Is this the new wave??

[Rob]

I have gotten 3 emails this week from brokers asking me to lock in rates for the year but the best part is all 3 wanted me to lock them in at a rate that if they have a margin they would be the only one. Is this the latest trick see if you can sucker a carrier into losing money? All three brokers by the way are notoriously cheap and where hoping we would be onboard to the rate so they could lock up the work for us. Guys I could care less if your brokerage has loads but too think carriers are going to fawn all over you because you have an option of locking up cheap freight oh goodie just what we need with prices going through the roof brokers helping us secure money losing accounts. If they want it done for nothing tell them to go buy their own trucks and see how it works out for them.

 

[Michael Ludwig]

If they want it done for nothing tell them to go buy their own trucks and see how it works out for them.

The other good line is "If it's so great why aren't your trucks hauling it ???" ... ROFLMFAO

 

[Nawk]

ain't nobody lockin' jack squat right now.

If these frat boy brokerages could tell the future... they sure as hell wouldn't be in transportation (broker, carrier or other).

 

[senditover]

The carriers that used to fall head over heels for locked in volume rates are already out of the market from the last freight recession. Brokers now need to wake up and smell the coffee.

 

[Fr8Guru]

I never understood "locking" in rates.

Having an understanding, that you are a regular, this is the regular rate within reason etc etc.

But trying to write a contract up... like what's the point.

 

[loaders]

I can’t, nor should I even attempt to speak for other brokers, but it has always been my experience that everything I do with my firm is done exclusively on behalf of my customers. Trying to source a particular type of equipment…because my customer needs it. Looking for a carrier who can provide a specific type of service…because my customer requires it. Canvassing carriers for their best rate…because my customer needs it to secure a large, new contract. Looking for carriers willing to lock into a set of rates…..because my customer has secured some new long term business. Listen, I get it, there are asshole, dirt cheap, do anything to save a nickel brokers out there, but I truly believe that the majority of legitimate brokers operate as I do, trying to do the best they can for their customers every day while treating their suppliers respectfully and as equal partners in this industry. Nobody, myself included, works for free, but there is a delicate balance between proving quality service and still making a profit. Happy Easter!

 

[Rob]

I can’t, nor should I even attempt to speak for other brokers, but it has always been my experience that everything I do with my firm is done exclusively on behalf of my customers. Trying to source a particular type of equipment…because my customer needs it. Looking for a carrier who can provide a specific type of service…because my customer requires it. Canvassing carriers for their best rate…because my customer needs it to secure a large, new contract. Looking for carriers willing to lock into a set of rates…..because my customer has secured some new long term business. Listen, I get it, there are asshole, dirt cheap, do anything to save a nickel brokers out there, but I truly believe that the majority of legitimate brokers operate as I do, trying to do the best they can for their customers every day while treating their suppliers respectfully and as equal partners in this industry. Nobody, myself included, works for free, but there is a delicate balance between proving quality service and still making a profit. Happy Easter!

What would your answer to a customer be if they wanted locked in rates at a money losing rate. Would you go to bat for the client and try an lock in a carrier at the rate or tell the customer to pound sand?? Pretty sure 99% of brokers would be all over looking for the sucker to lock in. Way too many too worried about telling the customer they way it is and just how low can you go. The very same customers that need a quote every lane every day. Some customers are not worth having and the sooner folks get that in their heads the better,

 

[loaders]

What would your answer to a customer be if they wanted locked in rates at a money losing rate. Would you go to bat for the client and try a lock in a carrier at the rate or tell the customer to pound sand?? Pretty sure 99% of brokers would be all over looking for the sucker to lock in. Way too many too worried about telling the customer they way it is and just how low can you go. The very same customers that need a quote every lane every day. Some customers are not worth having and the sooner folks get that in their heads the better,

When I say that my actions are the result of trying to satisfy my customers needs, there is of course, a limit. Just as I wouldn’t participate in enabling them to do something illegal , I would also strongly caution them against trying to get a supplier to work at a non compensatory rate. It just doesn’t turn out well in the long run. Again, I get it, I see it everyday here on Inside Transport, unscrupulous, or unknowledgeable, or even down right crooked brokers trying to squeeze every penny out of carriers, but please, please remember they are I believe, in the minority. Professional freight brokers know the difference between providing a good service while maintaining profit, and outright raping and pillaging. One method works, year after year, the other is much more short lived.

 

[WestSide]

If you have that many problems with brokers.
Maybe you shouldn't reply to their posting or answer their emails .
Just call your own customers only .

no more reason to agrue