Direct shippers - tough crowd

Discussion in 'Refrigerated Trucking Forum' started by Marmon110P, Jan 6, 2023.

  1. Marmon110P

    Marmon110P Light Load Member

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    Why is it so hard to pick up a direct shipper? Ive spent the last 5 -5 weeks knocking on doors, making my pitch in my suit (looking as professional as possible) and so far I had 1 offer, but then when it came time to onboard, they wont even reply to me now via email or phone...
     
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  3. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    How many trucks do you represent? Cause if it's just one, you're generally not worth more than brokering the load out.

    I'll add that it takes about 3 to months of work to sign each of our shippers.
     
  4. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Because the time to go after direct freight was when the rates were way up.
    Everyone wants direct when the rates are down. The customer knows that when rates go back up you'll disappear.
     
  5. GreenPete359

    GreenPete359 Road Train Member

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    Don’t waste your time at a big company warehouse type place. Hit up mom & pop places. Locally owned and operated. You’ll never beat out Werner, JB, Swift, USX and the like.

    Find smaller outfits to work for. Look for a local company who does there production in one location and has several cross dock like distribution centers within a 300-500mi radius. They probably need help with night time line haul.

    Hit up some local farms. They may need trucks to move equipment between farms, bring supplies in, get their product to market.

    Even talk to other local trucking company’s, they may need help covering overflow.
     
  6. Marmon110P

    Marmon110P Light Load Member

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    I am just 1 truck for now, but looking to grow and partner with a shipper that will allow me to do so. I have been hitting the smaller to mid sized outfits for produce and dairy since I know they are easier to work with.
     
  7. Marmon110P

    Marmon110P Light Load Member

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    Im not sure what you mean by your last sentence. You start hauling for them and 3 months in, sign a contract?
     
  8. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Means seldom just walk in and start.
    1000 calls
    100 someone answers
    10 someone talks about rates
    1 brings you on
     
  9. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    It means that from intial contact to signing a contract usually takes 3 months.
     
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  10. GreenPete359

    GreenPete359 Road Train Member

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    You guys are signing contracts? Lol.

    All my work was sealed with a hand shake.
     
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