Why is the State listed before the city in the add new customer window? Why can't I find any loads? I am a shipper. I have never posted loads over the internet before, how do I know it is safe? What is Load Brokering? Why are freight brokers not allowed on this site? How much does this cost? Why is the State listed before the city in the add new customer window?The city name will 'Auto Search' as you type the name of the city in. The state needs to be filled in first to narrow down the list of possible cities. As a side note, when adding a customer, if you type the name of the customer, the state and city name, you can press the 'search' link and it will search for the customer address and phone number.
Why can't I find any loads?As more shippers come online, more and more loads will become available. For now, you might want to try and limit the number of search parameters you submit. For example, instead of searching for a load from Chicago, IL – to – Cleveland, OH, try a search with just Chicago, IL for the origin to see what is available. You can even search by a state alone. Also, under the carrier menu, you can select 'Find Bid Request'. This will show you loads and lanes system wide. Once volume picks up, this option will be changed.
I am a shipper. I have never posted loads over the internet before, how do I know it is safe?This is one of the most common questions asked by shippers. Whether you realize it or not, many of your loads are probably posted on the internet by the carriers you are currently using. It is called ‘Load Brokering’. All of our carriers have been verified to have a valid USDOT authority. This includes a filing with the USDOT for at LEAST $750,000 in BIPD insurance (Bodily Injury and Property Damage). When a carrier you have not worked with before has accepted a load from you, it is always a good idea to get a ‘Certificate of Insurance’ from them. Their contact information can be obtained by clicking on their SCAC code in the shipper dashboard under ‘Recently Accepted Loads’. You can also obtain that information from the preferred carriers screen. If you are still a little concerned, you can always post lanes. This will allow you to view carrier’s information before tending any loads.
What is Load Brokering?When a carrier does not have available trucks, many times they will 'Post' the load on the internet. When a carrier calls about the posted load, a rate is negotiated. This rate is often 10% - 30% less than what the shipper is paying their carrier. Often, this goes on without the knowledge of the shipper because the carrier who moved the load will bill the carrier who posted the load. The shipper only sees the invoice from their regular carrier.
Why are freight brokers not allowed on this site?Don’t get me wrong, freight brokers definitely play an important role in our industry. And believe me, it would be a lot easier to get activity on our system with them because they are so used to posting loads on the internet. However, we are in a very demanding time. Carriers need more money to haul their freight. Insurance and fuel prices alone have seen to that. Furthermore, shippers are under ever mounting pressures to keep their cost down so they can compete with foreign imports. If we are going to survive as an industry, we need to be able to move freight as efficiently as possible, and that mean as few “hands†as possible touch the freight.
How much does this cost?Currently, accounts are free. They are sceduled to be free until Jan 1, 2008. At which time, we will review our membership and see if there is enough value in what we offer to start charging. The charge will be minimal, somewhere between $25 and $35 per month. This will be enough to help us to continue to upgrade our system and continue operations. NO ONE WILL BE CHARGED WITHOUT THEIR PRIOR CONSENT. When it is determined that there is enough value in the system to charge for, a months notice will be given. After that month, all accounts will be switched to a 'guest account'. Guest accounts have the same "look and feel" of regular accounts and WILL BE FREE, but they are very limited in what they can do. For example, a carrier can see loads (with no contact or company names) but not bid on them. Shippers will be able to see carrier trucks/information, but not post loads. At that point, the user will be able to upgrade their account if they wish. Only AFTER a user has decided to upgrade will there be a charge.