Best Time to approach Direct Shippers

When you can burn Bridges with your broker????

 

Any time but know how to do it, you just don't barge into the place and tell them you can do something for them knowing you can't deliver.

 

It all depends. What type of work do they do? What services are you willing and able to supply? Are they seasonal, or consistent?

You need answers to all that before you walk in the door.

Seasonal, you need to knock on the door about a month to a month in a half before “their” season begins. This is when they are lining trucks up to cover the expected freight.

If they have consistent work you can walk in any time you wish. I would warn you to try and steer clear of general freight. If the mega’s are running out of there, you don’t need to even try to compete with that mess.

Find smaller local companies to work for. I’ll give a couple ideas, these are some of the company’s i do work for...a Septic company, 2 Tree Farms, a Marine Construction company, and a wholesale florist. There are others as well.

Keep it local & build a reputation. Soon your phone will ring with work instead of b/s sales calls. Make people see your truck around. Make them think of you when they’re in a bind.

 

After they've had several drinks.

 

When they are having trouble finding trucks for their normal costs.