Cry Me a River...

Discussion in 'Freight Broker Forum' started by Scooter Jones, Jun 19, 2017.

  1. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    This winter I ran some consistent loads via a broker L.A. to Sumner, WA.

    The rate was okay, not the best, not the worst for that time of the year. Loads were light, which is always nice on the lane.

    In May I let the broker agent know my rate was going up 10%. You would of thought I just broke into his house and was stealing food off of his babies high chair.

    "Well, I guess we'll be alright as long as your rate doesn't jump higher when produce starts running!"

    OH REALLY?

    I didn't book another load with him after that. Repeatedly booking loads 15% to 20% higher in May.

    June he starts emailing me, "hey man, I could really use your truck...if rates are an issue, let me know..."

    Okay, so I emailed him last week letting him know if he needed my truck I'd be available on a particular day.

    "Great! What rate are you looking for?"

    Me, "$2,900."

    "You want what???" Followed by a series of manipulative tactics, including, insults, shaming and condescension.

    "I could get any old common carrier to run that load (same day booking) for $2,800 right now."

    OH REALLY?

    "Okay, thanks for the opportunity to serve you, take care." I said.

    5 minutes later I booked a load going to the same area for $3,200 with another broker I deal with. I kindly sent him (the punk) an email informing him of such. Followed by another series of mild insults from him.

    Turn the page. The next 3 days afterwards I checked the load board. Guess what I found? He couldn't cover some of those same loads and posted them for, ready for this? Drum roll....$3,195. LOL.

    The little punk could of saved a few hundred dollars if he had gone with my first offer. ;-)

    Are all brokers that smarmy? That's a rhetorical question, of course...
     
    Last edited: Jun 19, 2017
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  3. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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  4. Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    So are these produce loads or just general freight ?
     
    noluck Thanks this.
  5. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    General freight. I tried hauling melons last year, didn't like it...
     
    Ffx95 Thanks this.
  6. Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    Did you book the load for $3195? lol
     
  7. dca

    dca Road Train Member

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    try $3,500 he might say he can get a common carrier all day long for $3,400..
     
  8. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    No, I was long gone at that point.
     
    Last edited: Jun 19, 2017
  9. aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

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    Its all about politics ain't it? He'd was probably betting you'd just give in an except his ridiculously low quote. Well done for sticking to your principles and not selling yourself short.
     
    Scooter Jones Thanks this.
  10. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

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    Lately, I did squeeze one broker who I had considered as decent and honest. I still do. I told him I could do a recovery overnight run from Elk Grove Village to Gary in (about 50 miles) for 1000$ not less. That night (about 9 p.m.) I was in the mood and about to kiss my Scotch on the rocks and watch some TV B.S. shows rather than go out there and do favors. I did go out though. I held firm at 1000, yet I felt sorry for him. I was not raised with deeming greed as a virtue. But somehow I had to test myself. I can't be Mother Teresa and hope to retire a millionaire. LOL
     
    Last edited: Jun 19, 2017
    homeskillet and BigBluePeter Thank this.
  11. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    Yes, it's that and really understanding the lane you're running and being able to read the tea leaves.

    This is my second summer out as an O/O and it takes a little time to acquire those skills. There is a marked difference this summer over last. Capacity seems tighter right now than last year on my NB lane and many brokerage houses seem more willing to pull the trigger sooner than later on rate quotes.

    I had the same thing happen to me today. A guy from a broker office I have dealt with in the past called me about a Wednesday load out of L.A. on my lane to the NW. The scheduling on the pick & delivery were perfect for me. Load under 20k lbs.

    He asked me how much and I told him $3,200. He gave me the usual, "we have an offer in at $3,000." To which I replied, "I think I'll wait but thanks anyways!"

    5 minutes later the phone rings and it's you know who with an acceptance of my offer at $3,200 ;-)
     
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