Customer won't pay

As a Broker, one of my customers (will call him AAA) had me arrange a pickup and delivery for him. The load was delivered over 45 days ago and now the Customer (AAA) will not return my phone call. Previously we had done over 20 loads together with no problem. I have a signed BOL from the delivery location. I also contacted the delivery about payment and they provided a receipt of where they have already paid for the product and the for the delivery. I have invoiced AAA and also sent him a Certified letter last week demandning payment within 10 days. My question is what recourse do I have at this point with regard to the delivery customer if any? I do not have a contract or anything written with the customer (AAA). Someone else recommended that in the future I have a contract/confirmation with each customer and each load to have some sort of legal binding agreement.......anyone have any input on this? I paid the Carrier who had delivered the load 7 days after delivery.

 

Great point......and you are right.....I just wanted it understood that the carrier had been paid....and like you said....wasn't swinging in the breeze with me. Since 1997, I have paid every carrier that has ever done a load for me....I can't say that I have been paid for every load moved though. It seems like the customers that get me are the ones that I have been doing business with for a number of years...and eventually.....they will stick you. First time customers it is always COD, Credit Card, etc....but the older customers are the ones that have surprised me over the years the most.