Landstar Named 2013 Best Overall Fleet For Owner-Operators

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 8, 2013  /PRNewswire/ -- (NASDAQ-LSTR) Landstar System, Inc., a non-asset based provider of integrated supply chain solutions delivering safe, specialized transportation and logistics services, today announced that it has been named the 2013 Best Overall Fleet for Owner-Operators, according to the owner-operators who participated in the fifth annual survey conducted by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and CarriersEdge.

"We're proud that the freedom, opportunities and support services that we offer our business capacity owners (BCOs) is serving them in such a way that they feel Landstar is the best fleet for owner-operators," said Landstar Chairman, President and CEO Henry Gerkens. "We feel that Landstar's unique business model affords owner-operators the best chance at success, and that our requirements to become a Landstar BCO make our fleet the best of the best."

The nomination process began last year, when owner-operators and company drivers were asked to nominate carriers operating 10 or more trucks.

"The freight pays excellent. The staff is always there when you need them, with answers or support," wrote one BCO in his survey. "I've never had a company set me up for success like Landstar."

Another BCO wrote, "Had I known 10 years ago how and what Landstar had to offer, I would have leased on then. This has been the best move I've made. Thank you Landstar."

"I want to personally thank not only those who voted to make us number one in the Best Fleets survey, but also the BCOs who have always made Landstar the very best it can be, through consistent excellence in safety and service," said Gerkens. 

Mark Murrell, president of CarriersEdge, was impressed by the statements from Landstar BCOs. "What is really remarkable about Landstar is the level of engagement from their contractors, and the overall satisfaction level within the company. Landstar has clearly found a model that works and the results came through loud and clear," said Murrell.

After months of nominations, interviews and scoring by CarriersEdge and the TCA, the top companies in two categories were revealed during an awards ceremony at the TCA Annual Convention, March 5, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Landstar earned Best Overall Fleet for Owner-Operators, while Grand Island Express was named Best Overall Fleet for Company Drivers.

Nominees were evaluated in a variety of categories including professional development opportunities, commitment to continuous improvement (including dispute resolution processes and inclusion of driver feedback in policymaking), annual turnover rate and fleet safety record. A selection of each fleet's drivers or owner-operators was also surveyed, with its feedback compared to management's and incorporated into the final score.

Chris Burruss, TCA's president, said, "Everyone knows the trucking industry has been dealing with a shortage of professional truck drivers for some time. If all carriers could get their drivers to feel as passionate about their companies as Landstar and Grand Island Express, I bet that driver shortage would disappear pretty quickly."

CarriersEdge reports a 50-percent increase in nominations and participation in the 2013 survey over 2012. "Clearly, being named a Best Fleet to Drive For is a prestigious title that is motivating companies to constantly raise the bar on the offerings they provide their truck drivers," said Murrell.

This is Landstar's second year participating in the survey, second year in the Top 20 and first year as the number one Best Fleet for owner-operators.

About Landstar:

Landstar System, Inc. is a non-asset based provider of integrated supply chain solutions.  Landstar delivers safe, specialized transportation and logistics services to a broad range of customers worldwide utilizing a network of agents, third-party capacity owners and employees. All Landstar transportation services companies are certified to ISO 9001:2008 quality management system standards and RC14001:2008 environmental, health, safety and security management system standards. Landstar System, Inc. is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Its common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market® under the symbol LSTR.

SOURCE Landstar System, Inc.