Just as shippers can count on a Landstar agent to find the best solution to their transportation challenges, agents can trust that Landstar will be there to support them every step of the way.

Landstar agents who offer heavy haul services to their customers get complete support from the entire Landstar network and serve as the one-stop shop for all of their customers’ transportation needs. Even if a shipper doesn’t have a regular need for heavy haul, it’s important for them to know that Landstar has the resources and capacity available to be their full service transportation provider.

We interviewed two successful Landstar agents about their experiences in offering heavy-haul transportation services and how the Landstar network has supported their businesses. Dan Lawry (LFS) is new to heavy haul transportation, but not to the Landstar network, and David Rilee (HML) is new to Landstar, but not to heavy haul transportation.

New to Landstar

Independent Landstar Agent David Rilee has an extensive background in heavy haul sales. He left his previous company of 18 years to join the Landstar family in 2017. “I wanted to align with a well-respected company.” explains Rilee.

The Transition to a New System

He received a lot of guidance from the heavy/specialized department which made a seamless transition into his new role as a freight agent now part of the Landstar system. He says this encompassing support helped him gain confidence in “selling the star.”

The heavy/specialized department worked closely with Rilee on pricing. Landstar has a rate system that allows agents to quickly obtain estimated rates on heavy haul shipments. This system puts pricing information at Rilee’s fingertips in a matter of minutes making for a prompt and efficient quoting process. The heavy/specialized department also walked Rilee through how to adjust quotes based on the type of equipment.

Rilee’s agency focus is 100 percent heavy haul. Safety, capacity, equipment and the quality of drivers are some of the main reasons customers turn to Rilee’s agency and the Landstar network for heavy/specialized services.

“Customers trust Landstar. They know that we will find the best solution for them and they are reassured by the professionalism of the business capacity owners (BCOs),” Rilee says.

Expert Advice

Moving heavy/specialized freight is not an expertise that can be learned overnight and it may take time for agents new to the service to gain full confidence.

“I recommend learning the trailer types and leaning on Landstar’s heavy/specialized department for guidance. The Landstar system is by far the best I’ve seen and is a great tool for someone that does not have a heavy haul background,” Rilee advises.

“The shipments of this type of cargo can be challenging, however, they can also be very rewarding when the load is delivered safely and on time.”

Agents, contact your regional manager or Landstar’s heavy/specialized department if you are interested in expanding this service offering to your customers.