Looking for a broker to get flatbed loads

brokers will be all over the place, all depends on where you are running.

 

You looking to lease on to someone? Or do you have operating authority? You can make a living with Landstar or Mercer if you are looking to lease on. Today there is no need to live anywhere, with wireless, internet, overnight parcel services, and electronic funds transfers.

 

you don't need a broker, you need a load board.

When I started, I had the goal of building relationships with 1 or 2 main brokers and bending over backwards to haul their loads with top notch service. I bent over all right, just not backwards ! It may be possible to operate like that, but IMO it is likely going to be more profitable for you to use the load boards and focus on getting the best load available to you each time rather than deadheading and taking cheap loads to serve your main brokers.

So it has nothing to do with selecting brokers, where they are from, or what company. You just try to find the best load each time, if a certain broker has steady good paying loads somewhere, sure you try to get to them, but it is rarely worth taking junky loads to get back or make promises.

 

Please do the math and watch your numbers. .55 per mile for fuel @ 4.00 per gallon, and do not let your fuel get above 35% of your revenue! That is a goal you need to have. DAT has mostly good brokers. They will suspend slow payers and unethical practices. All rates are negotiable. Look at your numbers monthly and quarterly. Per week is not an honest snapshop but not to be ignored.

 

that's 0.55/mile IF your truck gets 7.3mpg !! and IF fuel only costs $4/gal. If your truck gets 6mpg and fuel costs $4.20/gal. you will be paying 0.70/mile.

 

Be patient. Iw will not be easy and most likely you will make mistakes. Learn from them. Lots of people in this business are fair, and some are not. Like lots of businesses I suppose. Just don't expect too much. I have worked with o/o's that gross close to 250k per year and were home every weekend. Hauled about 45 weeks per year. You must have time for maintenance, rest, etc. Don't expect miracles and you can make a good living.

 

.55 fuel cost per mile @ 4.00 per gallon, is an realistic attainable goal and greatly increases the chances of a career instead of a job. Time to be business driver not a truck driver. Your fuel cost should not exceed 35% of your gross. .55 is 33% of 1.65 per mile. An attainable goal for profits. If fuel goes up so should the rates, do the math .35% of the gross.

 

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