How are Brokers NOT to blame?

Nothing has changed for me...

When I see brokers post a load for $1.88 per mile in a lane that should be $3.33 per mile and I get a call to take it, I offer them $4.00 per mile. Sometimes, they accept because they have to. Sometimes, carriers accept $1.88 because they have to...or don't know any better.

All my posts are an attempt to start a dialogue that could be beneficial for shippers that MUST move product, carriers that are happy to move that product, brokers who keep customers and carriers happy by providing an actual, desired need, consumers who don't like getting gouged at the grocery market, and all the other stakeholders involved in paying the price for swings in rates.

I don't want to gouge brokers. I don't want to take a load for $4 when it should be $3. I'm content making a fair wage. I don't see any benefit from the disrespect that it obviously present in low rates. That was my main question: How is tit for tat between brokers and carriers good for shippers? How is the spat good for the public?

So, let me revise the question:

How are brokers and carriers alike NOT the responsible party for the pendulum?

Can someone tell me what drives the rates OTHER than the petty game of tit for tat? Some have tried to use supply and demand...what else can you think of? I don't believe an agent, when posting a load, thinks to themselves, "I've researched this lane for my customer and even though they want to move the product for $2, I'm going to offer $1 to a carrier because there are an abundance to trucks in the area and I know someone just wants gas money to go home."

 

I think all salesmen have their "techniques." Some are more elaborate than others. Over time, sales practices become outdated and need to be revised. Some sort of change agent is necessary. I'm suggesting not slapping someone in the face while you are asking them for their business.

 

This is the prime example of tit for tat. Let's say I did take advantage of high rates. Am I allowed to observe what this pendulum is doing and realize I was a part of the problem AND THEN, recognizing I am a part of the problem, then try to start a dialogue to discuss with my colleagues what I feel is the issue and offer solutions to said issue?

Isn't that how progress happens? People coming together to discuss a legit issue and looking at it from all sides? I'm not perfect and I have played the spot market game as well as the next guy, but reflecting back...why does the pendulum have to swing so #### far?

Is it possible to have a conversation with "professionals" that see themselves as part of a larger system AND realize if changes are going to be made within the system, it has to start with those directly involved. Some folks seeing issues and want the goobermnet to get involved. That's always the wrong answer, in my opinion.

So, is everyone OK with how the market operates right now? Is that it? Attack anyone who tries to have an open discussion? Attack any ideas that might help out that driver with duct tape on his mirror? Or, do I say screw that guy and his flip flops. He should go back to his own country.

This topic isn't about blame...because we are all to blame. Either you are part of the problem or you're sitting there just watching it. I'm just asking you to start trying to do something that may help sort out the market because from my understanding, nobody likes being gouged...carriers or brokers. How can we do better?