Another Rookie's Question

[BryanB]

Hi,

I have just signed on with a company to see if this business is for me. While in the owners office, I saw a software program running that basically had runs popping up all the time, and he would look at it and bid on the run or not. What is this software? Can I get this? My first couple of runs were about 200 miles, and deadhead back. If I had this software, maybe I could get something to take back. I'm not sure that this company works very hard to get us runs back to Detroit. Any advice???

 

[X1_SRH]

Bryan, it sounds like the program that you saw is the National Logistics Management (NLM) Website running. Most of the runs from the Major automotive manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada (aside from dedicated freight) are put on that site so that carriers can bid on them. Only carriers can have acces to this site due to the fact that it must be monitored 24/7. Every run must be accepted or rejected by the carrier. If a carrier has too many runs that they did not respond to at all, they will lose their NLM privileges altogether. This is basically a way of getting their freight covered by making carriers bid against one another. NLM headquarters is in Detroit, and a large portion of NLM freight delivers to Detroit and the surrounding areas. If you or your carrier is based out of Detroit, NLM is going to be one of the main resources to get you back home. I hope this helps - X

 

[BryanB]

Thanks X,

You were of great help as far as the software goes. This tells me that I cannot use this to my advantage, but leaves me with another question. What other resources can I use to get more return runs from places that my company sends me? For instance, I was sent to Dayton, and deadheaded back. What can I do to try to get a load on my own to return with??? Any suggestions???