Fighting cheap freight

I don't know anything about hub, but I've been told by customers that CHR has the agreement within their contract that they will quote you a price, but if the shipment is due out in say, 24-36 hours or less, and you contact them, their rate skyrockets to 3-4 times what they originally quoted you because they deem it an "emergency expedite." If that is indeed true, that's atrocious.

 

We called to book an OD load with a Landstar agent, they were underbid by JC Menter, for $700 less. The load now goes for $1700. From the notes: ** OD ** FSC $354.85 + Permits & LH $1,345.15 = $1,700.00 TOTAL (ALL INclusive) * NO TARP * SD ONLY * Multiple loads * (PPE) - Personal Protective Equipment (boots,hard hat, long pants, safety glasses, safety vest, etc) REQUIRED * 10 ft WIDE; But all other dims legal * ** please visit our website: jcmentertrucking.com

It's so tempting to e-mail them and explain why, we will not be taking that load. However, I will refrain.

ETA: DH called the other agent, MMI, who also shows these loads, and asked about the original rate. He was told, "They always overbid and it's a bait and switch." (What???) DH said, "Thanks, I'll pass."

We're opting to drive 300 miles for a load that pays $3500. WTG, MID and MMI.

 

I actually don't think any of that matters to the brokers. They use us when they absolutely need to have something moved and when they figure they have the upper hand they drive rates into the toilet and expect you to haul it for a loss.
I have never been late, never had a claim, am always professional check call on time etc. I even thought I was building relationships with a few of the people I dealt with but what I discovered is there is no loyalty. At the very first opportunity they low ball you even to areas they are well aware that freight rates are terrible.
I don't argue, I just tell them sorry I cannot pull for that rate and keep looking.
I think it is an absolute shame the rates that are offered and accepted by some of us.
We need to educate each other and stick together. There really is enough money out there for everyone to earn but if it's every man for themselves I don't see things improving. It will continue to be a roller coaster with rates.
I saw a load posted from Pendergrass, GA to Lakeland, FL. The rep told me the rate was $1000. I told him no and it was gone in 5 mins. I called him back to ask him if he really moved it for that rate and he said yes. WOW!

 

"Never said it was good business for the broker to offer an "offensive" rate, but if you let one rate quote burn a bridge with a broker, you need to develop thicker skin, you don't know if it's the customer or the broker, make a note of it, then next time you call, if it's the same offensive rate, you can get a better idea, and eventually two things will happen, either you will recognize the broker right away and won't call because out of 5 calls he has never offered a good rate, or one of the times you do call he will have a decent-good rate that might make you think about taking it etc."(quote)


I think some bridges need to be burned to the ground before it collapses while others are trying to cross. A lot of owners would have not been on the Eleets bridge when it came tumbling down. Just burn it down with a smile and a calm tone:>)

 

.............................

 

.. Nice one!

 

Wow!........