Landstar System vs Mercer Transportation
Landstar and Mercer are two of the top owner-operator carriers. Landstar is larger with diverse freight types, while Mercer specializes in flatbed. Neither employs company drivers -- both connect independent owner-operators with freight.
Landstar System
- Pay
- $150,000 - $300,000+ gross (owner-operators)
- Fleet
- 11,000+ independent trucks (BCOs)
- Rating
- 4.3/5
Mercer Transportation
- Pay
- $150,000 - $280,000+ gross (owner-operators)
- Fleet
- 3,000+ independent owner-operator trucks
- Rating
- 4.1/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Landstar System
Landstar owner-operators gross $150K-$300K+ with access to one of the largest freight networks.
Mercer Transportation
Mercer owner-operators gross $150K-$280K+ with strong flatbed rates and specialized premiums.
Home Time
Landstar System
No forced dispatch -- owner-operators choose their own loads, routes, and schedules.
Mercer Transportation
No forced dispatch, but flatbed freight patterns may affect route flexibility.
Benefits
Landstar System
Landstar offers fuel discounts, occupational accident insurance, and freight platform access.
Mercer Transportation
Mercer provides plate programs, fuel discounts, insurance options, and agent support.
Training/Support
Landstar System
Landstar's agent network provides load planning support; extensive freight platform for self-dispatch.
Mercer Transportation
Mercer's agent network specializes in flatbed freight procurement.
Equipment/Technology
Landstar System
Owner-operators provide their own trucks; Landstar has equipment age requirements.
Mercer Transportation
Owner-operators provide their own flatbed equipment; Mercer has truck age and safety requirements.
Where they actually differ
The scores above are our reading. This part is just the two carriers' profiles side by side — divisions, what they ask of a new hire, where they run, and which benefits only one of them lists.
Landstar System
- Founded
- 1968
- Fleet
- 11,000+ independent trucks (BCOs)
- Drivers
- 11,000+ (independent BCOs)
- Divisions
- OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A (owner-operators)
- Strongest states
- Florida, Texas and Georgia
Landstar operates a unique model as a non-asset-based carrier, connecting independent owner-operators (called BCOs — Business Capacity Owners) with freight through their agent network. Landstar is one of the top carriers for experienced owner-operators seeking independence.
Only Landstar System is strong in: Florida and Georgia — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Landstar System and not by Mercer Transportation
- • Business Capacity Owner (BCO) independence
- • Access to Landstar's freight network
Mercer Transportation
- Founded
- 1977
- Fleet
- 3,000+ independent owner-operator trucks
- Drivers
- 3,000+ (independent owner-operators)
- Divisions
- OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
- Experience wanted
- 2 years CDL-A with flatbed experience
- Strongest states
- Kentucky, Texas and Ohio
Mercer Transportation is one of the premier flatbed and specialized owner-operator carriers in the U.S. The company connects independent owner-operators with quality flatbed freight through a network of agents and brokers. Mercer does not employ company drivers — all freight is hauled by independent contractors who own their own equipment.
Only Mercer Transportation is strong in: Kentucky and Ohio — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Mercer Transportation and not by Landstar System
- • Owner-operator independence
- • Plate and insurance programs
Our Verdict
Landstar is better for owner-operators wanting diverse freight options. Mercer is the premium choice specifically for flatbed owner-operators. Both offer genuine independence without forced dispatch. Choose based on your equipment type and freight preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for flatbed owner-operators?
Mercer is the flatbed specialist with deeper relationships in that market.
Do Landstar or Mercer have company driver positions?
No. Both are exclusively owner-operator carriers.
What percentage do they take?
Both take 25-35% of load revenue depending on the arrangement. Landstar BCOs generally keep 65-75% of linehaul.
Learn More About These Companies
Mercer Transportation
Louisville, KY · 3,000+ independent owner-operator trucks