Having a lot of cancelled loads lately.

If its early in the AM, before Noon, I suppose the TONU argument would suffice, but if it's a load booked say @ 11 AM for a 4pm or later pick, then I would not accept TONU. The opportunity to book a replacement load diminishes as time gets closer or past 5pm. This means lost revenues for that day, due to being commited to that load.

My specific example was where I booked the load on Thur afternoon, for Friday 6AM loading appt. I was there at 5:30AM, and by 8AM, there was zero loading activity.

I became agitated when they tried to move the "free time" to 3hrs, instead of industry standard of 2hrs. I was not having any of that, esp when I kept my part of the agreement. I was having non of that b.s.

Also, my strategy is to call their bluff, but also provide an amicable solution all in one statement. It's a negotiation tactic, which makes the other party not want to appear to lose (by picking a less desirable option) and therefore, naturally, seek to find common ground -- which is: This load needs to move.

 

So basically, NO REFUNDS!

 

So if the standard accessorials as per Broker - Carrier Agreement are to be overridden, you need to have it in writing or not? Evey single time you receive a Rate Confirmation, it needs to be updated by making a new annotation per your verbal agreement with them. Now, how's that done technically? Do you require brokers to initial the annotations and send the rate con. back to you, or you just write them down, and send it to them and don't require them to send it back to you, hoping that they will honor that, if the accessorials occur?

I am asking because it is not always very simple. For example, I was promised once TONU by CHR (said verbally) and then I billed them but that was not honored right away, I had to find the original broker (person) then had her to resend the rate confirmation --it took some time and back and forth calling but they would have not paid, if I had not had it in writing.

 

Yes. In writing, every time. On every broker contract I've signed it specifically mentions having everything put on the rate con because that overrides the Broker-Carrier Agreement. I don't require them to sign my changes and several brokerages don't even require me to sign the rate confirmation at all. The number one thing is get it in writing no matter what.

 

@DSK333 is right.

I have yet to sign/send back a rate con. I suppose silence (non-refutal) implies consent, which in this case, work both ways.

If I have something to put on the RC, I would write it, then scan/email to the said broker. If they do not object, then it means they accept it. bada bing, bada boom!

 

So your rate isn't $100 an hour.....it's $50?

 

I state $100/hr, and gauge the response.

If I have another load lined up that can get messed up, I stick to the $100/hr. So far, I've been getting $75 as the sweet spot.

You do realize this is a fluid industry, and to help move the negotiation along, you have to adjust expectations.

It's like when the broker asks you "what do you need to move it" and your answer is?....

 

OK.... but you stated your $100 price, but,,,,settled for $50.... so a broker will pay $50

 

LOL... I give up...

 

What's your rate?