container load pricing for brokers

[Edgar A]

Hello everyone I am new to this forum, I am looking for pricing sheets or books on how to price container loads coming out of the ports in New Jersey. I got my own Authority, and got all the insurance coverage I need to do the hauling for myself. But I dont know how to price the work without scaring the brokers off . What to include in rate, Detention time , how much to charge for Fuel Surcharge,etc. Can anybody give me some advice, point me in the right direction ??

 

[8978]

There is no fuel surcharge unless your on a dedicated route. Forget detention time. The broker will most likely set the rate and if you don't like it he'll get someone else.

 

[mndriver]

It's more important you know and understand your costs and worry about them than the broker.

If you keep getting turned down, it's likely your rate is too high.

 

[Edgar A]

Ok I thought the same thing but i have 8 to 10 brokers reaching out to me daily asking for rates , and I responded to one broker with a rate and he never responded back . I even called him and no call back. With no response back how do i know if rates are good or bad ??

 

[8978]

Give us an example picking up where and delivering to and the rate you quoted.

 

[Edgar A]

Brokers never set rate for me they ask me to give them a rate. I even asked what they are willing to pay and get no answers.

 

[8978]

Keep in mind. I could wait around for a $2.00 a mile long run for days and days but if I took a $1.50 and ran non stop for that I would bring in some serious money.

 

[Edgar A]

Ok have a load needs a rate, its picking up a 40ft container at APM terminal in elizabeth nj to be delivered to New Britain CT. 122 miles each way. I dont know what to include in rate ? This was sent to me today

 

[Edgar A]

These are all port container loads mostly all are regional and some under 200 miles .

 

[8978]

I'm guessing they are going for maybe $400 at the most with most truckers doing 2 a day and maybe load up another for the morning the same day.

 

[Edgar A]

I quoted one for a broker at 295 for round trip it was 88 miles round-trip and he never responded

 

[Edgar A]

What sucks with port work is actually all of the wait time in these ports. There have been times i have to take load out one day deliver next day.

 

[mndriver]

Why I would never touch that freight.

 

[Edgar A]

This is what I'm getting for now and its power-only . You wont touch it but like myself there are alot of truckers that dont do OTR . Im just trying to get started with this . Any help or advice (serious advice ) will be appreciated

 

[mndriver]

It really doesn't matter what the trailer is. The work is the same.

I don't figure a per mile rate.

I know I need so much per day for fixed overhead. Plus $0.44 cpm to cover fuel and maintenance.

If you can't cover fixed costs, it's a slow death. That is why I said you need to know your expenses.

If you don't understand what those are, no amount of advice you get here will help you.

 

[Edgar A]

Ok thanks thats solid advice and detailed thanks mndriver !

 

[Edgar A]

Its hard to pin point complete overhead when 90 % of brokers say that customers wont pay detention time . so if I get stuck in port for 3 hours or 8 hours I get same pay . but customers or companies want rock bottom rates.

 

[mndriver]

Then I'd go look for a different business model.

One that succeeds on paper.

I can't tell you what a good rate is. I don't know your costs. If you have truck payments or what insurance is. What your wages are. Only you can figure that out.

Maintenance is typical for a truck at $0.14 cpm.

Fuel at $2/gal and 6 mpg is $0.33 cpm

I'm curious why you didn't already know that.

If you can haul two loads a day and you travel 200 miles to do it, those loads need to pay at least $250 each to cover fuel and expenses.

Not sure why you need help figuring that out.

 

[mndriver]

What difference does the detention time make. You know your working 12 hours. It's a days wages.

 

[Edgar A]

Detention time is what port truckers are fighting for because if im stuck in the port for 8 hours I wont be able to do delivery till next day and get paid for 1 load that should he delivered in one day do i make any sense .