Contracts with shippers/brokers

[Doghouse]

I've seen a couple of issues here in the last week about drivers getting screwed because they don't have it in writing, or don't even have it on their contract.

I personally don't know how this works,..so......here's the question,...
What would you, or could you legally put into the contact text to ensure that you don't get the short end of the stick,...since the driver is always handed the short end to begin with.

I would like to add a detention clause, a truck ordered not used clause, and a few others to protect my time. Any suggestions??

[Joymax_Trans2]

You can add all you want - there's still no guarantee that you will get paid. The decent brokers/shippers will accommodate you. It's the sh%&#^ heads that you have to be worried about.

I've found that the big brokers and shipping companies that I've dealt with like TQL, Pittsburgh Logistics and TMC have it all built into there systems. I've called each one of them and said there was a screw up or there are lumper's fees and they all give me an authorization number and a reasonable amount to charge and I get paid.

I was told by the broker to pick up a load on Friday and deliver on Sat but when I was being loaded I found out it wasn't to be delivered until Wed!!!! I asked for $1,800 detention pay. They laughed. Told them to take the load off. They were SOOOO pissed. I waved as I drove away and had another load within the hour.

I've found that the broker knows nothing at all about any specific questions you ask them and will make up the answers just to get you there. I call as soon as I get the rate agreement that has the contact number and ask all my questions. That way I don't even leave until I have all the correct answers and can call the broker back and tell them. If there is something wrong I tell the broker to correct it, give me more money then fax me a new rate agreement BEFORE I leave to pick up.

[Doghouse]

So you contact the shipper/reciever after the broker contacts you, and get the details from the shipper, then call the broker back and turn the screws?
Thats a good idea, can I use it or do I have to pay royalties?

[no_worries]

I asked for $1,800 detention pay. They laughed. Told them to take the load off.

BRAVO!!!