Rate negotiations, How to?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Gunner75, Oct 12, 2015.

  1. Oct 12, 2015 #1
    Gunner75

    Gunner75 Road Train Member

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    Gentlemen, Im interested in learning how you who deal with brokers when you negotiate your rates. Do you have a set number you aim for per mile and dont drop below a set number, do you ask what the broker is offering and then make a counter?
     
    Gunner75, Oct 12, 2015
    Gunner75, Oct 12, 2015
    #1
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  3. Oct 12, 2015 #2
    HorseShoe

    HorseShoe Road Train Member

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    "Look here college boy. I ain't taking it for under $x.xx"
     
    HorseShoe, Oct 12, 2015
    HorseShoe, Oct 12, 2015
    #2
    Rocksma34, Big_D409, CanadianVaquero and 1 other person Thank this.
  4. Oct 12, 2015 #3
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    First you need to know your numbers, like your break even point and what you expect profit wise, then set that at the low end, aim high and then work from the top to that bottom number. I know people just guess or think everything is a profit over X but it is not always easy.
     
    Ridgeline, Oct 12, 2015
    Ridgeline, Oct 12, 2015
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  5. Oct 12, 2015 #4
    blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Sound real chipper to hear from them, ask them how their day is going, how's the weather . . .

    Then sound really disappointed at the rate. Tell them - "I might be interested for (about double the rate), call me if you have trouble shifting it".
     
    blairandgretchen, Oct 12, 2015
    blairandgretchen, Oct 12, 2015
    #4
  7. Oct 12, 2015 #5
    truckon

    truckon Swamp Thing

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    I always figured the more time they have invested in the phone call the more likely they are to agree with my way of thinking.

    Small talk goes along way, and education in a nice way is always good.
     
    truckon, Oct 12, 2015
    truckon, Oct 12, 2015
    #5
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  8. Oct 12, 2015 #6
    Gunner75

    Gunner75 Road Train Member

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    My step father tells me to be respectful, try to build a reputation with the brokers and after a few loads they will start warming up to you and offer more rate per load
     
    Gunner75, Oct 12, 2015
    Gunner75, Oct 12, 2015
    #6
  9. Oct 12, 2015 #7
    Jerry12

    Jerry12 Heavy Load Member

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    Seasonal adjustments: Also, you need to know what freight is paying in an area for a set amount of miles. (i.e. knowing pumpkins pays $3.00 per mile will help...VS...the Broker is offering $1.80 per mile. What do I do...?)
     
    Jerry12, Oct 12, 2015
    Jerry12, Oct 12, 2015
    #7
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