Honoring Commitment on the Road

The tradition of awarding trucks to Landstar’s independent owner-operators, known as business capacity owners (BCOs), has been running for more than three decades. For the company, the giveaway is more than just a raffle; it’s a way to highlight the professionalism, dedication, and safety record of its drivers.

“It’s always an honor to be part of this incredible tradition,” said Frank Lonegro, Landstar president and CEO. “Each truck giveaway is more than just a celebration. The giveaway is a moment to recognize the dedication and professionalism of our independent business capacity owners. We’re proud to celebrate Christian’s commitment to safety, security, and service with this new truck. We look forward to seeing how this opportunity helps Christian continue along the road to success.”

A Milestone Moment for Sanchez Cantù

Selected as one of five finalists out of a pool of around 8,000 eligible BCOs, Sanchez Cantù stood on stage when his name was announced as the winner. For him, the new Freightliner represents a major step forward in his career.

“This truck will greatly improve my ability to run my business,” Sanchez Cantù said. “I prayed I was going to win and that this event would be a positive day for me, and it was. I am very grateful and overwhelmed.”

How Drivers Earn Their Shot at a New Truck

Earning an entry into the drawing is directly tied to safety and participation. BCOs collect entries throughout the year by hauling loads safely, attending safety meetings, and joining Landstar’s monthly Safety Thursday Conference Call. Once the entry window closes, a computerized system randomly selects the finalists, who must be present at the giveaway.

Landstar covers the cost of the truck’s tag, tax, and title, ensuring the winner drives away free and clear. The company hosts two truck giveaways each year, a tradition that began in 1994.

A Year of Big Wins

This marks the second Landstar truck giveaway of 2025. Earlier this summer, Landstar Two Million Mile Safe Driver George Eason took home a truck during the BCO All-Star Truck Giveaway in July. With Sanchez Cantù’s win, Landstar continues its mission of rewarding drivers who set the standard for safety and professionalism on the road.

The 52nd giveaway is not just a milestone for Landstar but a reminder of the opportunities created when drivers and carriers share a commitment to excellence.

Image Source: Landstar
Source: The Trucker

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Learning the Hard Way, Early On

Hagen’s trucking roots run deep. Raised in a family of drivers, he was already moving rigs in his teens. By 21, he was an owner-operator. But early success led to a costly mistake: an expensive upgrade that pushed his business beyond its limits and forced him off the road within three years.

He didn’t quit. Instead, Hagen went back to driving for Viessman Trucking, where he spent more than a decade learning what it really takes to manage a profitable trucking business—lessons that would eventually fuel his second shot at ownership.

A Smarter Second Start

In 2010, Hagen leased a truck back on with Viessman—but this time, he approached it with patience and strategy. Growth would come slowly and deliberately, with a focus on financial stability.

With the support of his wife, Hillary, Hagen started scaling. What began with one truck turned into two, then three, and eventually more. By 2020, Hellbent Xpress had become a fully independent operation, now running 12 Macks. That partnership with Mack Trucks has only grown stronger, in part due to Hagen’s influence and online presence.

Switching Gears: Tanker to Dry Van

The company originally hauled tanker freight, but making the switch to dry van was a turning point. “With dry vans, the freight possibilities are endless,” Hagen says. The move opened up more flexibility and access to broader lanes, allowing the business to adapt to market demands more easily.

Leading with Empathy

Having spent so many years in the driver’s seat, Hagen manages his team with that experience top of mind. Fairness, communication, and understanding are central to how he runs things.

“I hand-pick my guys,” he explains. “We’re a small, tight-knit team. When challenges arise, we adapt rather than push too hard.”

Drivers at Hellbent Xpress aren’t just numbers—they’re part of a crew where work-life balance actually means something. Hagen gives time off when needed and keeps communication open about loads and expectations.

Big Growth, Bigger Caution

While some fleets chase rapid expansion, Hagen is more cautious. “More trucks mean more problems,” he says. He’s focused on quality, not just quantity—and understands that real success in trucking often comes down to the smallest details.

“It’s a game of pennies,” he explains. Waste a little here or there, and it adds up fast. That mindset is what keeps Hellbent Xpress running lean and stable, even when the market shifts.

A Big Step Forward

In a major milestone, Hagen recently ordered 10 of Mack’s brand-new Pioneer tractors—including the first customer-ordered unit in the U.S. Painted in bold “Hellbent Orange,” the trucks reflect the company’s brand and commitment to progress, complete with safety upgrades and improved driver comfort.

Despite the size of the investment, Hagen hasn’t lost his down-to-earth approach. “I never imagined I’d be doing million-dollar deals,” he admits. “I’m just a farm boy from South Dakota who loves trucks.”

The Road Ahead

Jamie Hagen’s journey from a teenage driver to the head of a 12-truck fleet isn’t just impressive—it’s proof that persistence, smart planning, and a driver-first mindset still go a long way in trucking. His story resonates because it’s real—and because it shows what can happen when someone sticks to their values while adapting to a changing industry.

Source: Trucker’s Report

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