Ten years ago, Matt Williams was already arranging complex international freight, but he wasn’t building a business of his own. That realization set him on a path to Landstar, where he could combine his experience coordinating international freight deliveries with the opportunity to run an independent agency supported by a broader network.  

In this agent profile, you’ll learn: 

• Why Matt chose Landstar as the foundation for his agency 
• How corporate support and agent connections helped early growth 
• What it looks like to scale an agency while maintaining focus 
• Advice for experienced professionals considering becoming a Landstar agent  

From freight forwarding to agency ownership 

Before joining Landstar, Matt Williams worked in freight forwarding, with deep experience in international and air freight. After years of moving complex shipments for others, he decided he wanted to build a business of his own.  

Matt connected with existing Landstar agents, asked questions about Landstar’s unique model, and explored how arranging international freight fit into the network. After meeting with Landstar leadership, he signed on as an independent Landstar agent and prepared for the transition from employee to entrepreneurship as the president of Rane Logistics.   

What helped early: support, credibility and capital 

Matt says one of the biggest early advantages was being able to go to market as an independent business owner with the backing of Landstar’s brand and scale. That support gave him access to the infrastructure and financing needed to arrange larger international shipments early on.  

He also credits hands-on regional support, noting that leaders such as Landstar’s Western Division Executive Vice President Andy Davis and later Landstar Area Sales Manager Joe Young were always available to answer questions or connect him with the right resources when needed.  

The often-overlooked advantage: agent cohesion 

Today, Matt’s agency revenue is primarily international, supported by domestic freight as well. He frequently works alongside other Landstar agents, handling international freight for agencies that focus on domestic transportation.  

That flexibility, he says, allows independent Landstar agents to play to their strengths while supporting customers with broader transportation needs.  

If there’s one aspect of the Landstar agent experience Matt believes deserves more attention, it’s agent cohesion. He shared a recent example of collaborating with another agent on a significant opportunity that required domestic, international and specialized capabilities, supported by multiple corporate teams.  

For Matt, the takeaway is clear: when agents work together and align their strengths, it can elevate the overall solution delivered to customers.  

Lessons learned while scaling 

Reflecting on his experience, Matt notes that one key lesson was related to staffing. He realized he delayed expanding his team because he was still learning about the challenges of running a business, such as managing payroll, offering benefits, and setting up an effective operational structure.   

He points to the value of learning from other agents who have faced similar decisions and highlights programs like Landstar’s agent development program - Grow Your Star - as useful ways to connect, learn and avoid common mistakes.  

Advice for agents considering the move 

For experienced transportation professionals thinking about becoming a Landstar agent, Matt acknowledges the decision is a significant step. For him, the change reshaped not only his business, but his time with family and daily life.   

His advice: be honest about your goals, be prepared to think like a business owner, and stay open to using the tools and resources that align with how you want to run your agency.