WORST of the WORST Total Quaility Logistics TQL

I hate to get in these arguments about big bad TQL, CHR and the likes. Fact is there's no shortage of spot trucks or brokers in the here and now. We know the shenanigans they do. If you choose to work with them you always keep certain things in the back of your mind and hold them at arms length. I don't mind working with them but I don't really consider them as anything more than convenient in the moment. And I always feel like I an taking a risk in making that choice. As an aside the parallels there between them and the oldest industry in the world are quiet amusing. As is their statement on that website that they create efficiency in the supply chain

 

They will post 1 pick up load from 3-5 different locations all within ex: 0-100 mile radius going to ex:0-100 mile radius when called they'll say "sorry the one you calling about is gone but good news we got one at x location(original load)...if you do end up booking it and while you're on your way to pick it and if someone else call at those other locations but for the original load remember there is only one load at multiple locations they will book it for lower rate and will call you and tell you that load is not ready or customer canceled it..I've heard it from lot of people as well as experienced it myself. TQL are crooks young brokers working for main brokers piece of crap

 

That is really unfortunate. I get calls all the time offering me lower rates for a load that I already gave to another carrier. Never have I made up some bulls**t to take the load back from the original carrier - its just a reminder to negotiate better next time.

 

Would you rather it cost you a bit more, say 85% of the rate you got from the customer, to give the load to a carrier you know will make you look good, showing up on time for pickup and delivery and NO HEADACHES for you? Or would you rather find a carrier and pay say 70% and cross your fingers that you don't have to make one of those horrible phone calls to your customer that nobody likes to make ...?

 

If I could consistently make 15% profit on loads going to a good and reliable carrier I would never bother going to anyone else. The fact is, it never works out that way and the good carriers know that they're good and make me pay what they think is fair. I can't argue with their logic ( I would want more money too) but I can't give them what I don't have.

 

So basicly it is your customers who value a lesser cost over known reliable service.

Maybe I live in a different world. The customers I haul for to their customers keep track of kept appointment times and the load got there in one piece, no skids tipped over, basicly NO BS. If I screw up too many times the receiver will quit buying from the shipper. So the shipper pays me well.

 

That sounds like a pretty good situation you're in. It defintely seems like cost is valued over service in most of this industry, but the shippers are quick to point the finger when something goes wrong... cant really help it if I only have enough money in a load to scrape from the bottom of the barrell to get a carrier... While finding new customers is always a priority, I have to take what I can get from the customers I do have until I can get something better. And thats probably why I struggle to make any sort of consistent profit for certain lanes... I have #### money and get #### carriers.

 

could anyone tell me. isn't blind shippments illegal?

 

I don't think so. I used to do them once in a while at my old contract carrier. They never hauled brokered loads. There's nothing wrong or illegitimate about a blind shipment. It's basically to keep a buyer unaware of where a shipment originated from so they cannot cut out a middleman.

 

I have also dealt with them , they lie and cheat you be careful driver . Play with fire and your bound to get burned.