Freight brokers have been getting a lot of flak recently. Truck drivers have been accusing some brokers of engaging in predatory practices including price gouging. While the claims aren’t new, the nationwide visibility of the issue in part due to COVID-19 is. So TruckersReport decided to poll truckers to find out how they feel.
We posted a poll which has since received just shy of 1,500 responses from our community. The poll is still open, so by the time you read this, there may be many more than that. But as of now, over half of drivers were unaware that it’s their right according to 49 Code of Federal Regulations 371.3 to ask to see “the amount of any freight charges collected by the broker.” And only half of those who were aware had ever requested that information.
Many freight brokers include a clause in their contracts that requires you to waive that right. If you’ve ever hauled brokered freight, go back and read your contract. You may have waived your rights without even knowing it.
It’s likely because of this that 1,367 truckers (93.7%) told us that they think that brokers should be required to automatically disclose how much they get paid for a load. No request needed. No rights waived. Only 68 users (4.7%) disagreed.
Some advocates for automatic disclosure claim that if brokers are required to tell carriers and drivers up front how much they’re paying, drivers would refuse to haul loads where they don’t make an acceptable percentage of the fee.
There are some though who believe that the best way to limit any unethical broker activity is by placing a limit on how much of the total load cost a broker should be allowed to take as a fee. So, we asked drivers whether broker fees should be limited, and if so, in what way.
Only 94 respondents (6.4%) felt that brokers should be free to charge anything they like. Most disagreed. 358 respondents (24.5%) said broker fees should be limited to less than 5%, 664 respondents (45.5%) said that fees should be limited to less than 10%, 280 respondents (19.2%) said fees should be limited to less than 20%, and 11 respondents (0.8%) said that fees should be limited to less than 50%.
If you’d like to fill out the poll, you can still do so! It takes about two minutes. You will also be able to see the most current results after completing the poll.
This has been going for too many years, truck drivers are the backbone of this great nation, we are just making ends meet to feed the family not to upgrade our equipment, our overhead is big every time a truck breaks down it’s in the thousands to get it repaired and that sets us back, we should make a good living and should be able to upgrade our equipment to meet emissions standards not run away from it like we are now cause it’s costing us more money than what we can afford through all this pandemic we stuck together and helped out this country we should be able to afford to upgrade and keep America Moving.
Once again ,as long we have these THIRD WORLD PEOPLE coming to become carriers in this OUTSTANDING Country we will NEVER get it right because they chase PENNIES, because it means something in their country. They are running our business to the ground do to the fact a dollar goes a long way in there country.” But not in this Country”. About two millions Mexican come everyday in & out of our Country to make money for they could bring it back to theirs. The Indians the Africans are doing this too. Enough if you’re not an a American citizen you should not be able for these POSITIONS.. We are NOT able to go to there Country & become freelancers we will be MURDERED & ROBBED!!! Why do we allow them to do so.
I totally agree , I watched construction do the same thing in the later 80’s . Over half of the foreigners driving today can’t read or write English but yet they hold a cdl . That is a dot problem that needs to be fixed asap .
I have questioned the DOT here in Florida on that. Federal law has it stated, no fluent English, you cannot hold a CDL. They said our former governor Jeb Bush signed a waiver on the FMCSA requirements. They have destroyed the rates here in south Florida.
You’re 💯 on this we can’t go to their countries and work matter of fact THEY css as not even make it in their countries but that should be their problems not ours
YOU Michael Colon sir, are 100% correct and accurate. I started my trucking career in the late 70’s, and seriously in the 80’s and have been in it ever since, still doing it. You never, ever saw a guy with dreadlocks, turbans or sandals in those days. You never saw a truck get it’s hood ripped off in a truck stop parking lot. The stench of pee bottles and chicken bones in the parking spaces on the ground where the garbage can is 20 feet away but they’re too %*&%$#@ lazy to walk over to it. It’s turned into a gong show. I stay to myself, don’t even bother striking up a conversation with anyone around a truck unless they look like they’re normal and been around like I have. Sorry to say, but it’s just the truth. Driving an automatic truck with one foot up on the dashboard and earbuds in your ears is NOT the typical normal thinking old school professional driver that us seasoned guys are associated with. It’s all over.
Why should the truck drivers allow Trucking Companies and Brokers. Benefits be stolen for less pay. So, everyone else won’t feel the bit and benefits off the hard working under paid truck drivers.
Freight brockets need to control there ambitions before this get out y control . owner operator olso have to make sure they don’t work for free
From experience on both sides of this fence, yes brokers need to be more honest with the drivers. This holds for the rest of trucking as well. I started out as a driver, then moved into dispatching, then onto the engineering, and finally managing a small company. All levels had a certain amount of “withholding the truth”. May I ask this question, does not all these issue them from the way the pay scale is set up?
How you managed to scale the ranks in the trucking industry is beyond me. As you communications skills suck, they’re not even at the high school level.
Some companies build their businesses up, by using many of these cheap labor migrants, just like other trades/industries have done, and continue to do.
When you go to the super market to buy a loaf of bread do you demand to know how much the store paid? No you either buy it or not buy it. Same with freight. Low rates exist because they know some one will haul the load. Seems since truckers cant control their own house they want the government to step in and regulate for them. How bout you dont haul the cheap loads. The rate will then go up
Everything they said was right get all them brokers
We are not makeing any money there it is again for years caint pay no bills
I hate to say this guys/gals but the influx of ‘needy ‘ drivers is all by design. As the ‘powers that be’ saw the power that was wielded by the Teamsters in the early 60’s they knew this could not go unchecked. Let everyday people dictate to the 1% or parasitic elite?? I think not! This has been in the works for a long time. While we fight to survive and provide they are mapping their future. God Bless.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Been in trucking, under own authority, for nearly 35 years, and I have never seen it this bad. Saw the industry going down last year when the load rates plummeted and only got worse from there. Yes, brokers are screwing the truckers and probably will continue to do so. It no longer pays to haul, and if you continue to haul cheap paying loads, it will eventually come to your demise. But this is not the only major issue at stake. Then there is the government over regulations screwing you too. From high insurance, ELDs, drug consortium, IFTA, UCR, shady DOT blitzes, DEF, etc., it all takes from you and your family. It takes a huge toll and eventually shuts down your business. I love trucking, but I much rather park my Pete than to run it in to the ground for cheap paying loads.
and that is the correct answer. If the job doesn’t pay, don’t do it. You take on a mountain of liability the moment you get behind the wheel. You’ve got to be paid for that. If you are living out of your truck, that is a hardship and you’ve got to be paid for that. If your local job have very chaotic hours, you’ve got to be paid for that too. Don’t do the job for pennies.
Amén,. You said it as it is
Have you ever considered getting your broker’s license and brokering your own loads. On top of driving. That seems like to ultimate package OO own authority and own broker.
Now this is the real thinking here. Send your wife, daughter, son or niece/nephew to brokering school to get their license/certification and blockbuster your bottom line.
Early one morning I called on a posted load, the lady I spoke with told me that she wasn’t a broker but she can see the loads.
She told me that they were paid $1200 to go from Baltimore to Buffalo so they would take their fee and pass on the rest to the Trucking company.
I called back 20 minutes later to book the load and the “Broker” offered $750
Now I realize that you can’t judge all brokers by just this one, but it does make you wonder how bad this really is…….
It really doesn’t matter coz someone will still always take the load coz they need to make the payments on that truck.
Well they won’t be around long if all they are doing is just covering the truck payment.
so sell those people your truck and get a job that doesn’t include bankruptcy.
Typo – FMCSA
Owner Operators STOP taking loads that just pay your fuel from one stop to another. You are only bring freight rates down. If you all would STOP taking loads for less than 1.75 per mile just to get to another stop there is no guarantee you will get another load out of that area.
THE BROKER IS MAKING MORE THAN YOU ON EVERY LOAD REMEMBER THAT. WITH NO EQUIPMENT OR LIABILITY ON THERE PART WAKE UP DRIVERS
Stop yer whining. You accept the load for what it pays. If it doesn’t pay enough don’t run it. You can become a broker if you feel they make all the money. This is America last I checked. Change your career and change your life! Stop acting like the victim all the time. I get 3 bucks a mile or I’m not taking it. If the broker gets 5 bucks a mile and makes 2 a mile off of me then good for him! Get all you can.
It shouldn’t matter what the broker makes, it should only matter what you the O/O, I/O are satisfied with. You know what it costs per mile for you to operate, and what rate is required for you to make a profit. Granted,the deck is stacked against us by the industry’s design; the livelihood of the road has been all but sapped. There’s no shame if a Driver wanted to find something else.
Brokers need to show the actual price of load they charge shipper . Because this is not only effect trucker, it also effect the price of products. Indirectly again hurt our pockets twice. Big question is, Why truckers only file bankruptcy every year? Why brokers not? Because the gap and the hidden rates.
Hi, I’m one of the enemy here. lol I’m a freight broker that just opened the business doors about 3 weeks ago. I was aware there were some broker fee issues prior to opening my doors, but did not realize just how pervasive the predatory practices are. I am chagrined to see brokers taking 30, 35, 45, even 50% for their fee. You, the operator, are doing the hard work, paying for equipment, insurance, fuel,…
I agree that brokers should be required to disclose the amount of the fees they are receiving. Most all broker fees are the difference between the negotiated rate with the shipper and the negotiated rate with the carrier and it is a black box. I have established my fee structure on a percentage basis of the BOL(s). I am hoping this will provide transparency to the carrier as they will know exactly how much I would be taking. Basing the fees on a percentage I am inclined to find the best paying loads as opposed to finding weak loads where I might be able to negotiate a huge rate difference leaving you, the carrier, with barely enough to pay your expenses. We are all adult professionals. Honest, friendly, respectable transparent collaboration among the broker and carrier can result in huge rewards for all involved.
Stay safe and healthy.
What difference does it make?
Personal responsibility is just that, personal.
I have been in business for 28 years, started with 1 truck and now have 15 as well as a brokerage.
If you started an underfunded business and can’t get it working profitably that’s your fault.
If you don’t like brokers then go out and get your own customer base.
If anyone thinks government intervention is a good answer as to how to run a successful business your probably better off to get out of business.
In the end you make the decision as to whether you haul a load or not, just as I do. You determine the success of your business model.
If a broker posted a load at 1.05 dollars per mile coming out of Florida in July going to Minnesota and you wanted to go to Minnesota then what difference would it make if he was getting 5.00 per mile? Someone that determines it is in their best interest to take that load will haul it regardless.
If a shipper tells me my bid is to high on a lane the decision to negotiate is on me.
I just lost a lane from Wi to Fl because I was 500 dollars to high. A lane for a customer I have a long history with.
They made a decision and so did I.
That’s business.
Run YOUR business.
If don’t know the difference between 1.05 and 5.00 your an idiot and have no business being in business.
I agree with you, what an idiot
That’s why I love the carrier that I am leased to. I get 70% of the load charge, and 100% of the fuel surcharge. The pay is to the penny accurate, and on time, everytime. Since 1989, this is the absolute best carrier I have been with, 10 years so far here.
What company is that may I ask.??
Which carrier are you with?
I agree with you 100%
if course brokers should be required to say what they charge… everyone else does.
Here is a broker story comment.
Brokers don’t determine trucking rates. Trucking companies and owner operators set trucking rates. It doesn’t matter how much the broker makes. Set your trucking rate and stick to it. Believe it or not brokers and shippers have to pay the rate you demand or the load doesn’t move. Learn this lesson…stick to your guns. Don’t lower your rates. Don’t take the load if you can’t make a profit. Worry about how much money you’re making not how much someone else is making.
Third party so-called brokers or logistics teams that don’t have equipment and just drive a desk don’t deserve portions of freight payments.
Brokers and logistical teams collecting on freight should be charged for the cost of equipment maintenance as with drivers and companies.
Yes it happen because Rich will always pay political fraction to make sure they stay Rich that why these big company are going to take care of them and nobody else matter I’ve been in the business for 16 year and even my dad for 30 years and the story how real driver stands for something and will fight for something they believe in not today it about the $ not there pride anymore sad truth as it is and the future of drivers well that’s coming to end anyway with computer trucks sad but true probly by 2025 we will all be out of a job so good luck with your fight on this
If you have to broker loads
To stay in business you should think about another profession. Stop using brokers go to the customer to get your loads. Maybe brokers would go belly up. Oh can’t happen to many cheap haulers doing business for 1 year to file bankruptcy
It is about time and they like to tell you it back haul it takes same about same amount diesel and divers are getting hurt companies are as bad as brocker
Drivers family go with out foods can you get by 40 cent a mile
Brokers are worse than ambulance chasing lawyers. At least those guys DO have to tell their client what % of a settlement they will be keeping.
Brokers are the used car salesmen who turn a 6 upside down into a 9. Then try to tell you you’re getting a great deal at 6 (the normal, full profit price).
Brokers are thieves and a general disgrace to the human race. 3rd world warlords guilty of human rights violations probably have more conscience than trucking freight brokers.
Yes, I have said “no” to loads where it was obvious the broker was ripping off the carrier I’m contracted to. I have no doubt that the carrier forced it on someone or the broker found another sucker. So, I did my part, but the broker never learns.
To make it fare for all of us. Brokers should not have to be asked how much they are getting paid. It should be MANDATORY for brokers to disclose how much is being paid out on every run!! We have the governments ear on this issue. Protest need to continue and stop pulling cheap freight!! If the pandemic has not showed the WORLD that we can’t survive with out us truckers. Then I don’t no what will.
Brokers fee should definitely be regulated to not more than 5%. After all, drivers are the ones risking life and limb over the road. I love driving as most other drivers but we are not suckers. Brokers play games on the phone in the office…some not all…but it is the drivers that’s carrying the ball and making on time deliveries which shows our character and also making the brokers look good. So let’s play ball together and not at the expense of the other!
I was OO for many years to good co Semi retired i drove for a small co(3trucks) &owner told me to do as I wish More than once I told a broker I would not haul that cheep Often not impresed with TQL I believe shippers just think brokers are fair but often found out they get 20 or 30% Glad to be retired
100% agreed with you Thorn. Real owners of trucks will find better ways to make money. I was a 22yr company guy, went O/O 5yrs ago. What a challenge, from broke to profits. I find most of my clients from walking in their business as a joke. “Let me see what happens here”. Sold myself to them, still got them. Guys, gals, you got to be your own salesman to make it out here. There are good and bad brokers, had my fill, you need to lead that big ass nose in front of you. Im stronger when the pressure is tighter. It makes you into a better person than you think you are. JUST HIT THE DOORS, BE HONEST WITH WHAT YOU CAN DO AND FOR HOW MUCH. You will get bigger respect from those you are wanting it from. Truth be told.
Any elected officials supporting us being robbed do not vote for thoses politican take away their bread and butter. vote vote vote for politicians who support us as owner operator’s and small business owners. Time to wake up plain and simple!! Our family’s are suffering.
Brokers should not make more money than a driver because they have to pay for fuel and wear and tear of their tractor and trailer and besides they are gone from their family for weeks to make a living
If you negotiate a rate out of desperation or plain ignorance, how do expect to be successful?
Pretty simple. The contractor/provider supplying the service should know what the customer’s total cost is for the service.
I dont really care about brokers and their rates. If trucks arent available the rates will go up. Remember, the shipper plays a role in rates also and needs their product. As I always say; If you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen. Lifes bitch, then we buy a truck…. 😀
Now this is the real thinking here. Send your wife, daughter, son or niece/nephew to brokering school to get their license/certification and blockbuster your bottom line.