Explain this brokers, no one available to load/unload.

If I have all the load info including all the contacts why even bother sending the truck? Call and ask to deal with them directly. A few of my regulars I haul for tell me exactly which companies are known for doing this around home doing the exact same loads and they undercut the rate my guy pays steadily...both of us can't figure that one out.

My way of doing it would be to someday offer this guy a job. He deals with customer, I get first shot at the loads. Broker the rest out. Pay a fat % probably 70%. If not, continue business as usual.

 

I always call the shipper, and receiver as soon as I sign the rate con. Even then half the time people are surprised when I show up. My favorite is when I call ahead, yet still wait 3 hours to get loaded. This is the one thing that has burned me out on being an O/O. There are so many people that are inconsiderate of your time.

 

I took a load for Mercer broker one time from Boston, MA down to Chattanooga, TN and it was a small lift gate with parts in a 53' dry van... They needed it right away and when I got there they almost rejected it because nobody knew I was even coming... Dude who ordered it was off that day...
You should've seen them dock worker was scramblin around trying to find help, office lady was pullin her hair out, forklift guy was driving in circles.... I was there for like 2 hours tryin to get this tiny lift gate off my trailer...

 

I know how you feel, Hang in their Buddy- I Know you were ready to quit this noise a while back but, Let guys like me and a few others offer help to keep your head held high....

Brokers (In general) ASSUME every carrier has an office staff To make calls for you the driver,to make sure the pickup and delivery go Flawlessly.

As most 1 truck guys know- THEY DON'T, I know it's frustrating to stop your day and make the calls but-Unfortunately,Way it goes sometimes...And I say 'Sometimes" Because 9 outta 10 loads go smoothly.

I know you are venting and its frustrating, But the broker wants the game played their way most of the time- Remember,Its THEIR customer they sweat blood to secure..

If the Brokers are too much- You Gotta get yourself a pool of your own customers-At Least your outbounds

 

@6wheeler
When asked for references when hauling for a new broker, what do you put down?

I don't give out my direct contacts.

 

Just put other brokers you work with. Definitely dont put customers if that’s what you mean.

 

Good advice. I did that yesterday in fact. Consignee's number was not listed on ratecon. So, I googled the address and their number was posted.

When I pulled up to their location, I was unsure of which driveway I should turn into as it was a complex with quite a few buildings and a narrow access point. I'm leery of pulling into places unless I'm confident I can get out safely. I called from the street and the nice lady confirmed it was okay to pull on in

 

Keep talking like that, and people will think drivers aren’t so dumb after all.....