Cheapest Brokers?

2.30/mile is a weird number to just throw out there. If you're getting that leaving Chicago any time of year then YOU'RE getting screwed. 3/mile even during the Winter is par for the course in that area.

 

Yep for sure. Lots of drivers confuse overall averages with rates. Rates are loaded miles only. Rates are gross revenue paid before any possible cut (leased company take off the top or factoring fees) out of it. A $2.30 a mile rate is dirt cheap any length of haul. $2.30 a mile average on all miles a truck ran might be ok depending on many other factors. So $2.30 a mile on what is the question here? And then the endless scenarios unfold. To flat out say that's the line in the sand, that's good, or that's bad - doesn't really work out so well in the real world.

 

Chicago has been weird for a few years now. It used to be one of the most reliable high paying markets in the country... and the inbound rates reflected that. These days it feels like Chicago is a pretty neutral destination... I'm paying trucks that are getting 2 and change back from Chicago 2200 on 630 miles to go back.

 

The fact that this thread exists is really a testament to the lack of education/sales skills that pervades this industry. The fact of the matter is that there are truly no cheap brokers, there are haulers/trucking companies that don't know there true cost of operation and haul freight for less than stellar rates.

Also, this whole rate per mile thing is a good judge of what one is doing but it's not the be all, end all that people make it out to be. It's just another way to monitor success.

 

It's definitely not what you make. It's what you keep.

 

That is especially true in this industry.

 

I think it has quite a bit to do with the number of new companies that have sprouted up there the last several years.

 

Could be. I think it's also a function of the current market environment. From what I see on my end, rates are still up in the Chicagoland area. Your mileage may vary, though.

 

One more month and it's gonna be back to usual. This weird swing only exists mid May to mid July.
I think in the 4th quarter outbound Chicago rates will be $4-6 per mile in any direction

 

Speaking of cheapest brokers. There was a load this morning sent out to few brokers. 450 miles. 1 and 1 expedite dry van
XPO and Circle posted it for $1800, Bnsf for $1600 and Traffic Tech for $1000.