Please Explain This To Me

Great thread. I'm sure there are some blood pressures getting elevated! How about we all agree that each of us has a job to do and each has value. I guess my point on the weight issue would be, if you gave me a load from Denver to Las Vegas that was supposed to weigh 30,000 lbs and all the sudden I have to drag 45,000 lbs over the bumps on the map, I'd ask for more money because it's going to cost me a lot more time and fuel. If it came in at 33,000 lbs you would never hear from me. I can't really believe this is that big of an issue with your loads. Every time I hauled potatoes by the hundred, the loads would pay 42500 but weigh out at 45k+. It always ticked me off because if the load was over weight and they had to take 20 cases off I would get docked 1000 lbs worth of pay but I never got extra for the "overage". I guess I learned that is just the way the potato business works unless your hauling bulk on the floor.

 

You are an innovative thinker alright. So your contention is that since I was provided inaccurate shipment info BY YOU that came from YOUR shipper or that your sales department MADE UP, that you should be within your rights to call OUR contract? Where did they teach you these kinds of practices as being acceptable? Again, your recourse is with your shipper on these issues, not with the carrier. I quote you based on the information I am given. If it is inaccurate and thus increases my variable costs (i.e. more fuel on a heavier load) I am going to expect an adjustment. I am not, however, going to redo rates due to an outside party's lack of their own due diligence(i.e. load lighter than expected). Take that up with the people who are paying the freight.

 

You were told by a trucking industry executive with 40 years experience in the business, if that is the case you charge back a fee to the carrier that comes out of the rate if they deliver early. I'm sure produce (grocery warehouse scheduling) is different but with dry van it's not a big deal at all to kick off an 800 mile delivery the next day instead of wasting two days on it.

Remind us solo and small truck operations how easy it is to just go home and forget work? You really think it's that easy? I've never been one to complain about it cause I love what I do but my phone and business are working 7/days a week 24 hours a day if the rates justify. I never grumble or complain about after hours calls.

As far as 10 hour bhreaks in the middle of work are concerned. If your boss did say that at least he wouldn't expect you to take calls. I probably spend half of that time on the phone and doing paperwork tasks.

 

$100 on 8 miles this guy if he is lucky is wasting an hour on that pick, probably 2. So that's a bargain, very fair, $50 an hour... And that's IF he doesn't have to sit around waiting for hours on end for whatever reason. He's giving you what 3 or 4 hours fee on produce before detention kicks in anyways right?

 

It's negotiable. What I try to do is make myself whole. Like I did when I quoted the load in the first place, I'll assess the cost of the changes to me and quote an amount that covers it. I try not to get stupid with it, usually following the same rpm and market line haul I did in the first place. If you bought me lunch last week and the extra stop is known for fast service, I could even lose my mind and just do it for the original rate. You never know.

Your example: Provided no substantial impact to the schedule or extraordinary delay, I'd probably ask for $100 too and secretly expect $50. If that extra pickup extends my trip time-wise or forces an all-nighter (risky for me, as I may need to take time for cat-naps to make it safely) due to HOS, my quote would be higher and I'd substantiate that while we discussed it.

 

Fresh foods to DC's are usually high volume/turnover for the DC. Product comes in the AM,fills the DC,and leaves in the PM(or vice-versa) The charges are because they really don't have the room for it,all spaces are spoken for the day. But many times they will take it early. There concern isn't if the truck knows about an early delivery charge(though many are going to a cash before unloading) By the time you are paid the carrier has been paid for weeks or more. Not much chance of them paying for it then. You eat it. You can't call every place to verify when someone unloads,they'll drop you for someone who doesn't bother them as much.