Own authority/broker a good idea?

**Jefferson3000** · 02-11-2010, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by x06col

I'd say, if you had anything besides a toy truck to try this with, my suggestion would be to not leave home without it (authority). IF you are dead set on this project, at least try to use equipment you can do something with. As for all the "work" the "experts" have eluded to...well then, if you don't like work, then you won't like going this route. One of the posters here "looked the gift horse in the mouth" with me some time ago, and apparently is still looking at opportunity from the same vantage point. Sooo, i'll just suggest it's a real good thing for satisfaction and is rewarding revenue wise, but will gitca tired if you do it well.

Aw come on, Colonel. You know that it's as easy as paying a few fees, and signing on a line or two. Gotta take the phone off the hook. As soon as those brokers hear you're in business, they're calling 24/7, begging you to run their freight for $3 a mile. It's gets hard being pre-dispatched 3-5 loads in advance. You can even be late if you really need to stop and eat at Denny's on the way. They won't mind. Tell the truth? Way overrated!

**pjjjjj** · 02-11-2010, 11:38 PM

Originally Posted by KYBulldog

Anyway, back to the point, sounds like I need to either maybe work out something with a small independent or use a factoring agent if I go on my own. Thanks again!!

Altho one might get the idea that factoring must be a great service, based on the large sum of money they command, there are HUGE issues with that as well, issues you couldn't possibly think of considering until you're there.

I'm going to vote for going with a small independent... or a little larger carrier that's been in biz for a number of years with an already-established list of regular customers, dependable cash flow and LARGE line of credit.

**jimlookup** · 02-12-2010, 08:48 AM

A year ago I was in the same position you are. Some suggestions & thoughts are: Paper work is not that bad for C unit. No individual state taxes or drug screens. Permits Plus will be glad to tell you what you need in a language you can understand. Dispatching. 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. It takes time to get everything in place but once there you could average $1.40 a mile, all in (remember, C unit) and 1000 to 2400 miles a week. (I've done over 2000 last 3 weeks.) Factoring. You already know your partners have good credit, but you may want to factor for convience. Accept the credit risk and and spread your payment down the road a little and you should be able to find a company to factor your loads for under 3%.
This has not been presented as a business plan or is it suggested that it will work for every one. It is just what I have experienced over the last year. GOOD LUCK

**CharlesD** · 02-12-2010, 08:58 AM

As far as being glued to your computer, all you need is a couple other people who can have access to the same boards and can watch things for you when you need to sleep or drive. That's what I do and it works out pretty well for the most part.

**Jefferson3000** · 02-12-2010, 03:34 PM

1.40 sounds low, especially if they want a dock high truck. If yours is, then you can get full tilt, whether one skid or six. Being on with the Alliance can ensure you a high volume of freight, but not already the highest rates, due to competition.

I ran a 14 ft cube in the beginning. Not dock high, but had a liftgate and pallet jack on board. I still charged my local freight forwarding customers $2 plus fuel, usually another .20-.40 or so. You just have to be the most professional, and the easiest to deal with.

**x06col** · 02-12-2010, 07:16 PM

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** · 02-12-2010, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

I will definitely watch out for that.

**CharlesD** · 02-12-2010, 07:47 PM

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

**Jefferson3000** · 02-12-2010, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by jimlookup

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** · 02-13-2010, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by CharlesD

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** · 02-13-2010, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by x06col

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** · 02-17-2010, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by x06col

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** · 02-17-2010, 06:47 PM

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.

**blizzard** · 02-17-2010, 07:39 PM

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** · 02-17-2010, 08:09 PM

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.