Unfortunately, they don't explain the contributing factor to the increase in rates over 2009. Raising rates to clients who are loyal to you all year round doesn't have to happen, especially to those who have loyal carriers and don't try to kill the goose that lays the golden egg to get all the eggs out during that magical 3 month period we call produce season. Establishing a precedent so that a lane is viable is fine. I think that 8-9% over last year is not a lot to increase on a truckload and I suspect it may have to do with fuel surcharges. Still, on a $2000 load, $160 doesn't sound unreasonable to keep pace with operating costs and so on. From a broker perspective, I would suggest that if I was a customer, I would question why Traffic Tech or a broker needs fuel if they aren't paying it themselves (not asset-based, therefore, no fuel expenditures) or begrudgingly passing it on to carriers when they try for all-in rates. All-in rates are great for stability and predictability but don't do justice for carriers who have, perhaps, held those all-in rates for years to hang on to business. Everyone needs a raise once in a while.
