More than 120 Landstar owner-operators and invited guests attended the second annual safety meeting in Flint, Michigan, jointly hosted by half a dozen independent Landstar freight agencies and Landstar’s safety department. One of the organizers, Landstar Agent Brandon LePior, says he and the other agents involved decided to make their meeting for business capacity owners (BCOs), Landstar’s term for owner-operators, an annual event after the huge turnout last year.

“Some of these BCOs travel hundreds of miles to get here, so we try to make it worth their while,” LePior said. “We say ‘thank you for being safe’. But this is more than just something we say over the phone. This is saying ‘thank you’ in person and with tangible giveaways that can help them with their businesses – laptops, cash, tires and other prizes.”

Both BCOs and agents are very aware that there’s a lot more to this regional event and others like it.

“First and foremost, it’s about owner-operator safety and contributing to Landstar’s safety culture,” said LePior. Landstar Field Safety Manager Greg Lytle, along with other safety team members, led discussions with the owner-operators on topics including compliance and regulatory updates, hazardous materials and cargo security.

Secondarily the gathering was an opportunity for BCOs and agents to meet face-to-face and develop or deepen existing relationships.

“We brought our staff to the event with their laptops so the BCOs could see what my operation looks like. At our booth, the staff pulled up the load board for Monday loads so we could get those covered,” said LePior. “BCOs like to see what an agent’s processes are.” He added, “BCOs also love to tell their stories, talk about their particular situations, their experiences and their tractor-trailers.” He says his staff listens and takes notes on the kind of equipment they have, certifications, where they like to run, and the freight they like to haul. A goldmine when it comes to relationship building and getting loads covered.

“I don’t know how you put a relationship down in terms of a return on investment, but it is an investment – for agents and BCOs,” said LePior.

The event, he said, has also tightened the relationships among the agents involved. “I like the camaraderie. I think it’s important.”

Thanks to the following Landstar agents for their participation:

Brandon LePior – LAN/L-5 Transportation, Inc.

Ken Belcher – Belcher & Dennis Corporation

Lenny Dembrosky – Sandbear Express, Inc.

David & Micheal Money – Money Freight Services, Inc.

Tim Motes – Sterling Dedicated, Inc.

James Wertheimer – Rebel Trans, Inc.

Tammy Clark & Keith Jones – SJA Transport Services, LLC