Threat of Convoy & Uber Freight

The proprietary boards are mostly filled with really low rates. Especially XPO - it is ridiculous - nicely developed and flashy web site but the rates they want you to haul for are beyond any decency. They let you even bid there - but they seem to never accept, ignoring even the modest bids.

 

These apps are the perfect theater for what is commonly known as a rat race.
Uber updated their app so that you can enter your target rate (not the same as bidding - if the rate reaches your target amount, you are notified via push message on you phone) and then they let you see how many other rats are chasing the load too. So that when you see that there are already fiver or six rats already watching the load then you'd better click it now or someone else snatch it ahead of you - when it happens, it shows for how much it was given for. So then you are like Wow!!!!!
I thought I was a cheapo guy quite often myself but what I saw there was really mind boggling. On the good side, it made me feel a little more dignified as I would not touch those ####tty loads for that little.

 

I would love it if there were an automated threat to brokers. In my mind it seems like truck drivers will never be replaced by automation but brokers could/should be. BUT, then some days they do me favors and handle problems and of course I have my regulars that hook me up. It's a love/hate with them always. I'm sure they say the same about us.

 

I know what you mean. I often think about trying to create a dedicated route with some shipper/buyer.

However, in reality, I really don't want to commit to hooking my wagon to anyone.

It takes away the flexibility I enjoy and in the long run I'd end up disappointing someone who is depending on me in that type of scenario. Which isn't good for them, or me, in the long run.

Thus, I just roll with the tide. I don't get too excited about much of anything as it relates to new opportunities and such anymore.

 

You guys think that this will further a divide in shipping as time goes by? Cheap non time sensitive "rat race loads" go to the ebroker to be pitched out to the lowest bidder and the more sensitive, maybe that is the wrong wording, freight will be handled by an actual broker who talks to an actual carrier and they "put the human touch" to care for the shippers load?

 

I have yet to obtain a higher rate (that I can think of) on a load posted on Convoy, J.B. Hunt, etc, where I have put in a higher "bid".

Too be honest, I don't even waste my time with it anymore.

I'd much rather have human contact than then this automated app approach.

 

No. Rates are based on supply and demand.

 

LOL.

I dont think the rates will ever go up in this industry. Why should they? People are content with running for what they are, why should they be more?