Broker to carrier spot, who decides the rate and fuel surcharge?

You guys collectively decide that rate. It varies from place to place because of market favorability. Going to the northeast is worse than going south, because the northeast has less available freight outbound, and is a generally more dismal place to be. FSC is calculated off of a chart based on national average fuel prices and varies from company to company, all the way up to the government.

 

Most drivers dislike the north east as well. Generally things in this industry that either are more difficult, more risky, less desirable etc will be rewarded with higher pay.

So if you do all of the above...

Far as DAT they data mine those numbers from tons of sources. It’s more of a guide then a bible. DAT Power is the most accurate at 15 day but I’d only use it as a general guide if you have no idea about a lane.

 

DAT has the data from TMS and accounting software.

• Rates based on actual carrier payments; updated daily
• $110 billion rates database based on carrier payments, not bids
• Compare spot and contract freight rates on 68,000 lanes
• 13-month rate histories show seasonal changes

Trucking Rates Per Mile For Carriers - DAT

 

If you go into the northeast you'll be coming out for next to nothing.
That's why it pays more going in

 

Do NOT trust those numbers. Same goes for their alleged credit ratings. All of it is very off and incredibly misleading. Use your rates/numbers only.