Rate Confirmation Load Weight VS Actual Load Weight?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by PE_T, Mar 11, 2019.

  1. PE_T

    PE_T Road Train Member

    I must admit I have been too lazy to work out those numbers. I know I currently have the numbers to determine cost of fuel based on load weight. I know my average MPGs when empty and fully loaded to 80k. It’s on my to do list.
     
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  3. Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

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    Well, I don’t know your numbers: but if you run them, you’ll likely see that a lightweight load and a heavy load cost pretty close to the same to run.

    The overall lesson is: don’t charge less because it’s a lightweight load. Overall you’re looking at pennies per mile in overall cost, and chances are you’re selling yourself short if you discount a load for being light on weight.
    Charge for a full weight load every time.
    If it’s legal: roll with it.
     
  4. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Can you imagine going through a RFQ and quoting FTL lanes by weight? Just quote max legal weight and be done with it. Different for LTL.
     
  5. Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

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    Speaking of: I don’t remember if I did, so I’d like to properly thank you for that tutorial on rated freight class for ltl a few years back. I never did do it- certainly an interesting subject though.
     
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  6. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    PITA quoting that kind of freight. At least I only have to do it with a couple of customers.
     
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  7. Vitkouski

    Vitkouski Light Load Member

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    It can be different reassons (one of them that I don't want to broke my truck) why somebody select lighter loads and take this cheaper as other.... And brokers usually argued lower price with lower weight. So is completely not normal if you load is heavier.

    Often brokers and shippers not sure about the weightt and posted maximal possible on Loadboard and in RC. So it's completely normal if you load is lighter.

    I always ask brocker for proportional rate increase, so they post it accurate by the next time.
     
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  8. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

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    Yes. They said freight would weigh x amount, & I'd bid my rate accordingly.

    How is that one way logic.? As I stated above, it is the brokers fault for not researching the freight they are asking you to load on your equipment. If it comes up a few 1000lbs lighter than advertised, that's on them..

    Ruthless also points out, on full TL freight, to offer a rate reduction for 5k lbs worth of lighter weight would be ridiculous. If a truck gets 7mpg with 40k lb load & 7.2mpg 35k lb load. @$3.25 a a gallon it'd be 46 cents per mile in fuel vs 45 cents per mile. Feel free to tell that broker you'll give him that one cent a mile reduction if it makes you feel better..:rolleyes:
     
  9. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    If the load was heavy to start with, like 42000, then Houston we have a problem, cause I can't pull it.

    Anything else, nothing. Just take it. Depending on the customer I may or may not mention it.

    Like others have said, when it's 5000 light, you gonna call them and go "I need to give you some money back?"

    I'm certain our more esteemed members would get like an extra $5000, but it's just not enough too matter.
     
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  10. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    If load is going on flat ground then no big deal. If it is in mountains then Houston we have a problem. Fuel disappear at alarming rate. Lol
     
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  11. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    Have a few shippers that know the truck can go 52000 for payload.
    They would often load the truck to almost 51000.
    Had a good talk with management about cost of operations and profitability.
    Was not in any way a negative or derogatory discussion.
    We agreed that the heavy loads needed to pay better. So the rate became base plus.
    Sort of like doing hundred weight, only on the last 3k lbs.
     
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