Thinking about leasing on with Landstar as an owner-operator? This page covers every requirement you need to meet including driver qualifications, truck standards, CDL requirements, experience, insurance and more, so you know exactly where you stand before you apply.
Landstar’s requirements are designed to ensure safety and professionalism on the road. They are not designed to be a barrier. If you have a valid CDL, at least one year of OTR experience, and a truck that can pass a DOT inspection, there is a strong chance you qualify. Read through the full list below, then apply online or call 877-441-9128 to speak with a recruiter at Secrest Direct.
AT A GLANCE
- Age: 23+
- CDL: Class A required
- Experience: 1 year OTR (6 months for expedited)
- Truck: No age limit, but must pass DOT inspection
- ELD: Required
- Insurance: Required
Driver Requirements
These are the personal qualifications every driver must meet to lease with Landstar as a BCO (Business Capacity Owner).
| ? | Requirements | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ? | Minimum Age | Must be at least 23 years old |
| ? | CDL License | Valid Class A CDL required for most freight. Class B CDL accepted for expedited drivers only. |
| ? | CDL Endorsements | HazMat (H) or combination (X) endorsement required |
| ? | OTR Experience | Minimum 1 year of verifiable over-the-road experience within the last 3 years. Expedited drivers: minimum 6 months. |
| ? | Driving Record/Accidents | No DOT-recordable preventable accident in the previous 12 months. No more than 2 at-fault accidents in the past 36 months. |
| ? | Driving Record/Violations | No more than 2 moving violations in the past 36 months. |
| ? | DUI/DWI | No DUI/DWI in the last 60 months. No DUI/DWI ever in a commercial vehicle. |
| ? | Criminal Background | No felony convictions in the last 7 years. Other cases are reviewed individually. |
| ? | English Proficiency | Must be able to read traffic signs, complete required records, and communicate with the public in English. |
| ? | DAC Report | Must have an acceptable DAC (Drive-A-Check) employment history report. |
Truck & Equipment Requirements
Landstar has no age restriction on your tractor; your truck just needs to pass a Landstar-certified Level 1 DOT safety inspection. Here is what is required
| Requirement | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| ? | Truck Age | No age limit. Any year tractor is acceptable as long as it passes inspection. |
| ? | DOT Inspection | Must pass a Level 1 DOT safety inspection at a Landstar-approved inspection facility. |
| ? | ELD (Electronic Logging) | The tractor must be capable of operating with Landstar-approved Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). Landstar will help you set it up. |
| ? | Trailer Ownership | You do not need to own a trailer. Landstar provides access to van, flatbed, step deck, and specialized trailers at no rental fee. |
| ? | PrePass | Landstar does not have PrePass. The cost is approximately $7/month and is the owner-operator's responsibility. |
| ? | Plates & Registration | The owner-operator is responsible for plates and registration. |
| ? | Fuel & Tolls | Fuel costs and tools are the responsibility of the owner-operator. LCAPP fuel discounts are available through Landstar. |
Insurance Requirements
Owner-operators must maintain proper insurance coverage throughout their Landstar lease. Landstar provides some coverage; here is exactly who covers what. See full details on our insurance page.
| Requirement | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| ? | Cargo Insurance | Landstar pays cargo insurance. This is provided at no cost to the BCO. |
| ? | Trailer Insurance | Landstar pays upkeep, maintenance, and insurance on Landstar-owned trailers. |
| ? | Unladen Liability | Owner-operators must provide unladen liability coverage during their lease. |
| ? | Occupational Accident | Occupational accident insurance or Workers' Compensation is required, varies by state and lease agreement. |
| ? | Bobtail Insurance | Owner-operators are responsible for their own bobtail insurance when not under dispatch. |
| ? | Proof of Coverage | Must provide proof of comparable coverage if not enrolled in Landstar's insurance programs. |
Not sure what insurance you need? Call 877-441-9128, and our team will walk you through exactly what coverage you need before you apply.
Understanding the Experience Requirement
The OTR experience requirement is one of the most common questions we get. Here is exactly how it works:
What counts as OTR experience?
To qualify as OTR (over-the-road) experience, your driving record must include trips with a minimum 500-mile radius one way. The experience must also include driving in snow and ice. Local or regional driving with short hauls typically does not count toward the OTR requirement.
How is experience verified?
Landstar verifies your experience through your employment history. You will need to provide your work history for at least the past 3 years as part of the application process. This is submitted through your DAC report and the application form.
What if I have less than 1 year of experience?
If you are applying for an expedited position, the minimum experience requirement is 6 months of verifiable OTR experience. For standard dry van, flatbed, and heavy haul positions, the minimum is 1 full year within the last 3 years.
Can a fleet owner sign on with Landstar?
Yes. Fleet owners can sign on with Landstar as owner-operators and manage a fleet of drivers under their authority. The fleet owner must be a qualified CDL driver themselves, and each additional driver must also meet Landstar’s requirements. Learn more about our driving opportunities.
CDL Requirements in Detail
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL is required for the vast majority of Landstar driving opportunities, including dry van, flatbed, step deck, and heavy haul freight. A Class A license allows you to operate combination vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
Class B CDL
A Class B CDL is only accepted for expedited (cargo van or straight truck) driving positions. If you plan to haul freight with a tractor-trailer, you must have a Class A CDL.
HazMat Endorsement
A HazMat (H) or combination (X) endorsement is required for all BCOs. This endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials. If you do not currently have a HazMat endorsement, you will need to obtain one before signing on. Contact 877-411-9128 if you have questions about this requirement.
ELD Requirement
Your tractor must be capable of working with Landstar-approved Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) as required by federal mandate. Landstar will help you understand which ELD devices are approved and how to get set up before orientation.
How Landstar’s Requirements Compare to Other Carriers
One concern drivers often have is whether Landstar’s requirements are stricter than those of other carriers. Here is how they compare on the most common points:
| Requirement | Landstar | Typical Forced-Dispatch Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Dispatch Model | 100% non-forced dispatch, you choose your loads | Forced dispatch, you get assigned loads |
| Truck Age Limit | No age limit (must pass inspection) | Often a 10-year limit or newer |
| Trailer Needed | Not required, Landstar provides trailers | Usually required |
| Fuel Surcharge | 100% returned to the driver | Carrier keeps a portion |
| Pay | 70-75% of linehaul revenue | Company pay scales (lower %) |
| Home Time | You control your schedule entirely | Company-determined home time |
| Age Requirement | 23 years minimum | 21 years minimum (most carriers) |
| Experience Required | 1-year OTR | Often 6 months or less |
The two areas where Landstar is slightly stricter are age and experience, because Landstar’s model requires drivers who can operate truly independently without a dispatcher directing them. In every other category, Landstar is significantly more driver-friendly than a typical forced-dispatch carrier.
How to Apply – 3 Easy Steps
Once you confirm you meet the requirements above, the application process is straightforward. Full details are on our application process page.
| Fill out the online application | Complete our short preliminary form, which takes about 5 minutes. |
| Submit your work history and documents | Complete your operator work history and submit it to Landstar. Then email or fax your CDL and medical card to 330-484-0048 or james.mcniff@landstarmail.com |
| Complete orientation and get on the road | Attend Landstar's 2-day orientation (Monday-Tuesday). After orientation, you are approved to start hauling loads through the Landstar load board. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Landstar Owner-Operator Requirements
What is the minimum age to become a Landstar owner-operator?
You must be at least 23 years old to lease as a BCO with Landstar. This applies to all freight types, including dry van, flatbed, and heavy haul.
Do I need to own my own truck to work for Landstar?
Yes, you need to own (or be purchasing) your own tractor. However, you do not need to own a trailer. Landstar provides van, flatbed, step deck, and specialized trailers at no rental fee.
Is there an age limit on my truck?
No. Landstar has no age restriction on your trailer; any model year is acceptable as long as it passes a Level 1 DOT inspection at a Landstar-approved facility.
What CDL do I need to drive for Landstar?
A Class A CDL is required for dry van, flatbed, and heavy haul positions. A Class B CDL is accepted for expedited positions only. You will need a HazMat (H) or combination (X) endorsement.
How much OTR experience do I need?
Standard positions require 1 year of verifiable OTR experience within the last 3 years. Expedited positions require a minimum of 6 months. OTR experience means trips with a one-way radius of at least 500 miles, including snow and ice driving.
Can I join Landstar with a felony on my record?
Felony convictions within the last 7 years are disqualifying. Felonies older than 7 years are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Call 877-441-9128 to discuss your specific situation with a recruiter before applying.
Does Landstar do a background check?
Yes. Landstar reviews your driving record, DAC employment, and criminal background as part of the qualification process. Call us at 877-441-9128 if you have questions about your record before applying.
Do I need a HazMat endorsement before I apply?
Yes, a HazMat or combination endorsement on your CDL is required for all BCOs. If you do not currently have this endorsement, you will need to obtain it before you can be approved to haul loads.
What insurance do I need to provide?
You are responsible for unladen liability insurance, bobtail insurance, and occupational accident insurance (or Workers’ Compensation, depending on your state). Landstar covers cargo insurance and trailer insurance. Full details are on our insurance page.
Does Landstar hire team drivers?
Yes. Landstar has many loads that include team freight options. Both drivers on a team must individually meet all of Landstar’s BCO requirements. Team drivers often benefit from coast-to-coast long-haul opportunities. Learn more about our driving opportunities.
How long does the Landstar orientation take?
Landstar’s orientation is a 2-day event held on Monday and Tuesday. It is the final step before you are approved to start hauling. Our team at Secrest Direct has a dedicated retention expert who follows up with new BCOs after orientation to help them get off to a strong start.
What is a Landstar BCO?
BCO stands for Business Capacity Owner, Landstar’s term for its leased owner-operators. As a BCO, you are an independent contractor running your own trucking business, backed by Landstar’s freight network, load board, and support systems. Learn more.
How do I know if I qualify before applying?
The best way is to call James McNiff at Secrest Direct directly: 877-441-9128 (330-484-6013 ext. 2). We review pre-qualification questions every day and can tell you within minutes whether you are likely to qualify based on your experience, record, and equipment.
Think You Qualify? Apply With Secrest Direct Today!
Call 877-441-9128 | nonforceddispatch.com/apply-now | Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM EST
Secrest Direct – Landstar DUV/RKY Agency | Bolivar, Ohio | 2x Agent of the Year