LANDSTAR SYSTEM INC
10-Q, 1998-11-06
TRUCKING (NO LOCAL)
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<PAGE>

                              UNITED STATES
                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                         Washington, D.C.  20549

                                FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[  X  ] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
        Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 26, 1998

                              or

[     ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
        Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from _________________ to _____________________

Commission File Number: 0-21238

                             LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          Delaware                                       06-1313069   
  (State or other jurisdiction                        (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                     Identification No.)

                 4160 Woodcock Drive, Jacksonville, Florida           
                 (Address of principal executive offices)                      

                                     32207
                                   (Zip Code)

                                 (904) 390-1234
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                      N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                                             Yes  (  X  )      No  (    )     

The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share, outstanding as of the close of business on October 30, 1998 was
10,390,733.






<PAGE>
                                    PART I

                            FINANCIAL INFORMATION


                        Item 1.  Financial Statements

     The interim consolidated financial statements contained herein reflect
all adjustments (all of a normal, recurring nature) which, in the opinion of
management, are necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition,
results of operations, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity
for the periods presented. They have been prepared in accordance with Rule
10-01 of Regulation S-X and do not include all the information and footnotes
required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial
statements. Operating results for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 26,
1998 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
entire fiscal year ending December 26, 1998.

     These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's
1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


                                    Index


Item 1
    
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 26, 1998
  and December 27, 1997 ...............................................  Page 3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirty-Nine and Thirteen Weeks 
  Ended September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997 ....................   Page 4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirty-Nine Weeks
  Ended September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997 ....................   Page 5

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders'
  Equity for the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 26, 1998 ..........   Page 6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................   Page 7

Item 2

Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
  Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......................   Page 9

















                                       2



<PAGE>
                         LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                   (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                     (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 September 26,    December 27,
                                                                     1998             1997
                                                                 -------------    ------------
ASSETS
<S>                                                               <C>             <C> 
Current assets:
   Cash                                                            $   20,181     $    17,994
   Short-term investments                                               1,461           3,012
   Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $7,490              
      and $5,957                                                      172,975         176,785
   Other receivables, including advances to independent
      contractors, less allowance of $4,866 and $4,009                 13,552          12,599
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets                            8,148           7,832
                                                                   ----------     -----------
          Total current assets                                        216,317         218,222
                                                                   ----------     -----------
Operating property, less accumulated depreciation
   and amortization of $29,520 and $50,301                             47,828          81,258
Goodwill, less accumulated amortization of $6,256 and $8,818           35,306          53,289
Deferred income taxes and other assets                                 13,717           4,410
                                                                   ----------     -----------
Total assets                                                       $  313,168     $   357,179
                                                                   ==========     ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
   Cash overdraft                                                  $   14,018     $    12,475
   Accounts payable                                                    55,569          50,394
   Current maturities of long-term debt                                 5,078          14,228
   Insurance claims                                                    31,112          28,247
   Other current liabilities                                           40,374          33,827
                                                                   ----------     -----------
          Total current liabilities                                   146,151         139,171
                                                                   ----------     -----------
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities                           30,756          36,218
Insurance claims                                                       30,273          27,890
Deferred income taxes                                                                   2,204

Shareholders' equity:
   Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 20,000,000
      shares, issued 12,945,974 shares and 12,900,974 shares              129             129
   Additional paid-in capital                                          63,287          62,169
   Retained earnings                                                  112,911         112,345
   Cost of 2,445,041 and 915,441 shares of common stock in treasury   (70,339)        (22,947)
                                                                   ----------     -----------
          Total shareholders' equity                                  105,988         151,696
                                                                   ----------     -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                         $  313,168     $   357,179
                                                                   ==========     ===========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>                               3

<PAGE>
                          LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                     (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended       Thirteen Weeks Ended
                                                  -----------------------      -----------------------
                                                   Sept. 26,    Sept. 27,       Sept. 26,    Sept. 27,
                                                     1998        1997             1998         1997
                                                  ----------   ----------      ----------   ----------
<S>                                               <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
Revenue                                           $  949,742   $  893,980      $  324,033   $  304,157
Investment income                                      1,191                          441

Costs and expenses:
    Purchased transportation                         701,981      657,736         239,952      224,418
    Other operating costs                             20,818       25,366           6,574        7,553
    Insurance and claims                              32,886       31,069           8,300        9,000
    Commissions to agents and brokers                 74,803       71,877          25,688       24,954
    Selling, general and administrative               71,414       63,824          24,766       20,576
    Depreciation and amortization                      7,531        8,701           2,678        2,919
    Restructuring costs                                             3,247                        
                                                  ----------   ----------      ----------   ----------
         Total costs and expenses                    909,433      861,820         307,958      289,420
                                                  ----------   ----------      ----------   ----------
Operating income                                      41,500       32,160          16,516       14,737
Interest and debt expense                              2,584        2,293             988          494
                                                  ----------   ----------      ----------   ----------
Income from continuing operations
    before income taxes                               38,916       29,867          15,528       14,243
Income taxes                                          15,761       12,455           6,289        5,940
                                                  ----------   ----------      ----------   ----------
Income from continuing operations                     23,155       17,412           9,239        8,303
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes         (22,589)        (402)                        (738)
                                                  ----------   ----------      ----------   ----------
Net income                                        $      566   $   17,010      $    9,239   $    7,565
                                                  ==========   ==========      ==========   ==========
Earnings (loss) per common share:
    Income from continuing operations             $     2.06   $     1.38      $     0.86   $     0.66
    Loss from discontinued operations                  (2.01)       (0.03)                       (0.06)
                                                  ----------   ----------      ----------   ----------
     Earnings per common share                    $     0.05   $     1.35      $     0.86   $     0.60
                                                  ==========   ==========      ==========   ==========
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
    Income from continuing operations             $     2.05   $     1.37      $     0.85   $     0.66
    Loss from discontinued operations                  (2.00)       (0.03)                       (0.06)
                                                  ----------   ----------      ----------   ----------
     Diluted earnings per share                   $     0.05   $     1.34      $     0.85   $     0.60
                                                  ==========   ==========      ==========   ==========
Average number of shares outstanding:                            
     Earnings per common share                    11,223,000   12,636,000      10,743,000   12,565,000
                                                  ==========   ==========      ==========   ==========
     Diluted earnings per share                   11,316,000   12,664,000      10,852,000   12,612,000
                                                  ==========   ==========      ==========   ==========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>                               4






















<PAGE>
                                  LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                          (Dollars in thousands)
                                              (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
                                                                                     ---------------------------
                                                                                       Sept. 26,      Sept. 27,
                                                                                         1998           1997
                                                                                     -----------     -----------
<S>                                                                                   <C>             <C>  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
     Net income                                                                      $       566    $     17,010
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
                          by operating activities of continuing operations:
          Discontinued operations                                                         22,589             402
          Depreciation and amortization of operating property                              6,570           7,484
          Amortization of goodwill and non-competition agreements                            961           1,217
          Non-cash interest charges                                                          243             199
          Provisions for losses on trade and other accounts receivable                     3,850           2,961
          Gains on sales of operating property                                              (306)           (486)
          Deferred income taxes, net                                                      (2,118)          4,629
          Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of discontinued operations:                         
                 Increase in trade and other accounts receivable                          (6,817)         (5,146)
                 Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets                            (4,146)         (8,815)
                 Increase in accounts payable                                              7,427          10,300
                 Increase in other liabilities                                             5,019           1,841
                 Increase in insurance claims                                              6,848           8,980
                                                                                     -----------     -----------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS                        40,686          40,576
                                                                                     -----------     -----------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
     Purchases of investments                                                                             (4,799)
     Maturities of short-term investments                                                  1,552             303
     Purchases of operating property                                                      (4,347)         (7,743)
     Proceeds from sales of operating property                                             1,383           9,039
     Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations                                        40,435 
                                                                                     -----------     -----------
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                          39,023          (3,200)
                                                                                     -----------     -----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
     Increase (decrease) in cash overdraft                                                 1,870          (1,203)
     Borrowings on revolving credit facility                                              15,000
     Proceeds from exercise of stock options and related income tax benefit                1,118             429
     Purchases of common stock                                                           (47,392)         (8,656)
     Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations                  (21,646)        (25,507)
                                                                                     -----------     -----------
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS                           (51,050)        (34,937)
                                                                                     -----------     -----------
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS                                      (26,472)          5,520
                                                                                     -----------     -----------
Increase in cash                                                                           2,187           7,959
Cash at beginning of period                                                               17,994           4,187
                                                                                     -----------     -----------
Cash at end of period                                                                $    20,181      $   12,146
                                                                                     ===========     ===========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>                               5
<PAGE>
                                  LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES
                                       IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                               Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 26, 1998
                                         (Dollars in thousands)
                                               (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     Treasury Stock
                                Common Stock   Additional               at Cost
                            ------------------  Paid-In  Retained  -------------------
                              Shares   Amount   Capital  Earnings    Shares    Amount    Total
                            ---------- ------- --------- --------- ---------  --------  ---------

<S>                         <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>    
Balance December 27, 1997   12,900,974 $ 129   $ 62,169  $ 112,345   915,441 $ (22,947) $ 151,696

Purchases of common stock                                          1,529,600   (47,392)   (47,392) 

Exercise of stock options
  and related income tax
   benefit                      45,000            1,118                                     1,118 
                                                                                           
Net income                                                     566                            566
                            ---------- ------- --------- --------- --------- ---------  ---------

Balance September 26, 1998  12,945,974 $ 129   $ 63,287  $ 112,911 2,445,041 $ (70,339) $ 105,988
                            ========== ======= ========= ========= ========= =========  =========

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                       

</TABLE>











                                       6











<PAGE>

                 LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                              (Unaudited)

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Landstar System,
Inc. and its subsidiary, Landstar System Holdings, Inc., and reflect all 
adjustments (all of a normal, recurring nature) which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods 
presented. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires
the use of management's estimates.  Actual results could differ from those 
estimates. Landstar System, Inc. and its subsidiary are herein referred to as 
"Landstar".

(1) Discontinued Operations

On August 22, 1998, Landstar Poole, Inc. ("Landstar Poole"), a wholly-owned 
subsidiary of Landstar which comprised the entire company-owned tractor 
segment, completed the sale of all of its tractors and  trailers, certain 
operating assets and the Landstar Poole business to Schneider National, Inc. 
for approximately $40,435,000 in cash. In addition,  Landstar Poole entered 
into an agreement to sell its remaining truck terminal to an unrelated third 
party for approximately $732,000 in cash. Accordingly, the financial results 
of this segment have been reported as discontinued operations in the 
accompanying financial statements.

The loss from discontinued operations of $22,589,000 in the thirty-nine week 
period ended September 26, 1998, included an estimated loss on sale of 
$21,489,000, net of income tax benefits of $2,511,000, and a loss from 
operations of $1,100,000, net of income tax benefits of $597,000. Certain 
liabilities of the company-owned tractor segment were retained by Landstar, 
primarily insurance claims, capital lease obligations and accounts payable. 

The company-owned tractor segment had revenues of $58,715,000 and $13,357,000
for the thirty-nine weeks and thirteen weeks ended September 26, 1998, 
respectively, and $71,571,000 and $22,154,000 for the thirty-nine weeks and 
thirteen weeks ended September 27, 1997, respectively.


(2)   Reclassification of Certain Costs

      Certain costs have been reclassified for the 1997 
      period to conform with the classification of these costs in 
1998.  The reclassification had no effect on operating income or net 
      income for the periods presented.

(3)   Income Taxes

      The provisions for income taxes on continuing operations for the 1998 and
      1997 thirty-nine week periods were based on estimated combined full year 
      effective income tax rates of 40.5% and 41.7%, respectively, which are 
      higher than the statutory federal income tax rate, primarily as a result 
      of state income taxes, amortization of certain goodwill and the meals 
      and entertainment exclusion.

                                       7
























<PAGE>



(4)   Earnings Per Share

      Earnings per common share amounts are based on the weighted average 
      number of common shares outstanding and diluted earnings per share 
      amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares 
      outstanding plus the incremental shares that would have been outstanding
      upon the assumed exercise of all dilutive stock options.

(5)   Additional Cash Flow Information

      During the 1998 period, Landstar paid income taxes and
      interest of $18,718,000 and $3,207,000 ($836,000 related to Landstar 
      Poole), respectively, and acquired operating property by entering into 
      capital leases in the amount of $12,902,000. During the 1997 period, 
      Landstar paid income taxes and interest of $10,090,000 and $4,363,000
      ($1,487,000 related to Landstar Poole), respectively.

(6)   Segment Information

      The following tables summarize information about Landstar's reportable 
      business segments for the thirty-nine and thirteen weeks ended
      September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997 (in thousands): 

      <TABLE>
      <CAPTION>
      Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 26, 1998          
      ------------------------------------------                 
                                                            
                                   Carrier    Multimodal   Insurance    Other      Total     
                                   -------    ----------   ---------    -----      -----
      <S>                          <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
      External revenue          $  730,119    $ 201,558   $ 18,065                $ 949,742 
      Investment income                                      1,191                    1,191
      Internal revenue              28,089          378     16,385                   44,852
      Operating income              48,774        4,839     13,002    $(25,115)      41,500



      Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 1997                 
      ------------------------------------------                
                                                            
                                   Carrier    Multimodal   Insurance    Other      Total     
                                   -------    ----------   ---------    -----      ----- 
      <S>                          <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
      External revenue          $  699,613   $  181,195   $ 13,172               $  893,980
      Internal revenue              29,918          790     10,258                   40,966
      Operating income              43,987        2,188      8,184    $(22,199)      32,160

     </TABLE>

      








                                       8

















<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>      
      Thirteen Weeks Ended September 26, 1998
      ---------------------------------------
       
                                   Carrier    Multimodal   Insurance    Other      Total     
                                   -------    ----------   ---------    -----      ----- 
      <S>                          <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
      External revenue          $  247,908   $   69,858   $  6,267               $  324,033
      Investment income                                        441                      441 
      Internal revenue               9,639          115      4,844                   14,598
      Operating income              17,779        2,089      6,576    $ (9,928)      16,516



      Thirteen Weeks Ended September 27, 1997
      ---------------------------------------
       
                                   Carrier    Multimodal   Insurance    Other      Total     
                                   -------    ----------   ---------    -----      ----- 
      <S>                          <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
      External revenue          $  236,036   $   62,643   $  5,478               $  304,157
      Internal revenue               8,938          367      5,500                   14,805
      Operating income              14,799        1,598      5,223    $ (6,883)      14,737

      </TABLE>

(7)   Commitments and Contingencies

      At September 26, 1998, Landstar had commitments for letters of
      credit outstanding in the amount of $26,292,000, primarily as
      collateral for insurance claims. The commitments for letters of credit
      outstanding included $19,292,000 under the Second Amended and Restated 
      Credit Agreement and $7,000,000 secured by assets deposited with a 
      financial institution.

      Landstar is involved in certain claims and pending litigation 
      arising from the normal conduct of business. Based on the 
      knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, opinions of 
      outside counsel, management believes that adequate provisions
      have been made for probable losses with respect to the resolution
      of all claims and pending litigation and that the ultimate outcome,
      after provisions thereof, will not have a material adverse effect
      on the financial condition of Landstar, but could have a material
      effect on the results of operations in a given quarter or year.

                                                                           
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

All statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q that do not reflect 
historical information are forward looking statements within the meaning of 
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking 
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties including the ability to 
complete the conversion of the Company's computer systems in order for them
to be year 2000 compliant on schedule.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
attached interim consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto, and with the Company's audited financial statements and
notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1997 and
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations included in the 1997 Annual Report to
Shareholders.

                                       9















<PAGE>
                             RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Landstar System, Inc. and its subsidiary, Landstar System Holdings, Inc. 
("Landstar" or the "Company"), provide transportation services to a variety 
of market niches throughout the United States and to a lesser extent in Canada
and between the United States and Canada and Mexico through its operating 
subsidiaries which employ different operating strategies. The Company 
has three reportable business segments: the carrier segment, the multimodal
segment and the insurance segment.

The carrier segment consists of Landstar Ranger, Inc.("Landstar Ranger"), 
Landstar Inway, Inc. ("Landstar Inway") and Landstar Ligon, Inc.("Landstar 
Ligon"). The carrier segment provides truckload transportation for a wide 
range of general commodities over irregular routes with its fleet of dry and 
specialty vans and unsided trailers, including flatbed, drop deck and 
specialty. The carrier segment markets its services primarily through 
independent commission sales agents and utilizes tractors provided by 
independent contractors.  The nature of the carrier segment's business is 
such that a significant portion of its operating costs varies directly with 
revenue. 

The multimodal segment is comprised of Landstar Logistics, Inc. and Landstar 
Express America, Inc. ("Landstar Express"). Transportation services provided 
by the multimodal segment include the arrangement of intermodal moves, contract
logistics, truck brokerage, short-to-long haul movement of containers by truck
and emergency and expedited air freight and truck services. The multimodal 
segment markets its services through independent commission sales agents and 
utilizes capacity provided by independent contractors, including railroads 
and air cargo carriers. The nature of the multimodal segment's business is 
such that a significant portion of its operating costs also varies directly 
with revenue. 

The insurance segment is Signature Insurance Company ("Signature"), a wholly-
owned offshore insurance subsidiary, formed in March 1997. The insurance 
segment reinsures certain property, casualty and occupational accident risks of
certain independent contractors who have contracted to haul freight for 
Landstar. In addition, the insurance segment provides certain property and 
casualty insurance directly to Landstar's operating subsidiaries. 

On August 22, 1998, Landstar Poole, Inc. ("Landstar Poole"), a wholly-owned 
subsidiary of Landstar which comprised the entire company-owned tractor 
segment, completed the sale of all of its tractors and trailers, certain 
operating assets and the Landstar Poole business to Schneider National, Inc. 
for approximately $40,435,000 in cash. In addition, Landstar Poole entered into
an  agreement to sell its remaining truck terminal to an unrelated third party 
for approximately $732,000 in cash. Accordingly, the financial results of this 
segment have been reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying 
financial statements. 

In accordance with a restructuring plan announced in the fourth quarter of 
1996, the operations of Landstar T.L.C., Inc. ("Landstar T.L.C.") were merged 
into Landstar Inway, and all of Landstar T.L.C.'s company-owned tractors were 
disposed of by June 1997.





                                       10






















<PAGE>
Purchased transportation represents the amount an independent contractor 
is paid to haul freight and is based on a contractually agreed-upon
percentage of revenue generated by the haul for truck capacity provided by
independent contractors. Purchased transportation for the intermodal services 
operations and the air freight operations of the multimodal segment is based on
a contractually agreed-upon fixed rate. Purchased transportation as a 
percentage of revenue for the intermodal services operations is normally higher
than that of Landstar's other transportation operations. Purchased 
transportation is the largest component of costs and expenses and, on a 
consolidated basis, increases or decreases in proportion to the revenue 
generated through independent contractors. Commissions to agents and brokers 
are primarily based on contractually agreed-upon percentages of revenue or 
contractually agreed-upon percentages of gross profit. Commissions to agents 
and brokers as a percentage of consolidated revenue will vary directly with 
revenue generated through independent commission sales agents. Both purchased 
transportation and commissions to agents and brokers generally will also 
increase or decrease as a percentage of the Company's consolidated revenue
if there is a change in the percentage of revenue contributed by Signature or 
by the intermodal services operations or the air freight operations of the 
multimodal segment.

Potential liability associated with accidents in the trucking industry is 
severe and occurrences are unpredictable. The industry is also subject to 
substantial workers' compensation expense. A material increase in the 
frequency or severity of accidents or workers' compensation claims or the 
unfavorable development of existing claims can be expected to adversely affect
Landstar's operating income.

Trailer rental and maintenance costs, paid to third parties, are the largest 
component of other operating costs.

Employee compensation and benefits account for nearly half of the Company's
selling, general and administrative expense. Other significant components of
selling, general and administrative expense are data processing expense, 
communications costs and rent expense.











                                       11
































<PAGE>
The following table sets forth the percentage relationships of
expense and loss items and investment income to revenue for the periods 
indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended    Thirteen Weeks Ended
                                                   ------------------------    ----------------------
                                                    Sept. 26,     Sept. 27,    Sept. 26,     Sept. 27,
                                                      1998          1997         1998          1997
                                                   ----------    ----------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                               <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
Revenue                                                100.0%        100.0%       100.0%       100.0%
Investment income                                        0.1%                       0.1%

Costs and expenses:
    Purchased transportation                            73.9%         73.6%        74.1%        73.8%
    Other operating costs                                2.2%          2.8%         2.0%         2.5%
    Insurance and claims                                 3.4%          3.5%         2.6%         2.9%
    Commissions to agents and brokers                    7.9%          8.0%         7.9%         8.2%
    Selling, general and administrative                  7.5%          7.1%         7.6%         6.8%
    Depreciation and amortization                        0.8%          1.0%         0.8%         1.0%
    Restructuring costs                                                0.4%                      
                                                      -------        ------      -------       ------
            Total costs and expenses                    95.7%         96.4%        95.0%        95.2%
                                                      -------        ------      -------       ------
Operating income                                         4.4%          3.6%         5.1%         4.8%
Interest and debt expense                                0.3%          0.3%         0.3%         0.1%
                                                      -------        ------      -------       ------
Income from continuing operations 
    before income taxes                                  4.1%          3.3%         4.8%         4.7%
Income taxes                                             1.7%          1.4%         1.9%         2.0%
                                                      -------        ------      -------       ------
Income from continuing operations                        2.4%          1.9%         2.9%         2.7%
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes            (2.3%)                                  (0.2%)
                                                      -------        ------      -------       ------
Net income                                               0.1%          1.9%         2.9%         2.5%
                                                      =======        ======      =======       ====== 
</TABLE>

THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 1998 COMPARED TO THIRTY-NINE WEEKS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1997

Revenue for the 1998 thirty-nine week period was $949,742,000, an increase of 
$55,762,000, or 6.2%, over the 1997 thirty-nine week period. The increase was 
attributable to increased revenue of $30,506,000, $20,363,000 and $4,893,000
at the carrier, multimodal and insurance segments, respectively. Overall,
revenue per revenue mile (price) increased approximately 3%, which reflected 
improved freight quality, while revenue miles (volume) were approximately 2%
higher than 1997. During the 1998 period, $1,191,000 of investment income was 
generated by the insurance segment.







                                       12





















<PAGE>
Purchased transportation was 73.9% of revenue in 1998 compared with 73.6% in 
1997. Other operating costs were 2.2% of revenue in 1998 compared with 2.8% 
in 1997. The increase in purchased transportation and the decrease in fuel and
other operating costs as a percentage of revenue was primarily attributable to
the effects of the restructuring of the Landstar T.L.C. operations. Insurance
and claims were 3.4% of revenue in 1998 compared with 3.5% in 1997. The 
decrease in insurance and claims as a percentage of revenue was primarily 
attributable to decreased frequency and severity of accidents and favorable 
development of prior year claims. Commissions to agents and brokers were 7.9% 
of revenue in 1998 and 8.0% in 1997. The decrease in commissions to agents and 
brokers as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to the effect of increased
premium revenue at the insurance segment. Selling, general and administrative 
costs were 7.5% of revenue in 1998 compared with 7.1% of revenue in 1997, 
primarily due to a higher provision for bonuses under the Company's management
incentive compensation plan, an increase in the provision for customer bad 
debts, increased management information systems costs and one time costs of 
$560,000 related to the relocation of Landstar Express from Charlotte, North 
Carolina to Jacksonville, Florida, partially offset by reduced wages and 
benefits and the effect of the increase in revenue.

On December 18, 1996, the Company announced a plan to restructure its Landstar 
T.L.C. operations, in addition to the relocation of its Shelton, Connecticut 
corporate office headquarters to Jacksonville, Florida in the second quarter of
1997. During the 1997 period, the Company recorded $3,247,000 of restructuring 
costs. The restructuring was substantially completed by June 28, 1997.

Interest and debt expense was 0.3% of revenue in both 1998 and 1997.

The provisions for income taxes on continuing operations for the 1998 and 1997
thirty-nine week periods were based on estimated full year combined effective 
income tax rates of approximately 40.5% and 41.7%, respectively, which are 
higher than the statutory federal income tax rate primarily as a result of 
state income taxes, amortization of certain goodwill and the meals and 
entertainment exclusion. 

Income from continuing operations was $23,155,000, or $2.06 per common share, 
in the 1998 period compared with $17,412,000, or $1.38 per common share, in the
1997 period. Including the dilutive effect of the Company's stock options, 
diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $2.05 in the 1998 
period and $1.37 in the 1997 period. Excluding restructuring costs, income from
continuing operations for the 1997 period would have been $19,305,000, or $1.53
per common share ($1.52 diluted earnings per share).

The Company recorded a loss from discontinued operations of $22,589,000, or 
$2.01 per share ($2.00 diluted loss per share), for the 1998 period, which 
included a loss from operations of $1,100,000, net of income tax benefits of 
$597,000 and an estimated loss on disposal of $21,489,000, net of income tax 
benefits of $2,511,000. The loss from discontinued operations for 1997 was 
$402,000, or $0.03 loss per common share ($0.03 diluted loss per share).



                                       13



<PAGE>
THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 1998 COMPARED TO THIRTEEN WEEKS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1997

Revenue for the 1998 thirteen-week period was $324,033,000, an increase of 
$19,876,000, or 6.5%, over the 1997 thirteen-week period. The increase was 
attributable to increased revenue of $11,872,000, $7,215,000 and $789,000 at
the carrier, multimodal and insurance segments, respectively. Overall, revenue
per revenue mile increased approximately 2%, which reflected improved freight 
quality, while revenue miles were approximately 4% higher than 1997. During
the 1998 period, $441,000 of investment income was generated by the insurance
segment.

Purchased transportation was 74.1% of revenue in 1998 compared with 73.8% in
1997. The increase in purchased transportation as a percentage of revenue was
primarily attributable to an increase in intermodal revenue. Other operating
costs were 2.0% of revenue in 1998 compared with 2.5% in 1997. The decrease 
in other operating costs was primarily attributable to the effects of the 
restructuring of the Landstar T.L.C. operations and a decrease in the provision
for contractor bad debts. Insurance and claims were 2.6% of revenue in
1998 compared with 2.9% in 1997. The decrease in insurance and claims as a 
percent of revenue was primarily attributable to decreased frequency and 
severity of accidents and the favorable development of prior year claims. 
Commissions to agents and brokers were 7.9% of revenue in 1998 and 8.2% in
1997. The decrease in commissions to agents and brokers as a percentage of 
revenue was due to a decrease in the percentage of brokered freight and the 
effect of increased premium revenue at the insurance segment. Selling, general
and administrative costs were 7.6% of revenue in 1998 and 6.8% in 1997, 
primarily due to an increase in the provision for 
bonuses under the Company's management incentive compensation plan, 
increased management information systems costs and an increase 
in the provision for customer bad debts, partially 
offset by increased revenue. 

Interest and debt expense was 0.3% of revenue in 1998 and 0.1% in 1997. The
increase in interest and debt expense as a percent of revenue was due to 
increased average borrowings under the senior credit facility in order to 
finance the Company's stock repurchase program.

The provisions for income taxes on continuing operations for the 1998 and 1997
thirteen-week periods were based on estimated full year combined effective 
income tax rates of approximately 40.5% and 41.7%, respectively, which are 
higher than the statutory federal income tax rate primarily as a result of 
state income taxes, amortization of certain goodwill and the meals and 
entertainment exclusion. 

Income from continuing operations was $9,239,000, or $0.86 per common share, 
in the 1998 period compared with $8,303,000, or $0.66 per common share, in the
1997 period. Including the dilutive effect of the Company's stock options, 
diluted earnings per share for continuing operations was $0.85 in the 1998 
period and $0.66 in the 1997 period.


The loss from discontinued operations for 1997 was $738,000, or $0.06 loss per
common share ($0.06 diluted loss per share).

                                       14
























<PAGE>
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Shareholders' equity decreased to $105,988,000 at September 26, 1998, compared 
with $151,696,000 at December 27, 1997, primarily as a result of the repurchase
of 1,529,600 shares of common stock, at an aggregate cost of $47,392,000. 
Shareholders' equity was 75% of total capitalization at September 26, 1998 
and December 27, 1997. 

Working capital and the ratio of current assets to current liabilities were 
$70,166,000 and 1.48 to 1, respectively, at September 26, 1998, compared with 
$79,051,000 and 1.57 to 1, respectively, at December 27, 1997. Landstar has 
historically operated with a current ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1. Cash 
provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $40,686,000 in 
the 1998 period compared with $40,576,000 in the 1997 period. The increase in 
cash flow provided by operating activities of continuing operations was 
primarily attributable to increased earnings from continuing operations and
the timing of cash collections and payments. During the 1998 period, Landstar 
purchased $4,347,000 of operating property and acquired $12,902,000 of revenue 
equipment by entering into capital leases. Management does not anticipate 
significant additional capital expenditures during the remainder of fiscal year
1998.

The Company is aware of the issues associated with the programming code in its
existing computer systems in order for the systems to recognize date sensitive
information when the year changes to 2000. The Company believes it has 
identified all of its information technology (IT) and non-information 
technology (non-IT) systems which require change to ensure all of its systems
will be year 2000 compliant. The Company plans to replace all non-IT systems 
that are not year 2000 compliant with year 2000 compliant systems prior to 
September 1999. The Company is utilizing in-house staff, with third 
party assistance, to convert the IT systems to year 2000 compliance. The 
Company believes that its pricing, billing and settlement systems are 
critical to the Company's operations. These systems enable the Company to 
invoice customers and pay independent contractors and commission sales agents 
properly. The operating subsidiaries comprising the multimodal segment are 
already year 2000 compliant. Several years ago the Company began to implement a
strategy to standardize the carrier group's critical IT systems using the 
Landstar Ranger system as the base. Landstar Ranger, whose revenue represents
43% of the carrier segment's revenue, is year 2000 compliant. As part of its 
ongoing system development, the Company is in the process of converting the 
critical IT systems of Landstar Ligon, whose revenue represents approximately
22% of the carrier segment's revenue, to the same systems as Landstar Ranger. 
This conversion is expected to be completed by July 1999. Landstar Inway, the 
remaining operating company in the carrier segment, has successfully converted 
approximately 35% of its critical IT systems and expects to complete the 
project by May 1999. In addition, as part of the overall standardization plan,
the Company intends to convert all of it's operating companies to a generic, 
year 2000 compliant general ledger and accounts payable software system 
during 1999.







                                       15























<PAGE>
As part of the Company's comprehensive review of its systems, it is continuing 
to verify the year 2000 readiness of third parties (customer and vendors) that 
provide services that are material to the Company's operations. The Company is 
currently communicating with its material vendors and customers to assess their
year 2000 readiness and will continue to monitor their progress throughout 
1999.

The vast majority of the changes necessary to make the Company's IT systems 
year 2000 compliant were incurred as part of ongoing system development or as
part of a Company-wide strategy to standardize computer systems.  As such,
management has not separately quantified the cost of year 2000 compliance.
However, management estimates the total cost of third party assistance for
year 2000 compliance will approximate $500,000, of which approximately 
$300,000 has been incurred.  Although management expects the cost of 
maintaining and upgrading the Company's computer systems to increase
over the next few years compared to prior years, management
does not believe that the future costs of maintaining and upgrading Landstar's
computer systems will have a material adverse effect on the results of 
operations.

The Company's contingency plan for Landstar Inway, which is still 
in the process of converting its critical IT systems, is to accelerate the 
transfer of data processing information to the Landstar Ranger based system.
In the event the Company determines that one or more of its material vendors 
will not become year 2000 compliant, the Company's contingency plan is to 
select alternative vendors.

The Company believes that the year 2000 project will be completed in sufficient
time to ensure that transactions affecting the year 2000 will be properly 
recognized by the revised programming code. Failure to complete the 
year 2000 project, both internal and the readiness of third party vendors, 
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's future operating results
or financial condition.

Management believes that cash flow from operations combined with the Company's
borrowing capacity under its revolving credit agreement will be adequate to
meet Landstar's debt service requirements, fund continued growth, both internal
and through acquisitions, and meet working capital needs.

Management does not believe inflation has had a material impact on the 
results of operations or financial condition of Landstar in the past five
years.  However, inflation higher than that experienced in the past five
years might have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

                            SEASONALITY

Landstar's operations are subject to seasonal trends common to the
trucking industry.  Results of operations for the quarter ending in
March is typically lower than the quarters ending June, September
and December due to reduced shipments and higher operating costs in
the winter months.








                                       16



 

<PAGE>                                    PART II

                                     OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

On September 29, 1998, suit entitled United States of America vs. Landstar 
Ligon, et al was filed in the U.S. District Court in the District Court of 
Colorado (Ligon). Ligon is co-defendant with 14 other defendants.  This suit 
claims cost of removal of environmental hazards and remedial action at a 
Chemical Handling Corporation (CHC) facility in Jefferson County, Colorado, 
which was operated as a treatment facility for hazardous materials as defined
by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 
of 1980, as amended (CERCLA). Ligon transported a shipment of batteries in 1992
and an accident in Colorado caused the spillage of battery acid and related 
materials. The batteries and related materials were disposed of at the Chemical
Handling Corporation (CHC) facility. CHC became insolvent and the United States
Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to CERCLA sponsored a clean-up of the 
facility. The government claims $173,063 against Ligon as its portion of the 
clean-up costs. A Consent Decree was executed by all parties and submitted to 
the Court with the Complaint. Ligon anticipates the Court will approve the 
Consent Decree for damages that have been paid into escrow. The escrow will be
released to the U.S. Government upon court approval.  The Company anticipates 
no further liability from the suit, the CHC site clean-up or the accident 
giving rise to the spillage.

Item 2.  Changes in Securities

None.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.










 
                                       17
































<PAGE>

Item 5.  Other Information

Cutoff for Shareholder Proposals to be Voted Upon at the Landstar
Annual Meeting of Shareholders Scheduled May 19, 1999

The bylaws of the corporation provide that any proposal by any 
shareholder to transact any corporate business at the annual meeting
of shareholders shall be made by notice in writing and mailed certified
mail to the secretary of the corporation and received by the
corporation no later than 35 days prior to the annual meeting.  The
date therefore for shareholder proposals to be voted upon at Landstar's
Annual Meeting of Shareholders for the 1999 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders should be received by the Landstar Corporate Secretary
on/or before April 14, 1999, which is 35 days prior to the annual
meeting.

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)      Exhibits

         The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index are filed as part
         of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

(b)      Form 8-K

         A current report on Form 8-K was filed on September 8, 1998 reporting
         the sale of Landstar Poole, Inc. to Schneider National, Inc. which 
         took place on August 22, 1998.







                                 18











<PAGE>
                              EXHIBIT INDEX

Registrant's Commission File No.: 0-21238

Exhibit No.       Description
- ------------      -----------

   (11)           Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings:

         11.1 *   Landstar System, Inc. and Subsidiary Calculation of Earnings
                  Per Common Share for the Thirty-Nine and Thirteen Weeks Ended
                  September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997

11.2  *   Landstar System, Inc. and Subsidiary Calculation of Diluted 
                  Earnings Per Share for the Thirty-Nine and Thirteen Weeks 
                  Ended September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997

   (27)           Financial Data Schedules:

         27.1 *   Restated 1997 Financial Data Schedule

         27.2 *   1998 Financial Data Schedule
__________________
* Filed herewith












                                         19



 


<PAGE>
                                     SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                          LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC.



Date:     November 6, 1998                Henry H. Gerkens
                                          ----------------------------
                                          Henry H. Gerkens
                                          Executive Vice President and
                                          Chief Financial Officer;
                                          Principal Financial Officer



Date:     November 6, 1998                Robert C. LaRose
                                          ----------------------------
                                          Robert C. LaRose
                                          Vice President Finance and Treasurer;
                                          Principal Accounting Officer

                                    20















































<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 11.1


                         LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                       CALCULATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
                       (In thousands, except per share amounts)
                                       (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                           Thirty-Nine                   Thirteen     
                                                           Weeks Ended                  Weeks Ended   
                                                  ---------------------------   ---------------------------
                                                     Sept. 26,      Sept. 27,      Sept. 26,      Sept. 27,
                                                      1998           1997           1998           1997
                                                  ---------------------------   ---------------------------


Earnings available for earnings per share:

<S>                                              <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
Income from continuing operations                 $     23,155   $     17,412   $      9,239   $      8,303
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes           (22,589)          (402)                         (738)
                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Net income                                        $        566   $     17,010   $      9,239   $      7,565
                                                  ============   ============   ============   ============






Average number of common shares outstanding             11,223         12,636         10,743         12,565
                                                  ============   ============   ============   ============






Earnings (loss) per common share:
Income from continuing operations                 $       2.06   $       1.38   $       0.86   $       0.66
Loss from discontinued operations                        (2.01)         (0.03)                        (0.06)
                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Earnings per common share                         $       0.05   $       1.35   $       0.86   $       0.60
                                                  ============   ============   ============   ============

</TABLE>








<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT 11.2

                         LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                       CALCULATION OF DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
                       (In thousands, except per share amounts)
                                       (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                           Thirty-Nine                   Thirteen     
                                                           Weeks Ended                  Weeks Ended   
                                                  ---------------------------   ---------------------------
                                                     Sept. 26,      Sept. 27,     Sept. 26,       Sept. 27,
                                                      1998           1997           1998           1997
                                                  ---------------------------   ---------------------------

<S>                                             <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
Income from continuing operations                 $     23,155   $     17,412   $      9,239   $      8,303
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes           (22,589)          (402)                         (738)
                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Net income                                        $        566   $     17,010   $      9,239   $      7,565
                                                  ============   ============   ============   ============






Average number of common shares
    outstanding                                         11,223         12,636         10,743         12,565
                                                  ============   ============   ============   ============
  Plus: Incremental shares from
    assumed exercise of stock 
    options                                                 93             28            109             47
                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Average number of common shares              
    and common share equivalents                                
    outstanding                                         11,316         12,664         10,852         12,612
                                                  ============   ============   ============   ============

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:                        
Income from continuing operations                 $       2.05   $       1.37   $       0.85   $       0.66
Loss from discontinued operations                        (2.00)         (0.03)                        (0.06)
                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Diluted earnings per share                        $       0.05   $       1.34   $       0.85   $       0.60
                                                  ============   ============   ============   ============

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

























<PAGE>


       

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 27, 1997 (Unaudited) and the Consolidated
Statements of Income for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 1997 (Unaudited)
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
        

<S>                                        <C>        
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                    OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-27-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-29-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-27-1997
<CASH>                                          12,146
<SECURITIES>                                     3,018
<RECEIVABLES>                                  177,790
<ALLOWANCES>                                     6,376
<INVENTORY>                                        926
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               214,875
<PP&E>                                         139,223
<DEPRECIATION>                                  49,759
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 363,789
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          138,082
<BONDS>                                         40,063
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           129
<OTHER-SE>                                     156,211
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   363,789
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               893,980
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  683,102
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                31,069
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 2,961
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,293
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 29,867
<INCOME-TAX>                                    12,455
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             17,412
<DISCONTINUED>                                    (402)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    17,010
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.35
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.34

        

        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>




















<PAGE>


       

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 26, 1998 (Unaudited) and the Consolidated
Statements of Income for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 1998 (Unaudited)
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
        

<S>                                        <C>        
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                    OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-26-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-28-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-26-1998
<CASH>                                          20,181
<SECURITIES>                                     1,461
<RECEIVABLES>                                  180,465
<ALLOWANCES>                                     7,490
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               216,317
<PP&E>                                          77,348
<DEPRECIATION>                                  29,520
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 313,168
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          146,151
<BONDS>                                         30,756
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           129
<OTHER-SE>                                     105,859
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   313,168
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               950,933
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  722,799
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                32,886
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 3,850
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,584
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 38,916
<INCOME-TAX>                                    15,761
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             23,155
<DISCONTINUED>                                 (22,589)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       566
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.05
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.05

        

        

</TABLE>


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