As a general rule of thumb we don't service Loblaws, Sobeys, Walmart, or Costco. However, that is not to say that if I am stuck somewhere, I won't take one of their loads. However, I have to feel very good about the load or I will simply run empty.
I was recently part of a conference that included the big U.S. carriers (the big ones we are all familiar with), and the question I posed here, was posed to them. They have some very interesting and creative ways of dealing with these deliveries.
One carrier does not even accept their business under any circumstances. It's company policy to run empty rather than take these loads.
Another score cards them. They have determined that 40% of their loads to one particular receiver will be fined, so they incorporate that projected fine total across all of their rating, then surcharge it. If the customer does not like their pricing, they are fine with that ... "find someone else to haul your goods".
Others, if there is any sign of risk at all of being fined, simply refuse the load from the outset, even if they have to cancel it at the last minute.
In general, none of the big U.S. carriers will work for Walmart or Safeway at all.
What I found equally fascinating was all of these carriers put their driver comfort/health/well being at these types of shippers and receivers ahead of profits, and generally incorporate a "driver-aggravation-surcharge" buried in the rate. They pay a bonus to drivers to service these types of shippers/receivers.
As a result of my question here, I have also found that most of us, in some way, shape , or form, tend to mirror in some aspect or another, pretty much the same general principles as the large U.S. carriers when it comes to these types of customers.
So, after all is said and done, it begs the question; "If mainstream transportation in North America does not service the type of customer that makes its bones off the backs of its carriers, who then services these customers, and why?".
Kind of thought provoking for a Friday isn't it
