Landstar cuts over 35,000 carriers from approved network in four-year safety push

Published Aug 10, 08:29 PM UTC

Landstar System, a major asset-light transportation logistics company, has removed more than 35,000 motor carriers from its approved network over the past four years, reducing its carrier pool by approximately 35% from over 100,000 in Q2 2022 to just over 64,000 by Q2 2026. The reduction, disclosed by Vice President Matt Miller during the company's Q2 earnings call on July 28, 2026, aims to tighten focus on safety, security, and service. The effort initially targeted cargo theft and freight fraud through enhanced vetting technology, identity checks, and stricter compliance measures. The carrier purge gains additional significance following the U.S. Supreme Court's May 2026 ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, which widened potential liability for freight brokers over carrier selection. Landstar CEO Frank Lonegro called for greater federal clarity on carrier vetting standards. The company reported $10.5 million in unfavorable prior-year claims adjustments, mostly from truck brokerage operations, and noted that its scale, safety record, and technology could become competitive advantages post-Montgomery.