BCOs can access business support anytime at their Field Operations Center

As entrepreneurs, Landstar's business capacity owners (BCOs) never stop moving; not only in the literal sense, but also in terms of education. After all, to stop learning about the ever-changing transportation industry is to risk business stagnation. With Landstar, BCOs always have resources for their businesses within reach at the company’s field operations centers. 

What is a Field Operations Center?

Landstar’s field operations centers serve as locations for independent owner-operators to receive business support services while on the road, in addition to convenient amenities, all in one place. Each BCO is "domiciled" or assigned to one of the seven field operations centers in the United States and Canada, depending on where they live.

Whether a BCO is a new owner-operator in the Landstar system or a seasoned professional with a million safe miles under their belt at Landstar, they have a location where the on-site team is well-acquainted with their unique business development and growth objectives.

One of Landstar’s centers is in Carnesville, Georgia, and serves as a regional hub for BCOs in the Southeastern United States. “We're here to help, no matter the question or concern,” explains Carnesville Field Operations Center Supervisor Greg Wright. "We want BCOs to feel comfortable when they come here. Anytime these ‘CEOs on wheels’ need help reevaluating their businesses, we're here for them."

First Steps Into a Field Operations Center

Newly qualified BCOs get acquainted with a field operations center when they arrive for orientation.
Then, 90 to 120 days following orientation, they return for Continued Awareness of Business and Safety (C.A.B.S.) classes, which include a safety course in the morning and a business course after lunch.

“There is a lot that BCOs learn in orientation. Once they complete orientation and get a feel for how to navigate the Landstar system, they come back to C.A.B.S. class for a refresher,” explains Carnesville C.A.B.S. Coordinator Greg Ratcliffe. “We answer many of the questions that may have come up during those first three to four months with Landstar, questions they may not have had on the first day.”

Every three years, Landstar also requires BCOs to come back to the field operations center to renew their contract and hazmat credentials. During this time, they also retake the C.A.B.S. course to continue learning about safety and compliance, best business practices, industry changes and Landstar technology.

That being said, BCOs are welcome at any of Landstar’s seven field operations centers for this information at any time, as the opportunity for business development is always accessible for these small business owners.
"BCOs who are simply passing through are welcome to sit in on the classes,” says Ratcliffe. "They can attend on a walk-in basis if they'd like because we're here to help make sure they have what they need to succeed at Landstar.”

Driven By Development

While BCOs may become acquainted with a number of people at their assigned field operations center, they are most likely to interact with Landstar’s BCO field representatives.

Should an owner-operator have questions about how Landstar can provide them with individualized support, BCO field representatives are on-site and available to offer answers. Each location has multiple field representatives who work in tandem with Landstar’s BCO advisors to help BCOs at any time while leased with Landstar.

“My primary role is to assist BCOs, whether they've been here one day or more than 20 years," says Carnesville-based BCO Field Representative Sonda Clements-Davis. "I'm here to assist them in resolving whatever issues they may have. They’re also welcome here for a personal one-on-one assessment of their business needs.”

According to Clements-Davis, BCOs come in with a range of questions. Some may come in to talk about finding loads at profitable rates, while others come to discuss hazmat or settlement-related matters.
For example, Landstar BCO Jerod Winesberry – who leased with Landstar in December 2023 – turned to Clements-Davis for help within his first month leased to the company. Her knowledge, combined with her empathy, he said, helped save his business.

“I wasn’t making money,” explains Winesberry. “Sonda not only showed me a different approach to my mindset, but she also helped me change my approach regarding how I look for loads, qualify leads and run my business.”

According to Winesberry, he turned his business around and passed on what he’d learned to a few other BCOs he knew. As a result, their businesses also began performing better. “Our team is a support system for the BCOs,” says Clements-Davis. “Their success is our success. There’s an ongoing collaboration, and we’re here to uplift them.”

Field Operations Center Amenities

Landstar’s field operations centers also offer an array of amenities for BCOs on the road, like those found at the center in Carnesville:

• Break room
• Computers
• Laundry room
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Truck and trailer parking
• Vending machines
• Wi-Fi

For more information about becoming a Landstar BCO, visit www.LeaseToLandstar.com