Just as sure as roses are red and violets are blue, each freight broker is going to be asked to give their rates or give a quote to shippers from time to time. There are several ways to do quotes. How do YOU handle this? Read more on the next page ...
First, a freight broker can compile their own information on each and every load and lane that they work with. Then it is just a matter of doing some Excel spreadsheet calculations to come up with averages and other essential information.
Then, a freight broker can sign up for one or several monthly services that will provide rate information on various lanes including fuel surcharges. One recent service will allow you to find the going rates for as many as 500 lanes in one calculation that takes less than 5 minutes.
Here is my question: How effective is giving quotes for YOU in getting work from shippers when they ask for quotes? Do you give single lane or multi lane quotes or both, depending on what the shipper requests?
So, again, are you getting a good number of loads from shippers after you provide quotes?
Leave your comments below. Just click on "Comments". Thanks for your input.
If I get four people to give their input, I'll respond and tell you what my experience has been.
We have business friends that sell used equipment and in the process give us referrals. All of these persons ask for a quote upfront. We pride ourselves as being fair and reasonable. Our profit margin is small in comparison to many companies. The only time our prices increase is when the equipment is oversized or misstated in the quote information of which we maintain a form that we list all essential information. Trying to be fair depends on which end of the spectrum you are on. We may not always be the cheapest quote but our regular customers know what our standards are and we don't ask truckers to move freight for an unreasonable price, same as we don't move our trucks unless the price in "fair."
Posted by: Linda B | April 14, 2008 at 06:21 AM
I have fairly limited experience in being asked for quotes; mainly for heavy equipment moves. Results have been dismal. If they request quotes, they're rate shopping and I'll never be the cheapest. I give what I think are honest quotes; but I figure they're getting lowball quotes somewhere else that get raised before the move is actually arranged. I suppose it's just easier staying with that broker, anyway, even if he does wind up being higher than I was.
I'd rather know I was honest with al parties, rather than having to keep my lies straight
Posted by: Mick Smith | April 12, 2008 at 08:01 PM