Late night Expedited. Did I charge enough?

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by Xray4, Sep 17, 2020.

  1. Xray4

    Xray4 Light Load Member

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    To be brief... I got a call as I crawled into bed at 9:45pm asking if I could run out and pick a pallet and bring to the airport, right away as the plane to take it further was landing soon... The pick location was 45 minutes from me, and the airport 35 from there, and 35 back home from the airport. I was asked what it would take and I sheepishly said $100/hr with 3hr minimum. Broker called it $350, plus any needed holdover time in case I'm held up at the airport.

    I did it, was at the pick within an hour of the initial call, dropped at the jet, and back home about 4 hrs after the call.

    Sounds like 'the usual' outfit they work with dropped the ball and hung the broker out to dry. He seemed pretty unhappy with them and was overly grateful that I helped out.

    So, did I charge enough? Judging only the time and effort of my own, not the value of the load (it was holding a high value operation in standstill across the country), and not even looking at what the broker must have paid for the jet they flew in and back out, I think the $350 was fair, especially since hopefully it will bring future work.

    What do you think? Have you had similar situations? What have you seen charged for such last minute, middle of the night runs? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
     
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  3. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    i go one before. picked up in charleston wv. took to that small airport on top of the hill in charleston. paid $400
     
  4. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Sounds fair. Plus now the broker knows they can count on you.
     
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  5. God prefers Diesels

    God prefers Diesels Road Train Member

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    Even if you did it for free, it might have just opened a door.
    "This guy helped us out. He knew we were in a bind, and he didn't bend us over. Put his number on speed dial."
     
  6. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

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    Hey you got a load.! :thumbup: I haven't been in the section for a few days , so I have to ask, 1st load,? or have you run a few now.?

    So a few good things have came out it.
    -He's now a broker you can use as one of the 3 references on the broker/carrier agreements..
    -You helped him in a jam, so he may remember you..
    -You got experience..

    My experience, once that rate con is signed, it's very hard to get the dollar amount to change in your favor. Quoting only 3hrs is a bit light IMO. Quote 5-6 hour minimum next time. I'm betting he had more in it. Very rare for a broker to toss an extra $50 over what you quoted, meaning to me he made out pretty good..

    Don't dwell on the past. But if that situation arises again feel him out more. Ask him what he wants to pay to make it worthwhile for you! Don't bend him over like @God prefers Diesels said, :D, but let him put a face value on it next time. If you like the rate, hem & haw a bit anyway. Then say you can make that work, or even ask for another $100. His face value price will be him still making money, so keep that in mind..

    Good job either way. That's what these little rigs were made for.. Hot loads!! :thumbup:

    Oh forgot to ask. Was the 1 pallet small enough to fit in the bed, or did you load it on the trailer.?
     
  7. Lite bug

    Lite bug Road Train Member

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    You did good IMO. Made contact with Air Freight. He will have more. Was it Blue Grace if not they do a lot of air freight kept them in mind. Maybe even call them up and say you have carried some stuff to the airport and ask if they have stuff coming in or out of that location.
     
  8. Lite bug

    Lite bug Road Train Member

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    So you was posted up on the board?
     
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  9. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    Am I the only one who will say that you did horrible? That easily was a $1000 load
     
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  10. Lite bug

    Lite bug Road Train Member

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    Sometimes they will say charge what you want especially a direct shipper simply bills his customer. I make it worth it, never bending them over. They will call again
     
  11. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

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    Yes you are..

    Dude has a MC# less than 30days old. Already shot down by many brokers for that reason alone.. Lots of new guys are somewhat unsure of the market, & more importantly don't yet realize what a valuable service they are providing. They underbid not realizing they ARE worth more. Probably excited to get a call, & make a contact & a reference. He is here asking if he did ok. Next time he knows to feel the broker out better, let him put a face value & go from there..

    If he'd been doing this over a 1 year or so, yes it'd be bad. But no need to berate a rookie trying to get an education.. ;)
     
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