Breakdown under load?

Pay the tow company to deliver it if it’s close. Otherwise work with broker to have it delivered as a power only load so you get your trailer back.

 

It’s happened 5 times over the years. Once, blown engine in Ky. Towed to the shop, 85 miles to Knoxville,took a cab, rented a Penske Truck. I had towing coverage through OOIDA. That helped a lot. Got the load delivered in Biloxi.pulled a load back, rented a car home to Mi. for a week off. $25000 adventure. 6 mos later wrecked the Truck, paid to have a Carrier deliver the load, let him reload it back, and dropped it at the Shop, for minor repair. I lost $200 on the load, it was halfway there, when I wrecked.The least of my problems at the time.
Twice, turbos blew, luckily, both times, I was able to get the part, fix myself and deliver, without losing any revenue. Last time a few yrs back, blew injector, 200 miles from home/ delivery. Broker worked with Me, Thurs delivery turned into following Tuesday. Lucky for Me, total cost $300. I wasn’t charged for being late. I got lucky, could have been much worse. I keep phone #s of 3 O/Os I know, if I ever need their help, I’ll pay them very well, hopefully I won’t have to deal with Sharks.Planning for a tow bill, having a rental Truck plan, and downtime/ repair funds. Otherwise, Broker may want to re- power the Load. You’ll need to contact Insurance, for approval and get a trailer use agreement signed. Or whatever they require. Things happen, it’s the nature of the bussiness, Hopefully the Shipper/ Broker is reasonable.

 

The main thing to remember, is the Broker is in it with you.They don’t want to lose money either. Communication is key, Convincing them You can still deliver, and doing it. Everyone’s happy.

 

iv only ever had one break down that was more than a few hour delay. luckily it was a load that they were not in a hurry for so it wasn't a issue to sit on it for a week while my truck got towed and fixed. just called and let them know i was broke down and they said ok let me know when your up and going again, called a few times to update them till i was ready to roll.

its all going to depend on the situations and the load. if its something or perishable or urgent they may want you to re-power the load.

 

First and foremost notify the broker so they can notify the customer and see what your options are. While this is happening be hunting down a rental truck.

Worst case you’ll need a repower to make delivery, or a repower to get the trailer to a cross dock, in which a new carrier can finalize delivery.

 

1st) load of pipe from Oregon to Wisconsin. My a/c wasn't working so I stopped to get repaired. Shop says had to order fan will be here in couple days. Called broker they are ok. This is Monday, can still deliver within delivery window. Wrong fan came, so they overnighted the correct one and fixed on Friday. Drove 100 miles and the Motor crapped out in North Dakota. I had a friend come get me. I drove my reserve truck back to get my trailer made delivery following Wednesday.
Broker was calling everyday. I contacted receiver they said no rush this was a stock order and they had enough on hand for another month.

I have worked for this broker after this load.

2) 4 piece ltl. Repair was going to take 3 days. Broker for 1 piece demanded transload required. I got a forklift and scheduled with the other truck. I lost the revenue to that point. I was ok with that.
Other 3 pieces i delivered when truck was fixed.

3) had another load that needed repowered on my trailer. Customer provided truck and driver no charge to me. I wasn't paid for the 300 loaded miles and I had to bobtail 700 miles to get my trailer after my truck was repaired next day.

4) load of trees, my transmission started to fail. I hired a local tow service to repower my trailer and make delivery.
Then I called a ,local to home, tow service to bring my truck and trailer home about 300 miles. Cost about $1,500 tow to home. Broke even with first tow truck and load pay.

I read the previous posted expensive breakdowns. I have been very fortunate.
Most of my repairs I have been able to make my delivery or cancel a load, and get home to make the repairs.

I'm sure I've had a couple more. Not so bad. I'm still out here.

Good luck.