More "stupid broker tricks." Current, real-time dispute with J. B. Hunt

Good morning fellas. Before you all start asking, "Why the hell are you hauling for J. B. Hunt?", let me answer. They gave me a pretty good rate to take a load from Roanoke TX down to New Braunfels, and I needed to get down there to pick up a refer that I'm taking up to Illinois.

So basically, the load was supposed to be a preloaded trailer. It wasn't. It was a live load. Anyway, they want me to drop the trailer at one of their yards in San Antonio after I deliver. This wasn't in the contract. The problem is, the yard is 48 miles from the receiver, opposite of where I need to go. So it's actually 96 miles of deadhead. So I said, "No problem. I need a new ratecon for $200." So we are jousting back and forth.

This is my last reply to them:

"My rate is $200 for the trailer drop. The trailer drop WAS NOT in the ratecon, so it would be wise not to reduce my rate. You cannot add or subtract from a contract once it's been signed. If you choose this route, I WILL file on your bond for any rate reduction. And I will report you.

I'm not a company driver who has to abide by what you decide to pay him. I set my rate. My rate is $200. You can accept it, or you can reject it.

So your choices are:

1- Send me a ratecon for $200 to cover the trailer drop.

2- I leave the trailer here.

3- I leave the trailer at the TA and you can have one of your company drivers pick it up.

You decide. But you need to decide before they finish unloading me. If you don't, I will put the trailer in the first open spot I find here at the receiver.

This is your notice. If you do not act, then it is on you. DECIDE.

I'm adding my factoring rep to this thread.

Regards,"

Am I on solid ground or not?

 

So now the Big Shot weighed in and wrote this to me:

"Stated in the rate con that you are referencing is information about understanding you will be asked to reposition equipment after completion of the load. I have attached it below for reference as well.


We will pay deadhead however. Deadhead is $1/mile after 30 miles and normally only paid one way. We can make an exception since you have to go back the opposite way, and we will update the rate con with $66 to account for the mileage back as well."

 

And I wrote this back:

"The unload is finished. I'm going to get my bills. If I don't have a ratecon by the time I get back to my truck, the trailer stays here.

I'm not one of your monkeys that you can push around. Your ratecon was invalidated the moment you changed from a "trailer drop" to "live unload" without consulting me. You breached the contract, which nullifies the rest of the contract.

It costs me $1 a mile to run my truck. Do YOU work for free? Because I don't. Keep your $66.

jc"