It is difficult to think of Landstar Rookie of the Year Lance Cole as a “rookie” after he talks about
his experiences in management, sales and the transportation industry.

“I started my career in Utah in hotel and motel management, where I was the general manager of the highest producing hotel in the chain. From there, my father connected me to a trucking company in Oklahoma. I did payroll and kept the books, then took on additional roles and became a dispatcher,” explains Lance Cole. “That’s when I realized there was opportunity to be had in this industry. I really enjoy trucking and all that goes into moving freight.”

When Cole opened OKiE Logistics LLC, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he did so with more than 20 years in business and logistics.

“Customers who need freight moved want to work with the companies that can move it the best. I worked for many different trucking companies before deciding to open my own business as an independent agent with Landstar,” says Cole. “I love trucking – and was wanting a place to grow my revenue, work for myself and support my customers with whatever they needed, whenever they needed it.”

At the start of his first year as a freight agency owner, Cole says he was excited and confident, noting that with his experience and Landstar’s support, he expected his business to flourish. Even amid the global pandemic in 2020, the Landstar rookie says he was motivated to keep freight moving, when competitors stopped.

“I didn’t slow down during the pandemic and our customer service didn’t fluctuate. I found new and different
ways to support existing customers, all while acquiring new customers,” says Cole. “I just kept answering my phone and with Landstar’s support, 2020 was a very successful first year for my agency. In this industry, moving a customer’s freight is all about who does it best. Landstar has the best owner-operators, and that lets me move freight the best.” 

When an independent Landstar agent is referred to as a “rookie,” the title only refers to their newness to the Landstar network. Landstar agents selected for the Landstar Rookie of the Year Award demonstrate outstanding revenue performance and a commitment to excellence.

Landstar Rookie of the Year Award recipients must be part of Landstar for less than two years, demonstrate outstanding revenue performance, and encompass excellence in customer service. Nominees for the
2020 award opened an independent Landstar agency between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020.

The 2020 Landstar Rookie of the Year Award was announced during a private presentation to independent Landstar agents via a WebEx® conference call in April 2021.

For more information about becoming an independent Landstar agent, click here.