DAT loadboard

Compared to DAT, what's special about Its... I have been hearing good stuff about Its.. I have never found shippers on loadboards.. What are the rates you been getting on its?

 

ITS is leaps and bounds ahead of DAT with layout and options. Shippers are on all load boards but they pay the same as a broker does. They are not dummies.

 

When calling a broker, do you usually have your phone in front of you (on a headset) or is it plugged up to your ear?

Does this usually happen when you're on the road or when you're stopped for a break?

Thanks!

 

No, too hard to browse the loads on your phone and it's illegal to do that while driving. I'm on a load right now that delivers Wed morning first thing. I'm looking for a load right now. I have the load board up on my screen and Google Maps so I can see where it's picking up and delivering.

Landstar has what is called Load Alerts. You go on their web page and enter in where you want to pick up a load and they email you the loads when they get posted. Those you can read on your phone while driving. The phone number is right there so all you have to do is click and it connects you.

 

The only way to do it when driving is to post your truck available before you pull out. If it'still a decent, good, or hot market you'll get calls coming in. If it's a deadhole you'll either get nothing or someone hoping based off your MC#/area code that they've scored an easy back hauler truck, but mostly you can count on no incoming calls. If people calling are offering loads that are on your lanes (assuming you don't run willy nilly all over the country) then you should know about how far it is from Nashville to Atlanta, Louisville to Birmingham, or some of the smaller towns around those cities to various points.

You can always count on random CHR, TQL, LS and even small brokers to tell you shorted miles. 450 miles is probably 500 etc, etc. Ask them your loaded and your deadhead miles. Add in some for them shorting it and know the math in your head for $2.50 a mile on 400 miles or $3 a mile on 400 or whatever price point you want to be at. Know the math. Toss out your quote over the phone. If it is something you seriously want to book you may even want to pull off on a ramp and look a little closer. Either with your gps, laptop, or whatever. I've booked a bunch of loads while I was driving down the highway and just taking calls.

Remember one thing. If you are ever unsure just say no. Never let anyone pressure you to book any load. If they can't take a minute or 2 to wait on you to double check for things something is probably up and it is a BS load they are trying to push quick anyways. Stall for time asking for mundane details while you're checking miles (assuming you are pulled over here).

 

What about having to fill out a carrier packet? You must need a printer in truck to print them up sign and scan back in. Do others have a per trip basis contract? I don't see filling out a carrier packet sending in w9 proof of authority and all that stuff if you will only haul one load

 

I have ITS and members edge. Not sure why I still pay for members edge other than its only $17 per month and not really worth that.

 

I seldom run into a broker that we aren't set up with. But yeah you have to fill out a carrier packet for just one load. That's what our office does but it's not that big of a deal. Just takes time. I have a printer in the truck already. With smartphones now you can sign documents without printing anything though.

 

Don't need a printer, acrobat will let you type & sign pdf files all on your laptop

 

is that a service you pay for to send those files back to the brokerage?