Over the years Expediting has changed so much. Everyone now uses cell phones instead of pagers. Trucks have bigger sleepers that way drivers can stay out in the system longer, instead of going home once a week. So with all the changes, what do look for in a Carrier? Is it rate per mile? Is it miles per week? Is it being treated more like family rather than a number? Please give your input. Thank you in advance.
Precisely as Turtle said, but you asked the typical questions, so I'll answer them.
Rate per mile is important, but it's just one factor. A high rate sounds attractive, until you find the DH is high too, and uncompensated. Or the fuel surcharge is extremely low. Or dispatchers send you into places they say are great, and you sit for a week with no offers.
Everything has to be taken into account.
Miles per week is the Achilles heel for those who think 'more is better'. More wear & tear on your vehicle [and the drivers] and more time spent moving is not better, if you make the same money as someone who drives less: you're working harder to stay even.
Being "treated like family"? Whose family? Cause I have one brother who will take advantage every chance he gets, lol. I already have a family, so that's not what I want in a business relationship.
I want a carrier that is truthful, because they have nothing to misrepresent. I want a carrier that is willing to share the good stuff, and in return, I'm willing to share the not so good stuff. I want a carrier that doesn't refer to O/Os by some euphemistic 'title' in lieu of genuine respect - that's just insulting. I want a carrier that has good reason to be proud of what they do.
I want the carrier I drive for now.
