10% Maximum

I have had the same produce broker providing my outbound hauls for my small fleet for the last ten years. He takes a flat rate of 200 per load. It doesn't matter if it is a 100 mile load for 600 bucks or a 2500 mile load for 6000 bucks. He also pays via comcheck on the same day he recieves the bills. Truth be known, I really don't care how much he skimmed for himself so long as I am running at the healthy margins that I am on his loads.

He provides me with profitable loads anytime I need them. I provide him with dependable, reliable, and capable trucks and drivers when he needs them. To me, success in this business is achieved by developing solid, mutually beneficial relationships with a few rather than trying to figure out how to maximize revenue on every load with many.

I actually cold called him on a load ten years ago. Now, ten years later, we have become close friends. We go on hunting trips together a couple times a year and our families have even vacationed together before.

 

There is a broker that I have done business that takes $50 off of every load she books, regardless of the rate. For me, the most important thing is honesty.

 

I'm still leased to a carrier so my opinion is irrelevant. That said...

If I was given a choice between a 600-mile, $2.00/mile load from a 10%-max broker and a 600-mile, $3.00/mile load from a broker who took 20%, I'm inclined to take the latter.

If the gap was more like $0.05/mile, I'd choose a broker who's more ethical, though the percentage he takes may not necessarily reflect his business ethic. I'd be OK paying more (to some extent) for a broker who's honest and competent, just like I pay more for higher quality products.

 

Thought I'd bring it back seemed like a good poll. you could see who was voting and how? BTT