Real O/O rates? - Fall 2010

I think that some of these brokers don't have a clue. I think that some just go after the double brokered freight since it is easier than getting their own accounts. By the time the first guy takes his cut and the new guy gets his, there isn't much left of the rate. I think that I have hauled 4 loads the last several months that have been less than $3/mile. That is likely to change in the next month or so. I try to stay out of areas where rates are usually low. If I wanted to run harder then I would probably be running for cheaper rates. There is still a lot of freight that is over $2/mile. Depending on where you want to run, you can find plenty of loads under $2/mile. I would rather run for higher rates with fewer miles than for cheaper rates with lots of miles. I can't see running my wheels off for a cheap rate.

 

I got a call yesterday from National Carriers...they wanted to talk to me about their power only program. I'll at least listen to see what they have to say. The rep quoted me some rates, saying that 76% of the linehaul rate and 100% of the fuel surcharge went to the truck...the 'best' was about $1.60/mile. After telling me that, the rep said, "That's not too bad, is it?" I laughed and said that all depends on your frame of reference. I told him thanks but no thanks, that if I'm putting the miles on my tractor, paying insurance, paying for fuel, paying all the other crap to stay compliant, I'll tote my own trailer around, keep 100% of everything, and get rates that allow me to turn a profit and not just attempt to stay afloat.

The rep's response was, "Well, it's not for everybody, but it is the best power only program out there." That's akin to saying "We're the least sucky out of the PO programs". Well good for you!

 

I've used that exact line and one argued the point with the quoted run being a regular load (back to my home area aka backhaul, let me wash my hands after typing that) I could count on anytime I'm in the area.

I paused a minute and almost said "I could count on it because nobody else wants it." But I took the high road and said:

"I see. So I can lose money on a regular basis instead of just once in a while." He didn't lose a beat and kept trying to sell me until I wrapped it up with a fake incoming call. It's now turned into fun just finding clever ways to say no to him because oddly enough he isn't being a jerk, just a persistent booger.

The kicker is that the dude keeps calling me every time I open that city in ITS and pop-up on his hot prospect list.

Maybe it's Sparky.

 

sounds like a load broker with those go broke numbers