for me, I get as much detail about the load as I can , I figure out what I need or want for the run and tell them that #. If I tell them , this much for line haul, this much for fsc , this much for this and that, I think it would cause confusion and make both our heads spin. Keep it simple and give good service.
Fuel surcharge DOES NOT EXIST in the spot market. The broker and you are going to agree on a dollar amount to move that load.
Fuel surcharge is pointless with spot loads. It's figured into the load. Figure an all in rate and give the quote. Some brokerages break a surcharge out of that gross number but most will scratch their heads if you ask for a surcharge. They might accommodate you and break something out of the gross but they're not likely to add surcharge money above any figure you agree on as the rate. Keep it simple no sense complicating something straightforward.
just heard bout a new load board that don't have no brokers or broker fees. they hook y'all up with the shipper direct. my rite load I think its called. anybody herd bout em.
What's it called? ## will broker laugh at / hang up if you tell him a what you think is a reasonable rate but crazy way off to him? What do you usually do in that situation? For example dry van CA to NJ you say I'll move it for 8, 500$. He starts laughing saying this that and another thing and asking if your joking? I had this happen to me ended up arguing with the broker than just stopped communicating. It was through email so it wasn't as awkward as it would of been if it was on phone. I hate arguing
Just keep it simple, before calling you should know the approximate destination of the load, IF it TQL you probably wont even be close. Most of the time the PU and DEL are correct. SO before I call I figure out the mileage/Stops and rate I would need to haul it. I also figure my MINimum amount. If they start below my minimum, I will try to get them up to my price range. if s/he states they cant do it no problem. I just tell them if I cant find anything else I'll call back. Usually those words gets thing moving fast, if they need the load moved ASAP. They reply with, WHAT will it take to get you moving on this LOAD. That when I quote them a price. Most of the time we can come within $50-100 of my price. Its simple just have to have patience, If I have to argue with you, I no longer wanna do business with you!!! I'm in Business, If i cant have a healthy business relationship with you, I choose not to deal with you. No profit is worth my sanity!! S/He need you more than you need them, if the prices are not in line with what you want no need to get upset, The load is probably offered by another broker somewhere on the board, just keep moving! NO load is worst your sanity! When dealing with spot rates think in terms of whole prices instead of breaking it down. This Ca-to NJ run can def be negotiated, while I don't think $8500 is a bad price you also have to understand that there are guys who will run this for $5000-7000. Over time you will learn the rates in certain markets and learn not to price your self out of a load!
When we were leased onto a mega I emailed a chrobinson load from Ohio to California 6k and broker said is this a joke and I said no, let me know if you want to make a deal or if I should move on. He replies keep looking and good luck with those kinds of rates I'm telling all my fellow brokers about you. I simply replied no problem, oh and I'll tell all my fellow Truckers about you. I guess he was thinking quote 3k and make him a rich man that week. I thought my offer was fair
East to west doesn't pay anything, especially going into Cali ... the reefers will pull those loads for like 1.40 per mile and call it a good rate, and cross their fingers they will get a fat rate leaving Cali ... I prefer to know I am making money while I drive away from the house, not just go driving on a hope I will get a good load for the home trip ... but yeah, he probably did cover this load for 3500 or so
3500- 4k at best is all I've ever seen anything moving west from that location. May get 5k for hazmat.. I speak to a lot of guys who come east then go west, best way to make a living is to bounce around instead of direct. Maybe run to Texas, then up to Colorado or Oregon then back into Cali.. Kw600, I had the same mindset when I first started, in time you will learn that unless you have direct shipper, brokers won't pay anywhere near that on a haul that long. Some will if you catch them at right time. More than likely 3500 is the going rate.
