Check these on every rate con
- Broker name and MC number: make sure it matches who you talked to, and look them up on FMCSA's SAFER site.
- Load number / reference: you'll need it on the invoice.
- Pickup and delivery: exact addresses, appointment times or windows, and whether it's FCFS.
- Total rate: matches what you agreed on the phone, all-in.
- Accessorials: detention (free time and hourly rate), layover, TONU, lumper, stop-off pay.
- Equipment and commodity: weight, temperature for reefers, tarps or straps for flatbed.
- Payment terms: days to pay, quick-pay fee, and what documents they need (signed BOL, lumper receipts).
Red flags
- Rate or details different from the phone call
- Fines for late delivery with no matching detention pay
- "Driver assist" or unloading duties you didn't agree to
- Email domain or phone that doesn't match the broker's official contact
Before you sign
Run the rate through the load profit calculator with your deadhead included. If something is wrong, ask for a corrected rate con before you dispatch, not after.
In BlueCollar Fleet you can snap the rate con and it fills in the broker, lane, rate and notes for you.