My broker didn't show up for work...

Discussion in 'Freight Broker Forum' started by michaellucianojr, Nov 23, 2014.

  1. michaellucianojr

    michaellucianojr Bobtail Member

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    Hey Everyone,

    Middle of a crazy week and I'm having a tough time finding drivers to take some quick, one day hauls on the east coast. I have one broker that I know is younger and less experienced, so i give him a majority of the volume as a stress test to see how he handles it and whether he can coordinate it within budget. Since we're having trouble finding drivers, I offer a 20% increase on pay and he keeps searching for drivers. First couple days, we have some drivers show up at the wrong time for pickup, not show up at all, and it's just an overall nightmare that leads to a hectic Friday. Thursday afternoon, I talk to him and he says he's going to call the drivers to confirm their drops the night before and their appointment times, so that we can avoid any issues... he proceeds to then not call me back and has an out of office out the next morning. I called his company the next morning and had them give me the carrier names and confirmation #'s, and I tracked down all the details myself. I then had them confirm times and found he gave them windows when we required precise appointments. (One driver has an 8am appointment and his dispatcher had him down for an 8am to noon.)

    Also, it's not important but this broker works at one of the biggest freight brokers in the country. I still cannot believe he just left, didn't tell me, then the people covering his desk just gave me all the drivers information and details. Is this standard practice?
     
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  3. generallee

    generallee Medium Load Member

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    Since you said it's one of the largest freight brokers in the country I'd have to say the answer is yes.
     
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  4. michaellucianojr

    michaellucianojr Bobtail Member

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    Oct 4, 2014
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    Well played, generallee. I'm just disappointed because I was preparing to make this guy part of my 'inner circle' of three freight brokers that I trust to handle situations and not need constant supervision. Now, I'm considering dropping him back down to being someone I just ask for spot quotes so others can beat it.
     
  5. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    You get what you pay for, you need to get with a proven broker, big or small. You do realize tthere is a true capacity problem. There are a lot of people in this business that don't know or understand what they are doing and how their screw ups cost many people.
    Mid you want impeccable JIT service it will cost.
     
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  6. Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    I just had a shipper tell me they will no longer be using my services. I said why, you call me on Tuesday to tell me you have an order, I pick up on Thursday-customer receives it on Friday. What's the problem? Found someone cheaper that doesn't charge a fuel surcharge.
    OK, good luck with that!!
     
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  7. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    when they come back to you bump the price up , and ask them how much not getting their products delivered on time cost them
     
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  8. Skate-Board

    Skate-Board Road Train Member

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    There's no such thing as a fuel surcharge on a one shot deal. Fuel surcharges only apply to a dedicated run under contract.
     
  9. haulhand

    haulhand Road Train Member

    You sure about that??

    If you can't get a fuel surcharge on a one shot deal you need to build it into your rate or find different customers.
     
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  10. BoyWander

    BoyWander Road Train Member

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    Why is that, do you file the taxes on that load differently based on if a % of that rate is "fuel"? No, I don't think so. It's all gross revenue and taxed the same.
     
  11. Skate-Board

    Skate-Board Road Train Member

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    You don't know what a FSC is and how it's used.
     
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