So the other day we did our first power only reefer load. When we turned in documents we included the reefer fuel receipt and also the trailer clean out receipt. Was wondering do you all pay those expenses or do you turn in to reimbursed? The broker when we spoke to him today said he wasn’t sure why we turned in those receipts and we told him because we didn’t know protocol. We told him if we were suppose to pay then disregard the receipts so then he says that’s ok they will take care of them in house. This was a fluke us doing this load anyways. We do not pull reefers but since he was a normal customer and needed our help with his parent company we pulled it to keep him happy. If he asks us again we would just like to know what others do. Do you pay out of pocket the fuel for reefer? And if clean out is required do you pay out of pocket for clean out? Our rate con did not say to refuel reefer nor did it say a clean out but when talking to him on phone he asked us to do both. Just wanted some answers from those who pull reefer. Thanks
Always get it in writing and make sure you are clear on if it is included in the rates or if it is going to be added in. Verbal stuff doesn’t happen, it has to be in writing and agreed to before you pick it up.
It turns out the company is going to reimburse us for the cost of both. But we were just curious for those who pull power only reefers if they include that in cost or if broker takes care. We should of had everything agreed upon but with that being our first reeferload we didn’t think about fueling reefer up. The total cost of fuel and the clean out of trailer was 100.00 but like I said the broker finally covered the cost but if we pull another reefer we be sure to include it in our pricing
If they’re happily reimbursing you it means you accepted the load too low. BUT because 99.99% of everyone is accepting too low rates they may have refused one penny more and because they’re happy you took it they’ll give you your washout and fuel.
to answer your original questions. in my case yes, the company I'm signed on to issues a fuel card for reefer fuel, and has an account for washouts. If we can't washout on account they require a receipt when the BOL is sent in.
Gotcha. Thanks for the answer. I’m not sure what reefer power only loads generally go for but they paid us 4.84 a mile and we used the reefer as a dry van on the way home so I think that load paid 3.05 and was reimbirsed so we felt like we made out rather well. It was for a company we generally do power only loads for anytime they ask if we available so we jumped at do8ng the reefer for almost 5.00 a mile. I was wondering the protocol. Thanks for all the input.
Brokers in general offer an all-in rate. Fuel and washouts are not reimbursed. An exception on washouts: some shippers require a fresh washout receipt, or in some cases do it onsite before loading and charge for the service. Those are usually noted on the rate confirmation and either reimbursed, or comped in the rate. I nearly never do power only, so unaware of any different "customary norms." I imagine it would differ from one shipper to the next. Some shippers (cheese and dairy product come to mind) are picky about trailer condition, where a washout might be more strictly required. Most of the very few I've done were Perdue shuttles, and if memory serves, they have a fuel truck come around and washed out their own trailers. So other than making sure there was enough in the tank to make the trip, we didn't bother with it.
