Cheap Freight Doesn't Exist

So now that we have this figured out, maybe we can help our friends understand that, if they use Brokers, they don't need to call for a load but instead call in reference to a load. That tells the Broker you are not begging for anything, you will instead provide him with the necessary service on a certain load and for that you will be compensated at a fair market value.

 

Its like everything some want to get the most done for the least cost while others will pay extra for getting good service

 

BigBadBill, this original post sounds like you're being cryptic and/or talking around a key point...or something like that. I think it's a common scenario to be in need of a load where there aren't any high paying loads. I have a lane I run where it's pretty cheap one way other than the rare emergency load that will pay better. So unless there are magic words to say I'd say the average rate in a lane will trump any claim of being a "premium" carrier when the load can be covered for a non-premium rate. I just had a conversation before reading this thread that went something like this. The load is fiber widgets and picks up...blah blah blah... and the load pays X. I ask for a better rate and I'm told not in this lane. Which I can expect no upward movement in the rates in this lane. It's common for the brokers to hold firm or at best move up $50 and that's it. So I'd say that's a lane with low rates no matter how premium or top of the line a carrier claims to be, or is, the carrier will have low rates in this given lane. Other than the rare emergency load.

If your post is reference to not using freight off the load board; I still find the rates suppressed in that scenario also.

I'm not saying there aren't loads out there that pay well, but I don't understand how you can say there's no cheap freight (low paying loads) only cheap capacity (capacity for a low price). I'll have to reread this thread when I have more time. Maybe I missed something.

 

I appreciate ya'll that are experienced at this negotiating with brokers/ shippers and telling rookies and others not to haul cheap freight....BUT why don't ya'll go in detail and explain and help and be a mentor than knock ones down that have no experience. Give us examples of recent ones you done. Post contracts and hide shipper info. Give us ideas of freight lanes at times of year. Oohhhh but no ya, ll won't spill that. You just keep bragging that you know it all but refuse to show facts and proof. I'm sure a one guy operation like most talking on here surely can't steal your operation if your giving the great service were speaking about, correct? So why hide the info? jMO Me on the other Hand would help as much as possible a fellow trucker. But that's me. Hope ALL us well and staying safe.

 

this was last week
broker- hi do you have a truck to run up 8 pallets from A to B for about 190 miles.

me- yes sir, Id be happy to help you with that. - I already know the area but while speaking to him I check if theres loads up in that area.

broker- I can pay you $400

me- id love to help you and I have an available truck but im afraid that rate is far from what I would need to cover it, Id be around $1000 - ( I still don't think that's a great rate , I really didn't want to cover the load.

broker- HA HA HA good one. 8 pallets, I can send them in a van , flat , step or hot shot good luck with that.

Me- no problem, have a great day.

about 15 min later-

broker-ok ill give you the $1000 but you have to pick up right away and deliver same day.


Guess what , this gentleman has called me several other times to move freight.
I wouldn't of taken it if it took 2 days as it kills the rate and I don't think this is a great run or great rate its an example that if a person needs the truck and your confident of your service and rates, you might just get them.

To be honest I was looking for a longer run , this is not the one I wanted but took it anyway.If you follow Bayou & RollinCoal, youll notice something about them. They have the " I have the truck " attitude not " I really need your load" attitude. RC has even mentioned it a few times BE WILLING TO WALK AWAY FROM THE LOAD. if youre only getting bad rates, youre not loosing much anyway.

Be professional and courteous always its a business transaction not a UFC match.

 

Im sorry my writing is horrible and looks cluttered, should of paid more attn in class to the teacher than to the pretty gals.

No one ever accused me of being a genious. LOL

 

I like that. Well said. I follow RC . Like me I'm confident and know I'll have best equipment on road. But knowing freight lanes and rates at certain times of year I have no clue. So no idea what's a great rate. By telling me in detail I would never lower myself to trying to steal your shipper. I'm a one man operation.

 

Im a one man show also. A lot of people have way nicer newer equipment than me. A LOT. Having a pretty truck and trailer wont guarantee you a good rate.

If my appt is at 800 im there at 730 if its at 730 im there at 700. If they want updates, Ill give em although I hate doing it, I have picked up freight and have been asked to stop by somewhere else to pick up paperwork , I will do it but not for $50 extra.

I used to say , I wont tarp, I wont go here I wont go there until I realized that I will do a lot of things so long as I am compensated fairly.