# Landstar System

> Asset-Light Freight Broker · Jacksonville, FL · Founded 1991

**Canonical URL:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/landstar-system/
**Markdown source:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/landstar-system/index.md
**Last updated:** 2026-04-27

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## Key facts

- Founded 1991 · headquartered in Jacksonville, FL
- Publicly traded — NASDAQ: LSTR
- 70,000+ carriers · 2.4M+/yr shipments per year
- FMCSA broker authority: **ACTIVE** (MC-277729)
- #10 on Transport Topics Top 100 (2024)
- Gross revenue: $2.61B per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, Flatbed

## About

Landstar System is a publicly traded, asset-light freight transportation company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, operating through a unique network of 1,000+ independent sales agents and 8,800+ owner-operators (BCOs — Business Capacity Owners). Unlike traditional freight brokers, Landstar does not employ a large brokerage sales force; instead, independent agents who own their customer relationships work within Landstar's systems and liability umbrella to arrange freight with BCO carriers. This agent-based model has given Landstar particularly deep expertise in flatbed, heavy haul, and specialized freight requiring permits or escorts.

The company's carrier network includes 70,000+ capacity providers beyond its own BCOs — giving it broad coverage across dry van, LTL, intermodal, air, and ocean in addition to its flatbed specialty. Landstar serves 23,000+ businesses and has 25+ years of cross-border Mexico experience, with a dedicated logistics service center in Laredo, TX. Its Galaxy TMS and LandstarOne mobile platform provide the technology backbone, though the shipper experience is primarily agent-mediated rather than self-service.

Landstar's model is different from most brokers on this list: shippers deal with a named independent agent who maintains the relationship long-term, rather than a corporate sales team. This creates high consistency of service for established Landstar customers and accountability at the agent level, but onboarding takes longer and pricing is harder to compare apples-to-apples against digital-first brokers. Landstar is especially well-suited to specialized, heavy, or oversized freight where an experienced agent with permit knowledge adds significant value.

## Load types

| Mode | Status |
|---|---|
| Dry Van TL | ● Primary |
| Refrigerated | ✓ Active |
| LTL | ✓ Active |
| Intermodal | ✓ Active |
| Flatbed | ● Primary |
| Air / Expedited | ✓ Active |
| Bulk / Tank | ✓ Active |
| Parcel | Limited |

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2024

## FMCSA & Licensing

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| MC Number | MC-277729 |
| USDOT Number | USDOT 573043 |
| Broker Authority | ● ACTIVE |
| Surety Bond | $75,000 BMC-84 · On File |

Verify status: https://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov

## Coverage

All 50 states · Mexico (Laredo logistics center) · Canada · International via agent network

**Strongest lanes:**

- Southeast US flatbed and heavy haul
- Cross-country specialized freight
- US → Mexico (Laredo gateway)
- US → Canada corridors
- Government / defense lanes nationwide
- Construction and project cargo routes

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Best-in-class flatbed, heavy haul, and oversized freight expertise through experienced BCO owner-operators
- Independent agent model provides high consistency — shippers work with the same agent long-term
- 25+ years of US-Mexico cross-border experience with a dedicated Laredo logistics center
- Government and defense freight specialty — GSA, DOD, FEMA, NASA contractor relationships
- 70,000+ capacity providers across all modes including air, ocean, and specialized equipment

**Common complaints:**

- Not self-service — shippers must work through an independent agent, not a digital portal
- Instant quoting is not available; rates are negotiated per shipment through the agent
- Agent quality varies — service experience is highly dependent on which Landstar agent you use
- Smaller direct-employee headcount than full-service brokers creates gaps in 24/7 coverage
- Less competitive on high-volume standard dry van freight where digital-first brokers excel

## FAQ

### Is Landstar System licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

Per FMCSA public records, Landstar Transportation Logistics (the primary brokerage entity) holds active broker authority (MC-277729 / USDOT 573043) with a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond on file. Landstar operates multiple subsidiary entities — always confirm the specific entity's status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov before tendering a load.

### What types of freight does Landstar move?

Per Transport Topics' Top 100 report, Landstar primarily brokers dry van TL and flatbed/heavy haul freight. Refrigerated, LTL, intermodal, air, ocean, and bulk/tank are also active through its agent and BCO network. Flatbed, heavy haul, and oversized are historic core specialties dating to Landstar's founding.

### How are Landstar's rates structured compared to other brokers?

Landstar's rates are negotiated per shipment through independent agents rather than set by a corporate pricing engine. This means pricing varies by agent and load characteristics. For standard dry van freight, digital-first brokers typically offer more competitive spot rates. For specialized or heavy freight, Landstar agents often have permit-knowledge and carrier relationships that justify their fees. Use ShipperGuide to benchmark rates across 50+ brokers before tendering.

## Best for

Shippers with flatbed, heavy haul, oversized, or specialized freight — especially those needing permits, escorts, or government/defense expertise — who value a long-term agent relationship over a self-service digital platform.

## Compare alternatives

- [C.H. Robinson Worldwide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/ch-robinson-worldwide/) — 85,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 50 states · Mexico · Canada · 120+ c…
- [RXO (incl. Coyote Logistics)](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/rxo/) — 100,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Cana…
- [Echo Global Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/echo-global-logistics/) — 50,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico (EchoX…
- [Hub Group](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/hub-group/) — 4,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Canada (50+ y…
- [Loadsmart / ShipperGuide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/loadsmart-shipperguide/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Inte…

## Sources

- Revenue and ranking: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages (annual list)
- FMCSA licensing: li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov — broker authority status verified at publication where possible
- Reviews: G2, Trustpilot, Google Business — shipper reviews only
- Listing assembled from public records. Brokers can claim/update via directory@shipperguide.com