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What’s up with no one answering emails or returning calls

Apr 06, 2023 at 12:45 PM CST
+ 14 - 1
Every where I have been lately. The shippers are complaining about the lack of trucks. Just can’t seem to find trucks they all say. Well here’s a news flash the brokers aren’t answering phones or returning emails. Has anyone else been having this problem ? As for the shippers stop using brokers you will get better service . Pay decent rates your products will move .
Replied on Thu, Apr 06, 2023 at 02:20 PM CST
+ 1 - 1
Is it possible that the house of cards is finally collapsing? Consumers are now so broke that they couldn’t even pay the freight bill on the items they want? And the shippers are unable to swallow the cost ? It would explain the problems in the commercial real estate sector, folks say Venezuela looked that way right before........
Replied on Thu, Apr 06, 2023 at 02:20 PM CST
+ 1
We have been having the same issue . And the brokers are taking around 40 to 50 % on a lot of loads . But u got plenty of people on here that will run for fuel money . Had someone tell me the other day 2 dollars a mile is great money . Brokers are truck drivers that think this way is the problem ..
Replied on Thu, Apr 06, 2023 at 03:08 PM CST
+ 1

That is one of the things that ittitates me the most. People don't mind blowing up my email or phone asking for something, but can't seem to find the time for a follow up call to for an update on where the number came in. If I answer my phone and provide a quote, the very least thing someone can do is treat people with the same courteousy . I've heard the same thing regarding no trucks. When I ask about the rate, I say the problem isn't the lack of trucks, it's the lack of cheap trucks. Up the rate and you will have trucks lined up around the block to haul it.

Replied on Thu, Apr 06, 2023 at 03:09 PM CST

Sorry for the typing errors..

Replied on Fri, Apr 07, 2023 at 10:56 AM CST
+ 2
If anybody anywhere from sea to shining sea has a truck shortage problem in 2023 then the only logical answer is there is a pay shortage problem
Replied on Fri, Apr 07, 2023 at 10:56 AM CST

Some of these big BROKERS are taking big % and it makes everone else look so bad, I go out to BAT for my DRIVERS i try everything i can to get them a good rate. BUT I DO think there are some things that are changing in the world and they have yet to come to the top yet.

PLEASE IF YOU NEED TO GET AHOLD OF ME - I answer my EMAIL all the time, phones i most the time i can answer or i call back.

Replied on Fri, Apr 07, 2023 at 11:41 AM CST
Quote: "Some of these big BROKERS are taking big % and it makes everone else look so bad, I go out to BAT for my DRIVERS i try everything i can to get them a good rate. BUT I DO think there are some things that are changing in the world and they have yet to come to the top yet. PLEASE IF YOU NEED TO GET AHOLD OF ME - I answer my EMAIL all the time, phones i most the time i can answer or i call back. "

You didn't leave a phone number or email.
Replied on Tue, Apr 11, 2023 at 06:51 AM CST
If it isn’t worth there time to answer the phone it’s not worth my time to call back.
Replied on Wed, Apr 12, 2023 at 08:58 AM CST

I'm sure some of you will not like my response but I wanted to put my two cents in for clarity. I've been a broker for 5 years now and my husband and I own a trucking company so I've seen both sides. Brokers can be hard to get a hold of and there are times where they've literally done nothing but collect their commission without assisting us when we needed help. But from the broker end, if I don't catch a call because I'm on the other line or what have you, I'll call back. I end each day with all my emails responded to before I leave for the day. No lie, I've had plenty of carriers thank me for responding, even if they don't end up booking a load because they tell me most brokers wouldn't do that.

Part of a broker's job is customer service and if they can't provide good service, they should look for another job. On the carrier side, I've been cursed at and treated poorly by brokers so I understand carriers have a preconceived notion that brokers are all the same.

Anyone that does power only (I understand this is Bulk Loads but just want to throw that out there), please contact me if you're looking for trailers. My office number is 870-433-2700 and my email is [email protected].

Replied on Wed, Apr 12, 2023 at 12:56 PM CST
Quote: "I'm sure some of you will not like my response but I wanted to put my two cents in for clarity. I've been a broker for 5 years now and my husband and I own a trucking company so I've seen both sides. Brokers can be hard to get a hold of and there are times where they've literally done nothing but collect their commission without assisting us when we needed help. But from the broker end, if I don't catch a call because I'm on the other line or what have you, I'll call back. I end each day with all my emails responded to before I leave for the day. No lie, I've had plenty of carriers thank me for responding, even if they don't end up booking a load because they tell me most brokers wouldn't do that. Part of a broker's job is customer service and if they can't provide good service, they should look for another job. On the carrier side, I've been cursed at and treated poorly by brokers so I understand carriers have a preconceived notion that brokers are all the same. Anyone that does power only (I understand this is Bulk Loads but just want to throw that out there), please contact me if you're looking for trailers. My office number is 870-433-2700 and my email is [email protected]. "

Maybe the shippers should just eliminate some of these brokers that are scalping the rates so bad that the loads don’t move .You people that run for just fuel money are just ruining the industry by doing so. After OOIDA went to bat for us on the transparency issue we all need to start asking for the shippers rate sheet and stand together on these cut throat b……s that are scalping
Replied on Wed, Apr 12, 2023 at 02:26 PM CST

I agree, some brokers try to keep too much of the rate, while their expenses are so much lower than a carrier's. I have no problem telling carriers what the full rate is so they know they're getting the best rate I can offer while following the brokerage's margin guidelines and keeping them happy too. I don't keep 50-70% of the rate, as I've heard and don't find that big of an amount to fair. I think my husband driving a truck and seeing all the expenses we pay to keep it running helps me better understand what you all go through.

Replied on Wed, Apr 12, 2023 at 09:57 PM CST
+ 1 - 1
Quote: "Maybe the shippers should just eliminate some of these brokers that are scalping the rates so bad that the loads don’t move .You people that run for just fuel money are just ruining the industry by doing so. After OOIDA went to bat for us on the transparency issue we all need to start asking for the shippers rate sheet and stand together on these cut throat b……s that are scalping"

I know what I'm about to say here will infuriate some of you, so, I'll apologize in advance. While I've been know to stir the pot on some issues, this surely isn't the case here, and I'm sorry to those who get upset at the following:

I was at MATS and sat in on the FMCSA listening secession on broker transparency. I listened to every comment hoping to change my view on this topic. My view was not changed. I would truly like to know exactly what would requiring a broker to disclose the actual figures on a load AFTER it was hauled solve? Markets and lanes change daily. To me, the solution is simple, without any government intervention. IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE RATE, DON'T HAUL IT. Additionally, to any of you who believe in transparency, would you also support transparency back on you to disclose your operating costs and profit margin? I surely would not, but I could easily see where that could be next, becuause the street runs both ways in my neighborhood. I do not want the government any more involved in my life than absolutely necessary. They're already way more involved than they need to be. ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING the government gets involved with ends up being a sh--show.

I'm not a broker, I'm not pro or anti broker. I know there are good ones, and bad ones. I realize the value they bring to a transaction. I know my numbers, just like most of you do. A broker that is easy to work with, pays their bills, and gives me a rate I can live with, brings value to my business and I'll gladly run for them any time. As long as I get what I'm looking for I don't care what they make, and don't feel like it's any of my business. If they don't bring value to my operation, I PASS. If I think I can do better, I work on it until I do. If I can't do better and still don't like the rates, I park it and do something else. NO MATTER WHAT, I don't want Uncle Joe involved, I got this...

Consider this, when brokers tell you the best way to raise rates is to stop hauling for what's offered, what more do you need to know?🤷

"Come on Man" 🤦‍♂️

I feel strong enough about this issue that I dropped OOIDA over what I think was a total waste of time and resources on this issue. There are WAY more important issues in this industry than this. For example, overseas scam brokerages, and dispatch services that sell you carrier profile and ruin unsuspecting carriers.

Replied on Thu, Apr 13, 2023 at 01:27 PM CST
The Red Check Bandit strikes again🤦
Replied on Thu, Apr 13, 2023 at 02:14 PM CST
Quote: "I know what I'm about to say here will infuriate some of you, so, I'll apologize in advance. While I've been know to stir the pot on some issues, this surely isn't the case here, and I'm sorry to those who get upset at the following: I was at MATS and sat in on the FMCSA listening secession on broker transparency. I listened to every comment hoping to change my view on this topic. My view was not changed. I would truly like to know exactly what would requiring a broker to disclose the actual figures on a load AFTER it was hauled solve? Markets and lanes change daily. To me, the solution is simple, without any government intervention. IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE RATE, DON'T HAUL IT. Additionally, to any of you who believe in transparency, would you also support transparency back on you to disclose your operating costs and profit margin? I surely would not, but I could easily see where that could be next, becuause the street runs both ways in my neighborhood. I do not want the government any more involved in my life than absolutely necessary. They're already way more involved than they need to be. ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING the government gets involved with ends up being a sh--show. I'm not a broker, I'm not pro or anti broker. I know there are good ones, and bad ones. I realize the value they bring to a transaction. I know my numbers, just like most of you do. A broker that is easy to work with, pays their bills, and gives me a rate I can live with, brings value to my business and I'll gladly run for them any time. As long as I get what I'm looking for I don't care what they make, and don't feel like it's any of my business. If they don't bring value to my operation, I PASS. If I think I can do better, I work on it until I do. If I can't do better and still don't like the rates, I park it and do something else. NO MATTER WHAT, I don't want Uncle Joe involved, I got this... Consider this, when brokers tell you the best way to raise rates is to stop hauling for what's offered, what more do you need to know?🤷 "Come on Man" 🤦‍♂️ I feel strong enough about this issue that I dropped OOIDA over what I think was a total waste of time and resources on this issue. There are WAY more important issues in this industry than this. For example, overseas scam brokerages, and dispatch services that sell you carrier profile and ruin unsuspecting carriers."

Well said Barry and I agree!!

Replied on Thu, Apr 13, 2023 at 08:30 PM CST
From 1933-1980 truckers were left alone, nobody cared about logbooks, HOS, medical cards, etc, the BAC for commercial drivers in a big truck was the same as it was for 4 wheelers, in many states you could even have a open bottle in the cab, in states like South Dakota you just walked into the courthouse and got a chauffeur license by taking a written test and paying a fee, driving your car around the block for a road test, and POOF you were now qualified to drive a 18 wheeler, there was no FMCSA, and yet accidents were non existent as compared to a Post FMCSA era....... Truckers were treated like human beings at the time of deregulation when this industry was handed over to the truckers, who managed to do what with it? Screw stuff up, to the point where nobody wants anything to do with this job anymore, the truckers themselves have ruined it, so is it any wonder that government is stepping into the rate department? It’s the truckers themselves who ruined it, by not having enough of a backbone to stand up for their drivers and tell the customers No we will not run our drivers day and night without any sleep, just because you wasted their HOS while they sat in your parking lot, most carriers piss in their pants and let everyone walk all over them as they throw the drivers under the bus, that’s the real reason most of you are not in a company truck right now.