Working with customers without a broker as an Owner Operator

Contracts are your friend

 

Yes You Can. If You have Your Own Authority.They will require You to have proper Liability and Cargo insurance, Sometimes a Bond. You’ll need to find out their requirements and decide if it’s worth it to you or not. The real question is Can You Service the Customer Needs?

 

In my experience you need to regularly have trucks in their area(s). That is the biggest attraction, knowing they'll be able to get a truck as needed or every day. Invoicing isn't much different than invoicing a broker, you just mail them a copy of the BOL and invoice. Generally you will have a contract like Mileage + FSC or $$ + FSC and that is usually quarterly or annual based versus spot quoting. Bear in mind that as freight gets cheaper during certain times of the year they might switch to CH to haul it cheaper for them unless you manage to finagle your way into an all inclusive contract.

 

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