Low rates are basically a result of market forces at work. When capacity goes down (fewer trucks in a particular market) rates go up since there is more competition for the same trucks. When there is more capacity (more trucks) rates go down because brokers know that some will be desperate to get out of an area due to fewer loads for the number of trucks. Until you stop those trucks who are willing to haul the cheap loads, you will not impact rates. Over the years I have seen rates start out low and as the week progresses rates come up until someone takes the load. One thing you need to understand about rates. Shippers MUST move their product. They want to ship it at the lowest rate possible. At some point they will need to pay a higher rate or shut down their production. Unless products are shipped the shipper has no income. Without income his business ceases to function. I know there are many brokers who are taking too large of a piece of the pie, but truckers are all too willing to let them.
One way to get a better rate is to tell the broker or shipper up front that it will take x number of dollars for you to take their load. You need to change the way in which you do business. You need to take the power away from the broker or shipper. They cannot move their product without your truck. I am not talking about gouging them, but getting a fair price for your service. This is a business of negotiation. We all rely on one another for our livelihood.