Freight Lane Density

Reads like a perfect world high school project report...jibberish. Probably got him an A!

 

I think what he was getting at is that with a shortage of trucks, and shortage of CONTRACT freight, the ones who build the best relationships with brokers by being on time and providing good service, and not screwing up your CSA score are the ones who can profit - and the brokers who build relationships with these carriers/truckers are going to benefit themselves with a superior product.

Cheap rates don't work if the load doesn't get there on time, or at all, or if the driver of the truck is a crap attitude.

I have long believed that customer service goes a long way - and it should be a part of your life philosophy, to treat people well, not just because one is a customer, but because that's how you choose to live.

 

Bill I would like to talk to you but haven't got my minimun posts. Look for me real soon.

 

Doesn't matter what year it was written....makes sense to preplan trips. Not sure why thats being ripped on?! I've been the recipient of 2 or 3 days stays in Miami or Tampa simply because the planner looked at the money going in and had no plan to get out. I believe thats what the story was about.

 

Freight density.

The original article fails to explain why certain trucks are running empty. It is because they have to.
As a Canadian truck we are not permitted to conduct cabotage in the USA. While on the other hand , I have yet to hear of an American truck having to abide by the same law in Canada. We will often run 300-400 miles empty to grab one of the few loads coming back into Canada , simply because we cannot interstate.

This is why certain cheap freight brokers such as CHR and TQL and such , freak when we give them rate of $3.50/ mile into Jersey from Montreal. They seldom sell any loads to Canadian Carriers, they are generally US Carriers because the $2.25/mile looks good, if only you could access our load boards you would never haul for the again.

 

Pre-planning is a must for cheap, mileage pay carriers or for those with contract freight that needs to be moved on a set schedule.

I think some have issue with the fact for those that are not paid mileage and are looking for the best rate, pre-plan is often used with cheap. It may be a generalization but generalizations usually come from some place.

And it was only good money going into FL if it paid for you to return MT. Then a $1/mile load could be a bonus.

MT Northern carriers are not factored in any of the analyst reports I have ever seen. Now not sure where he is getting his numbers because he doesn't document it.

We haven't pulled the trigger on Canadian freight but have been doing a lot of research. It surprises me that you say that US carriers are picking and delivering within points in Canada. One of the biggest points the many carriers that I have spoken with have stressed is you will NEVER get a load within Canada so bid accordingly. Boarder crossing is such a lucrative business. But I see why many won't do it. It takes a lot to get it set-up correct.

 

Thank you for inviting everyone to bid on the rates where we make money. Please don't be angry when the 3.50 dries up. Think before you post, please.

 

The $ 3.50/ mile will never dry up because that price is set by market factors, duly supply and demand. The brokerage giants get in with some of the very big shippers that are sending non time sensitive products, they can remain there and get some of the business. It is the rest of the shippers that send somewhat time sensitive product that cannot afford to have their shipments remain on the dock. There may be 300 loads out a day into the greater NJ/ NY agglomeration and only 100 loads back.
All Canadian carriers know this and factor it into the price.

 

Don't worry, Canadian shippers and brokers have national pride. They will pay more to put it on you than me.

 

They may have pride , but they will certainly go with the lowest responsible bidder, and if he is US reg, he gets it!
The big difference here lies in that once you are back in Jersey , you can now go anywhere in the USA to re load, we must head back to Canada directly. We do not have the same range of loads available.

Certain Savvy Carriers such as CELADON and Swift will come and interstate here in Canada, knowing that the odds of anybody being concerned are almost non existant.
As for running certain lanes in The USA , a carrier is shooting himself in the foot by hauling freight for under cost. As another writer mentioned earlier, he will run back at $1.00/mile from Nevada, because it will pay the fuel. If no one takes the load from Freight brokers at that absurd rate, the rate would simply go up. Although this will never happen because there will always be someone stupid enough to take the load.