Truck failure and load issue...

Those questions have unique answers to your situation, and personal initiative. Do you have the ability to rent a truck and keep the load powered? Step into your customers shoes and think what would be the best for them. You may eat the rental cost, and make nothing on the load, but you could save your reputation by doing what you need to do in order to fulfil the contract. It wouldn't hurt to call them, explain what's going on, and let them know that if they can't get another truck to haul it, that you will eat it big-time and rent a truck to get her done. If it's a lowballing cheapskate with more lies than loads most times, you probably would want to re-think the rental, and instead let them find another truck.

I guess it comes down to bridges.... you can build one, or burn one. Both carry consequences, and trade-off's. Good luck with the repairs.

 

First what does the shop say as to time frame as to when it will be fixed, do they have the parts on hand or do they have to be ordered. Are you a lease operator who will be fined for a late load if you are late.. Can you afford to rent a truck and use it as plan b just in case and it be available on the spur of the moment. What happens if you cancel the load, will the broker be able to get rid of it in a timely matter.

 

You still have time to play it out, although some rental companies take a day or to review your application. I would recommend explaining the situation to the customer and saying "If you cant get another truck i will get it there, but if you could it would be greatly appreciated. At least get info on a rental truack and if yours gets fixed in time, your in the clear. if they have parts in stock or near by they should be able to fix it today.

 

My life and truck FIRST...Call them ASAP and give the load back...I do this all the time and i am still standing 20+ years later...

No load or Broker is worth my life or someone elses life on the highway..I will not leave until my truck is A1 Condition....

 

From your post I think that you are empty and not under a load? If that is the case, then I would check with the garage and see when they think the truck will be ready. I would NOT rent a truck to take a load. If there is a question as to whether the truck will be ready in time to take the load, I would cancel it in time for the shipper or broker to find another truck. I would call and explain what has happened and let them know you will keep them informed. You may also ask if the load could be pushed out until the repairs can be made. If not, then I would rather cancel the load and maintain the relationship. I have rented a truck to fulfill my obligations on loads when I had a truck break with no hope of getting it repaired in time to make the pickups or delivery. I don't recommend that other than as a last resort.

 

I have to go with Landstar on this one.

 

Another vote to let that one go. Excepting some miracle, you probably won't have your truck back before next week. Don't set yourself up (and your customer) for disappointment. The only time you gain anything by renting a truck is if you leave your customer in a very difficult position. A day+ in advance I doubt that is the case.

Another save-face option is if you know and trust someone else to move the load instead. Make the referral and save your customer the hassle of finding someone.

 

I think you have answered your own question. You already know the truck won't be ready in time to pick up the load. Your reputation won't be damaged by giving the load back. It is much better to give it back than not show up. Trucks break down all the time. If someone doesn't understand that then you probably don't need to be doing business with them, anyway.