How much motive for contracting directly with the shipper
 

If you've done a load for a broker that paid, let's say, $1000, what do you suppose the broker gets? The reason I'm asking is because I don't like a broker that I did a load for and yet I kinda like the run. If I could bump up the $ just a little I'd be happy, or at least happy enough. So now I'm thinking I should talk to the shipper directly and make an offer.

Also, what is your opinion on the ethics questions?

Is there a back-soliciting clause in your relationship with the broker? I'd say minimum 30% upcharge ($1300).

Get in front of the decision maker at the shipper and ask if all of their transportation needs are currently being met, then let him or her do all of the talking. Chances are you will find out that your broker has no relationship with the shipper at all, you were probably sold a double brokered load.

If you have to ask about the ethic's of it,then it's a non-issue to you.

Did you have a bad day or something? I cared enough about ethics to ask for people's input.

You need others input on ethics? You're speaking of"back dooring"the brokers customer,which i'm sure is in your contract.

im not gana jump on your ethics, but you go right ahead and try to still that load, good chance shipper will tell broker and you be blacked-ball from that broker as well any he knows. if the load isnt paying what you want then ask for more. if you hauled it for cheaper then you wanted thats your dumpass not the broker. just ask for more. dont get. dont run it.

i had a few extra day in upstate ny. made a few call. apple to ma. 426mile 1800.... i did have to dh back for my normal ld

Who said anything about NEEDING input on ethics? I asked people more experienced than myself a question about what is done and what is not done. I've had shippers approach me about hauling for them so obviously some carriers are open to back-dooring.

Rather than trying to get your jollies judging me for something I haven't done and just asked about, maybe you could offer answers to my questions. What kind of % do brokers get? I'm considering what other options I might have. Advertise on Craigslist for instance? I don't really know. Straight truck loads can be hard to find and I can't imagine going around town knocking on doors to see who might be interested in having me do some loads for them. Any ideas for finding shippers to haul for?

Want to find shippers? Hundreds of phone calls,knocking on doors,networking. If someone is not willing to do that then you live with what brokers will pay.

Serious question,why buy a truck,get the authority without having a customer to start with?

Maybe I like a good challenge. :) Don't most people get started these days with buying a truck and getting authority and relying on loadboards for their loads? Maybe not.

With winter closing in and rates down from where they were just a short time ago I'm looking for alternatives to bidding against people who are willing to give their services away for next to nothing.