When it comes to freight transportation, safety, fraud prevention and cargo security aren’t just operational goals, they’re necessities. Who you choose to move your freight plays a key role in meeting those needs. Second-generation freight agents, Tammy Clark and Keith Jones, of SJA Transport Services LLC, an independent Landstar agency, share insights into how their agency keeps customers’ cargo safe.

Q: What is the number one way you provide customers with safe and reliable service?

A: Keep it simple. If the customer minimizes the number of hands their freight passes through from pickup to delivery, risk is reduced. At our agency, we’re proud to operate at essentially 100% usage of Landstar Business Capacity Owners (BCOs), Landstar’s term for owner-operators leased to a Landstar motor carrier. BCOs are exclusive to Landstar. We rely on Landstar BCO capacity to transport customer shipments because of the high qualification standards Landstar applies to become a BCO and the emphasis Landstar places on safety, security and service to remain a BCO.

Q: Other than on time, damage free deliveries, how can a customer know they are working with a safe carrier?

A: The agent and the capacity should “walk the walk.” For 25 years, our agency has hosted an annual safety meeting for Landstar owner-operators, in conjunction with the Landstar Safety Department. This past year we had 99 BCOs attending.

A customer should look at the carrier’s safety rating by looking at the Company Snapshot for the carrier on FMCSA’s SAFER database. Also, a good sign the carrier takes safety seriously is the safety programs it has in place. For example, Landstar has a strong safety culture with on-going training and regulatory updates for owner-operators, a monthly safety conference call that covers various topics, and – what we believe is one of the most beneficial programs at Landstar – an on-site safety visit the agent coordinates with the customer and Landstar’s field safety team to discuss industry safety standards. Most importantly, the three teams discuss ways to work together to operate safely when moving that customer’s freight – it’s a collaboration that benefits everyone involved. 

Q: How do you provide peace of mind to customers when it comes to fraud prevention and cargo security?

A: As Landstar agents, we are independent and have the freedom to operate in the best way for our business and customers. Our agency treats every customer’s freight as if it’s our own - it’s important to us. We’ve found that the BCOs we work with also feel this way – treating the customer’s freight as their own. Because BCOs know their livelihood depends on their safety record and customer satisfaction, this personal accountability lowers incidents of theft and mismanagement. BCOs’ commitment to safety reflects professionalism, which many customers specifically request. We’ve had customers demand certain Landstar BCOs by name because of their past performance and impeccable safety records. That trust is priceless.

Q: What advice would you give to a safety and security-focused shipper looking for a carrier?

A: Start by understanding the value of keeping your freight within a trusted system. When you choose to work with a Landstar agency, you aren’t just paying someone to move your freight, you’re partnering with a network of professionals who are invested in the success of your shipment. Take the time to communicate your needs clearly, and you’ll see the benefits of working with a freight agency that prioritizes safety, security, and customer satisfaction.