welcome New BCOs January 1 - May 31
Page 13 and 14: Happy Anniversary 10 + Years Januar
Page 15 and 16: Happy Anniversary 10 + Years March

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