Detention Time

[rank]

Let's say you did take it back. What does the broker or shipper do then when it is in your yard?

They ask when they can have their machine and I say anytime now there's this little matter of detention + extra mileage + storage. Payment may or may not involve C.O.D., but it will ALWAYS involve a new rate confirmation.

I've offered this option to brokers/consignees on 6 occasions that I can recall. Twice we got unloaded really quickly after the driver started to re-secure, once we (me actually) waited 7 hours, and three times we stored it and they were happy to have us do it because it was the cheapest option.

I would really like to get into the warehousing side of this business.

And what if your yard is 3 days away? Do you say the same thing only say you'll put it in storage?

We are in the enviable position of always delivering close to home so I don't have that problem. However, I don't think I would let them know it's in storage. I think I might let them believe I have a yard nearby.

[Bandit102]

You'll be tested right off the bat, I'll bet. You mentioned dock time, so I assume you pull reefers or vans. I'd bet that over half the brokers who deal in that freight will balk at having to sign off on a detention agreement up front. It definitely tests one's resolve. I'm judicious in my use of our detention, but if I feel it's necessary and they don't play ball, I have no problem passing on the load. It actually simplifies things a great deal

Yes, we run reefers. Yes, I've been tested with my addendum already. But I have a near perfect reputation with all the brokers I haul for. My equipment rarely breaks, my drivers are always on time. But this business is getting to the point that I have to trim the fat everywhere I possibly can and I have to stop giving away time and miles.

[no_worries]

But this business is getting to the point that I have to trim the fat everywhere I possibly can and I have to stop giving away time and miles.

Now see, if more people had this attitude, detention would be no big deal because it would be common industry practice. Well done!

[rank]

...Yes, I've been tested with my addendum already.

tell us more. what happened?

[Bandit102]

Broker: "Well, we know our receiver is a little slow, but they don't pay detention." (Kroger in Phoenix, AZ). Me: "Last load I pulled in there for you, I sat 5 hours, remember?" Broker: "Yes, and we are sorry" Me: "I can no longer afford to operate on sorry. I suppose I will have to decline this haul, please let me know if I can help you on another load somewhere else in the future." Broker: "Hold on, let me talk to [my boss]......Would you agree to $50 per hour detention instead of $75?" Me: "Yes, that would be fine, as we have had a great business relationship for all these years." Broker: "Ok, your confirmation is on its way."

[Bandit102]

Shipper calls me, needing a truck badly to run 831 mi. overnight or they are going to lose their buyer. I have the truck, that rate is $2.25 per mile for the expedite and the not great area going in to. (Houston, TX) Shipper says, wow, that's a little hi. I say yep. Shipper says sorry, gotta find a cheaper truck. Ok, bye. Shipper calls back in 2 hours, now desperate. Gives me load info, driver says he hates the receiver, they take forever and ever and charge $160 for unload. Shipper says for that rate I need to eat the detention time and the lumper. Nope, sorry. Best I'll do is knock the detention down to $50/hr. Shipper says bye. 30 min. later, confirmation comes over the fax mach, but its now too late to make the del. appt. I call shipper, she changes it to next day and we haul for a great rate, with plenty of time to make it and get $250 detention. Wow, this strategy is working so far. I know when C.H. calls, I'll probably get hung up on!

[rank]

he he he. Good for you.

They love the $50/hr don't they? Must be a deal.

[Bandit102]

No doubt. I don't really mind $50/hr either.

[rank]

I can just hear all the brokers at their computers yukking it up about how they screwed that truck out of hsi detention money by not giving him his $75.

Sun Tzu said give your opponent a way out and you will win more often than not. Back them into a corner and they will fight to the death. You offering the $50 is their way to save face.