Own authority/broker a good idea?

[x06col]

Yepper Jeff, easy. Be ready to make on the spot resolutions to their needs, don't give em any "don't wannas". And a few other no,no's that customers are getting tired of from "robots" with a rate, mileage and assesory sheet in front of them.

I'd also add git r done.

 

[Jefferson3000]

Yepper Jeff, easy. Be ready to make on the spot resolutions to their needs, don't give em any "don't wannas". And a few other no,no's that customers are getting tired of from "robots" with a rate, mileage and assesory sheet in front of them.

I'd also add git r done.

I will definitely watch out for that.

 

[CharlesD]

Sell service, not price. In the long run, providing good service will go farther than always being the cheapest bidder.

 

[Jefferson3000]

Do not deal with any Co. that wants to send load offers by email or bidding process. You would be glued to your monitor looking at loads that don't pertain to you and be worn out when it comes time to drive. This prety much eliminates the big guys. Look for 3 or 4 for small companys that have been around for 8 or 10 years and have a good credit rating. They may be actual carriers that also broker, brokers disguised as carriers, or plain vanilla brokers. These companys are most likley to have their own customers, good contacts and the ability to work Tienna etc. Keep them informed of where you're at, where you are going, when you're going to get there, and what kind of load you're looking for. More than 3 or 4 makes communication difficult. GOOD LUCK

I think over the last three years, I've averaged around 25 different companies we've done loads for per year.

 

[x06col]

Sell service, not price. In the long run, providing good service will go farther than always being the cheapest bidder.

Service is a given. But, one really don't have to state the obvious when your reputation precedes you. Easy, and git r done will make you successful.

 

[CharlesD]

Service is a given. But, one really don't have to state the obvious when your reputation precedes you. Easy, and git r done will make you successful.

It's funny how when you consistently provide good service and people know that, you're able to get better rates, sometimes even getting a load over a lower bidder. That's happened a few times lately.

 

[Jefferson3000]

Service is a given. But, one really don't have to state the obvious when your reputation precedes you. Easy, and git r done will make you successful.

It's sad that service isn't obvious to some people. All they think about is themselves. Sometimes going just a little bit beyond personal convenience in communication can set you apart from the crowd.

Interesting story: Recently, a Landstar agent that we do a LOT of business for told me about a load that she booked for a really good customer. She needed a T/T (we don't have any at the moment). It was booked under LEA but there were no LEA tractors nearby. She called All-State, as they had a T/T about 90 minutes away. Just before the truck arrived, the load was reduced from 15 skid, to 9, and finally to 5 skids. They decided not to cancel the truck, as it was pulling in. It's a small dock, with no forklift. Only dock high pallet jack access. They driver proceeds to get into a shouting match with the shipping manager, refusing to load his FIVE skids, because he expects the biz to be 100% no touch. The load ends up canceling for that day, and driver is kicked out.

What a doofus!

If you're going to fuss over hand load pay (5 skids, 200 lbs each), at least call the dispatcher and let them know that the shipper wants you to load it. (The broker would've paid it) Don't ever tell a customer NO.

 

[x06col]

DO YA THINK???? That gitt'in off yer azz is tuff sometimes. I really don't want to get started with the storys I have.

 

[blizzard2014]

I always do whatever it takes to satisfy the customer as long as it is safe. When I was driving big truck I unloaded an entire 53 foot trailer and broke down and restacked 15 skids at Giant foods in Jessuop Maryland. That was after driving 12 hours straight to get it there. I will do whatever it takes to service the customer and promote my company at the same time. When I was working for a smaller carrier who regularly posts on this site, I helped build the company's reputation by being early to pick up and delivery on almost every load. Most every load was picked up well before scheduled pick up time and delivered well before scheduled delivery time. You have to provide good service and always have a good attitude "even when a load cancells!" You are not only a driver, you are an ambassador for the company that you are working for.

 

[greg334]

BUT what is good service and what is service that is a given?

I mean where is that line when the charges come into effect?

If it is five skids, no problem used my pallet jack a lot last year - my choice - but the guy's a bit on the lazy side.

Sometimes it is all about the customer, not standing there b*tching about the time they are taking to get the stuff on the truck to being patient with paper work to having 10 pallets instead of the four you were told would be waiting (same weight by the way). All of it matters.

I seen people like this guy b*tch that they have to blanket a pallet and get on the phone to see if their "dispatcher" will approve the additional charges or else they won't do it.

 

[Jefferson3000]

Yes, Mr. Blizzard, you ARE an ambassador for your carrier. As you may or may not know, I am familiar with the owner of said carrier, and your reputation preceeds you. Ya just don't get a lot, unless you're faithful with a little. Nice job! It definitely does not go unnoticed.

 

[dhalltoyo]

It seems to me that all industries have standards.

You get get charged by the airlines for the baggage they have to handle.

You pay a premium for overnight service.

Make a mortgage payment by telephone and you incur an additional charge as opposed to using online banking.

Other industries have no reservations about charging additional costs for personal, special or "hands on" service.

Stop offs, blanket wrapping, hand loads and unloads, deadhead miles, Canadian boarder crossing charges, dry run fees, detention time, inside delivery, tolls are all usual, customary and reasonable charges that should be calculated into the cost of providing immediate, exclusive use transportation service.

I find it so ironic that every other aspect of the transportation industry can raise their rates (airlines, trains, buses, taxi services, etc) and charge additional fees, but expediters seem so passive when it comes to negotiating increased rates even as their costs to do business increase.

Accessorial charges (also called assessorial charges) are charges made for performing freight services beyond normal pickup and delivery.

I have already experienced an attempt by a pharmaceutical warehouse to incorporate work that they were doing into the process of getting loaded. They wanted us to fill out their internal paperwork before leaving the facility. Before, it was completed and lying on top of the shipment. What next? Do we go in and pull the stock from the shelves, stack it on pallets, shrink wrap it and load it ourselves.

This is expedite...not LTL freight; therefore, time is of the essence. And you open the door for the degradation of usual, customary and reasonable charges by not adding them to your invoice.