Dealing with the brokers - what's the best way?

I gotcha. That dry van? I'll be reefer . Usually how much more PM does reefer pay over dry. Well or how much more should I negotiate PM being reefer than dry for same freight lane. Just an idea.

 

Dry van. Rates will be determined by how well you figure out the game. There's no such rule that says one pays better than another. On average the lousy posted rates for spot reefer and flat are marginally better than vans which has nothing to do with what you or anyone else might be able to pull off regardless what your wagon is. Pick one and learn how to leverage it.

 

Gotcha. Thanks for info.

 

DUDE where in the F did u come from? Apparently you don't know how to read. I asked questions and in no way shape or form said I was relying on load boards. He was describing that subject and I just asked. I mentioned I'll have a reefer trailer is all. I didn't specify what freight I will and will not haul. I will haul anything that my trailer can haul. I also care less about brokers. I didnt get own Authority to deal with them RIP OFF people. I got it to avoid them as much as possible. Also how you don't know if I already know this info and wanted to see his opinions?? So before you jump your know it all QUotes that you stretched out of context on my and his conversation you may learn how to read. Happy and Safe Trucking to you.

 

I believe you are the only driver making more money with a broker over a direct shipper. Maybe your negotiating skills aren't great. I have never paid a broker more than I would a carrier. That means the broker is taking from the carrier. Brokers call me with high rates. I tell them what I can pay. I nearly always get a return call from them saying they talked the driver down. This is one of the many reasons we stopped working with brokers. I have heard of several cases where a broker failed to even pay the driver at all. Very confused that you would take that over a shipper only paying you.

 

I have to agree with your comment. 99% I talked to said to deal direct with shipper as much as you can and avoid Brokers as much as possible. Which makes sense. But always like to hear other opinions and ideas of how others are doing it. RC sounds like he has great relationships with a few Brokers.?

 

Understand he's telling the absolute truth about loadboards. It ain't easy but it's not impossible either.

 

Sometimes shippers pay more and sometimes brokers pay more. It depends on the situation and capacity at the time and how badly either one needs a truck. Some shippers will bypass a broker and call carriers up themselves. You can haul for either one with contract or common carrier authority. Just make sure to do a credit check before hauling their load to lessen your chances of not getting paid. Follow the products and seasons and you will eventually see what is going on that is in demand and in what areas. There is also a section on the loadboard that gives you an idea of how many loads and trucks are in a given area. Post your truck in these areas ahead of time to feel the area out. The northeast is mostly a dead zone year round with a reefer unless you haul seafood with multiple stops,so you will want a higher rate for a load going into those areas in case you have to deadhead. Even than if you plan ahead you might be able to get a load out of there too. Reefers and dry vans technically pay the same depending on what load is in demand. There are some dry van loads that cannot go on a reefer or the shipper will not load on a reefer because of the floors and sidewalls.

 

Two of my friends haul brokered freight just like me and get the same top notch rates. I know we're not the only ones. You have to play the market to win not everyone can play it. Are you telling me that shippers never have shaky credit? You have a cheap bulk product that no-one cares when or if it moves and you can get it moved all the time for nothing. I don't haul freight like that. You make the assumption all freight is like that and there's no reason it would or could ever pay more than $2 a mile, a wrong assumption. I love it when people like you do get in a bind. Happens every day and then you pay a real world rate, that's fair, and adjusted for inflation. Not some lame rate from 20 years ago.