Landstar System promoted two sales leaders to executive roles in its C-suite, the carrier announced last week.
Matt Dannegger has been named chief field sales officer, and Jim Applegate has been appointed chief corporate sales, strategy and specialized freight officer.
“They are a great blend of complementary capabilities and I’m excited to have them leading our sales efforts going forward,” Landstar President and CEO Frank Lonegro said in the announcement. “Their collaborative approach to driving growth opens a new chapter of opportunity in Landstar’s successful history.”
The pair will take over the company’s sales operation from Rob Brasher, who resigned last year as VP and chief commercial officer but agreed to stay on as special adviser until June.
Dannegger, previously senior EVP of field sales, has been with Landstar for more than 15 years. As chief field sales officer, he will support Landstar’s more than 1,000 independent agents in business planning, sales and marketing efforts, implementing new tools and technologies to unlock productivity, the company said.
Sales by independent agents make up nearly all of the carrier’s revenues. During the 2023 fiscal year, 524 agents generated revenue of at least $1 million each, making up about 95% of Landstar’s consolidated revenue, according to a securities filing. That percentage shrank from 97% the previous year.
Applegate will support Landstar’s corporate sales efforts, strategic growth initiatives, specialized freight offerings and business development. He joined the company in 2009 and most recently served as EVP of business intelligence and strategy.
“The freight transportation industry has become increasingly complex, as have the needs of Landstar’s independent agents and customers,” Lonegro said. “The unique sales experience and expertise of Matt and Jim are a competitive advantage for Landstar, and their partnership with our operations team will differentiate Landstar in the dynamic freight marketplace.”
