Landstar agents and carriers with an interest in cross-border freight transportation along the U.S.-Mexico border gathered in Laredo, Texas, for Landstar’s ninth annual Mexico Cross-Border Agent & Carrier Summit held Oct. 8 -10. Over the three days, nearly 200 attendees networked, listened to guest speakers and learned more about the current cross-border economy and what the future might hold for those facilitating cross-border transportation logistics services.

Additionally, attendees were able to hear from company executives about Landstar’s support system for everything from marketing, selling, pricing and shipment visibility to heavy haul services and carrier recruitment and engagement.

While predicting the transportation industry's future is no easy feat, there are plenty of opportunities to help shape it. For example, earlier this year, Girl Scouts from three different Illinois-based troops were given a rare and insightful look into the trucking industry, thanks to the efforts of Landstar employees in Rockford, Illinois, and Landstar business capacity owner (BCO) Dawn Arrington.

This special event — organized by Landstar’s Heather Johnson, director of Automotive Services; Tammy Ireland, manager of BCO Recruiting; and Kari Schelling, manager of Human Resources, all based in Rockford — aimed to introduce the girls to the vital role that trucking plays in our daily lives.

The National Safety Council (NSC) recognized Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc. for “Remarkable Results” in the organization’s awards for Excellence in Driver Safety Training for “leading in their field in building safer drivers.” The Remarkable Results award, under the Professional Truck Driver – Online category, means between 5,000-9,999 commercial motor vehicle drivers completed the NSC’s Defensive Driving Course online in 2023.

Independent owner-operators leased to Landstar complete the NSC’s online Defensive Driving Course as part of Landstar’s orientation and qualification process. The NSC’s 2024 award was mentioned on Landstar’s Safety Thursday Conference Call in September by guest speaker Ryan Pietzsch, NSC driver safety program technical consultant. “I want to thank you all for all you do to support NSC,” said Pietzsch. “And to congratulate Landstar, all of you, for your outstanding safety records and activities.”