Dealing directly with the Shippong Company.

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by bushhawk, Jan 18, 2015.

  1. bushhawk

    bushhawk Bobtail Member

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    Jun 1, 2013
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    I have been running flatbeds loading via the load boards. How would I go about hauling directly for the shipper i.e. the steel mills were I pick up the coils . Any one have any experience with this, what the shipper will want, payment terms etc.
     
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  3. BooshWhacker

    BooshWhacker Light Load Member

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    Probably start by talking to the Shipping manager. Regulations and insurance may be a factor in whether the company you want to haul for may let a different company do its transport. Legal with contracts to a hauling company may be a reason the company only uses a transport company.
     
  4. Skate-Board

    Skate-Board Road Train Member

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    Not worth it. Your not going to make that much more and 99% of shippers will not deal with an independent. Too much trouble. Easier to send off one email with all their loads for the week to a broker and your done. Also, no bond to file on with a shipper if they don't pay.
     
    rollin coal Thanks this.
  5. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    So you think by cutting out the broker you will get his cut? Read the following post by a shipper particularly the parts in bold:


    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...-can-you-give-me-idea-annual.html#post4420660


    Now if you understand this then all is fine and dandy. Everyone is about saving money. And maybe you can make more than you can get from the broker and save the customer money. Good for you. If you are slick you might get more from the broker than you would on your own. Although most likely not as consistently. Lastly, don't be a snake back soliciting your customers you found from brokers you hauled for.
     
  6. dclerici1

    dclerici1 Medium Load Member

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    A company here in town that ships flatbed loads nationwide won't sign up a direct hauler unless the have a fleet of at least 25 power units. Guess they think your a stable company then.
     
  7. Cluck Cluck

    Cluck Cluck LTL Wizard

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    Dunkirk, Indiana
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    Here's an idea.

    If you get on a load board and there are muliple brokers posting the same load odds are thode loads are the result of a mass email that a shipper sends out Rate Destination etc. There is no reason you as the trucking company can't be on that same list.

    People usually don't want their oend direct customers because they don't want to be depended on. I on the other hand enjoy the stability of having my go to guys I haul for week in and week out. I have multiple trailers at thsee shippers that they'll preload which works out well for me.

    If you can find a shipper that fits your style I don't see how it can be a bad thing.

    Also when a broker is a snake and back door my customers. Then the gloves are off and it's a fight to the death. I do and will continue to solicit work from EVERYONE
     
    281ric Thanks this.
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