How many negotiate?

Asking the brokers here... @PPDCT

Out of my own curiosity, what percentage of folks that call you on a load attempt to negotiate versus those that just take the load for the posted rate or rate you verbally tell them if one isn't listed?

 

Here’s an example of a negotiation today -

Load was $12k - 1600 miles, 67’ long, 14’ wide -

 

I'd say 70%-80% who do vs. 20-30% don't. Just scientific guesstimation at that. I'm usually prepared to negotiate, so it always catches me by surprise when I get the guy who goes, "Yeah, I can do that at the rate."

 

That was a reasonable offer you gave them, especially being 600mi out from the pickup.

 

Thanks - I thought so. Just a civil offer of capacity for a task requiring specific demands.

I’m glad they satisfied their customer with another option.

 

If I be happy with the rate i don't bother to dicker. If i do bother it's usually 400 more than what's posted and most of the time we agree to 150-200 more. If the rates you post are good and someone doesn't argue over pennies they go on your "1st call list" or black book whatever you call it right? Lol

Edit. That's on local rates.

 

I always negotiate. I ask for at least $50 more even if I like the rate. You can almost always get $50 more on a load than whatever it's being offered at. I realize that may sound very small but if the rate is already good on a one day job for well over $1k then think of how much beer that extra $50 will buy.......or chocolates or Barbies or whatever you are in to.

Let's say you move 4 loads a week and get an extra $50 on each one. That's $10,000 in a year. Still sound small?

 

I don't know that it always works in my favor, but I always always ask for more. It's like I can't resist.

Even if it's something like $1,200 for 100 miles, I'll say can you do 14 or 1450.

Like I said I don't know that that always works in my favor, but they usually do add something extra onto it.

 

I got an offer in my email from a broker that blew me away. This is a big well known brokerage that I've only run one or two loads for. It didn't look like a scam to me.

San Diego to Johnson City TN for $6750 (2500 miles). This was a direct offer, not a bid. Is it THAT good coming off the west coast?

The only catch I could see was 250k cargo insurance.

 

Yes . Eastbound out of cali usually doesnt pay anything atleast in my experience with flatbed. I have turned down many riverside, ca to memphis tn loads . 5200 ... i have heard lately eastbound out of ca is really hot right now , they were talking about it on the freightwaves podcast couple days ago