When to file on broker's bond?

I've only worked for 20 brokerages so far, but I've had 3 exceed their contracted net 30. 2 of them sent a check out the day I called, but I have one now that is making me a bit more uneasy. Called the number on the carrier packet and reached an after-hours recording -- at 11am on a Tuesday. Called the number on the FMCSA website and reached someone who acknowledged my invoice, but was unable to see when payment would be going out. She transferred me to a higher up which went straight to voicemail and I haven't had a call back in a day.

I pulled up their DAT credit score and they have gone from a 97 credit score and 32 days to pay to a 92 credit score with 44 days to pay in the time since I hauled the load:



This is the brokerage arm of a decent sized international carrier (2200 power units, although under a different DOT#).



How long should I give them? They're currently 5 days overdue and apparently with no pending payment...

 

0 now. After another day with no returned call from the broker, I called the bonding agent and inquired about the procedure for filing. After getting the bond #, she asked if I wanted to file (you can file immediately after it is due) & I said not just yet, but that I wanted to be prepared if it came to it.

30 minutes later the AP manager that hadn't returned my call in 2 days called and said the check was going out that day. I presume the agent called the broker & said "hey what's the deal? you've got someone asking about filing on your bond." The check arrived today...


The filing procedure would have been pretty simple: send the insurance agent copy of your carrier agreement, rate confirmation, invoice, & POD.

 

I know it's a small world, but I honestly can't see ever calling that broker. It wasn't just that they were late paying, but they gave me the run around too. I'm busy, I don't have time to be on the phone all day chasing down payment. 30 days is plenty of time to pay, let alone schedule a payment. And what's worse, they offered no excuse or apology for being over a week late!

Who would want to work with me if I showed up for delivery a day late with no notice, had ducked phone calls, & then just shrugged my shoulders when finally confronted?

So if they're ever in a bind & call me with an attractive load, I'll haul for them only with a modified rate confirmation with a schedule enumerating substantial late fees (comparable to their "quick pay" fees).


Maybe one day I'll run out of brokers and regret my inflexibility -- it is a possibility. But for now I plan to stick with honorable people who abide by their covenants.