That is some decent info. I work for CH Robinson. When negotiating, when we give you a rate I wouldn't go more than $400 - $500 over what they offer you. When I give a carrier a rate I try to give myself $200 to work with. Like if I offer $400 I can pay $600 and be right at that break even point but shoot for $550. But if I offer $400 and you come back with $800 - $900 I might say I will check with the customer because I don't want to just say no and sound like an ahole but the truth is I am going to get on the phone and find another option because I don't feel like we would be able to agree on a rate. Probably 90% of our customers have year round rates in place with us and they dont give us more money. We do have some where we can go back to the customer for more money but I know with my customers that is a last resort. Our customers expect us to move their freight at the rates that are agreed upon at the beginning of the year. So if we go back to the customer asking for more money it looks bad on our part. I will usually take a loss on a load before going back to my customer. But it is the same both ways, you guys don't like to get low balled and we dont like you guys to blow our rate out of the water. But anyway, just my point of view, that is what I do but everyone negotiates differently.

 

Wait a second! So, it is possible to get a decent rate working with brokers ONLY!!! You just need to know how to deal with these people over the phone without sounding desperate ... Jeez ... Someone said you'll go broke if you work only with brokers... I guess if I were to get my own trailer with chrome wheels I could start with brokers and then build up a few contacts among direct shippers. Is this doable or am I daydreaming? I'm thinking basic flatbed with no tarping or maybe to splash and get one of those good-looking-expensive-as-hell quickdraw tarping systems.

 

I would think you could do that but I'd stay away from that Quick-Draw Tarping system because it will be heavy and will keep you from hauling anything oversize at all !!!! If you want a easier tarping syatem get yourself a tall side kit with tall bows !!!!

 

Unless CH is factoring in and paying a FSC in addition to the rate your comment doesn't make sense, the margin you leave can theoretically be eaten up in short order.

 

sounds like a good idea; thanks ash_ca_la. i might look into them since they are so much cheaper than rolling tarp systems.

 

THX Bonnie for your permission on using your negotiating info.

http://truckinginhighgear.com/forum/index.php?topic=9

THX Steve for posting it here.

And THX Classadrivers for this great trucking forum!

I am researching 'everything' trucking. Would appreciate PMs on any great leads to unique trucking subjects/information from all forum members!

We need a mentor (a couple three?)/consultant. What would such a fee look like?

God Bless all!

 

:-( I'm not a sticky anymore? or am I just not finding it. I can negotiate a sweet deal but can't seem to get around a forum! lol

 

Mandalin, I can't send you a pm because I'm a newbie. Email me if I can help any further on the new site

 

Hey, Bonnie- Fancy meeting you here! One of the Mods pulled ALL of the stickys. However, I'm sure that this one will be BUMPED frequently..