Newbie, trying to find trucks

A little background first: I run a grain equipment dealership in south-central PA. We need equipment hauled out of northwest Ohio. We have two local companies that know what our stuff looks like and are equipped to haul it. But in our rush season, they are not always available. So then we resort to using a broker. We asked for flatbeds with tarps, flatbeds with sides, curtain trailers, etc. In-variably the truck will show up with steel tarps (I think that is what you call them), doesn't have enough or any padding (this stuff is sharp), doesn't show up at all, or is late for his appointment (which I realize is not always the driver's fault). I took a picture of one of the loads that came in here to use as example to show to the brokers. Usually the driver never gets that photo.

In doing some searching I came across this forum. You folks are very interesting.

I would be interested in working directly with truckers. Or do you have a recommendation for a broker that is reliable and will communicate the requirements to the driver? And I am willing to pay for a job well done. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks for your input.

 

Yes and no. We also deliver a lot of stuff directly to the site. So the drop could be anywhere in a 200 mile radius of our shop. We also will combine customer orders and may have more than one stop. Usually try to keep it less than three 'edit' (try to make it one stop deals). But again, we are willing to pay for that extra time.

 

Yes, tried to PM you but not allowed to until 7 posts.

 

Are you asking about the place we are picking up at?

It is a warehouse for Sukup Manufacturing in Defiance OH.