Being charged 20% of rate for being late?

Anything in the rate con stipulating such a rediculous thing?

 

Well I guess you know who you won't be hauling for again ...

 

If its not in the conformation, then legally they cant charge you. But we all know that brokers are lying thieves....

 

It doesn't say how much you will be fined? Tell them they are going to pay you, in full, ON THAT PHONE CALL, or the next call you will make to be to file on their bond. And do it. This is not a customer you need anyway.

 

They conveniently worded it in a vague manner such that it will work to there advantage. Hate to say it but you will have a tough one recouping any of that $500. Only thing I would suggest is to try and nicely work this out with them and explain that you would like to continue to do business (not) and your legitmate reason as to why you were late if they dont already know. Chances are they wont care but worth a shot. Afterwards I would put a claim in on them and cross them off your list. Guess this is a reminder for everyone to go over the rate con with a fine tooth comb.

 

Call whoever paid the freight bill ( call receiver first, then shipper ) and ask if they received a $500 reduction on there bill b/c the product was late? That typically gets phone calls going between broker and whichever is paying. See what comes of that and then I would file on the bond as well.

 

A phone call to the receiver letting him know you were going to be "7 hours late" BEFORE your scheduled appointment may have alleviated the problem.

 

When booking loads for my clients I've come across late fees before. Usually they list a dollar amount on the late fee not just leave it open like that. Unfortunately this practice is going to become more widespread as time goes by. Its much easier for them to threaten a driver's settlement to make sure they hold up their end of the bargain, whether than nagging them over the phone.

I've researched this on my own when I first started seeing this pop up on the high dollar loads I was booking. Unfortunately when you take the load you agree to the terms spelled out. You might could challenge it in small claims court and see if you get a sympathetic judge, but the agreement you made with the broker would probably be upheld.