Those lumpers!!!

I guess the main question is, why don't all food DC's unload like Walmart and Costco? They have their own people running fork lifts and unloading trailers quickly and efficiently for no fee to the shipper or driver. Don't bother answering, I know it's because of union vs non-union shops.

 

I know you mean no disrespect. I don't either. To me these are business expenses. Every business has expenses minor and major and these are no different than having to buy, say, oil filters. And like I said most brokers will waive any fees if you negotiate that up front. Most people don't so it's easy extra revenue for them but waiving the fee isn't a huge deal or impossible to be done. And if lumper fees makes fewer people want to haul grocery loads that's to my benefit. Anything that lessens competition is a good thing which includes lumpers, goverment regulations, whatever. Bring it on and weed out some competition for me.

 

Wal Mart does have a $50 lumper fee that is charged to their suppliers but the driver is not involved in that transaction anymore. Not for about 2 years now drivers haven't been.

 

I run reefer as well. It just makes sense to me that all the fees could be avoided if all loads were prepaid.