PSA: I stopped booking the cheapest carrier on the board after a dispatcher's voicemail changed my mind
For the past 3 years I always picked the lowest quote on the transport board, even if it meant saving just $85 on a run from Phoenix to Portland. Then a dispatcher left me a voicemail saying he had 2 drivers quit that month because brokers kept undercutting each other to win loads like mine. He pointed out that a $700 quote barely covers fuel and insurance on that route, so somebody is eating the shortfall, and it's usually the guy behind the wheel. I ran the numbers myself after that call and realized the cheap quote left almost nothing for the driver once tolls and deadhead miles came out. Now I ask what the driver actually nets before I book anything, and I've paid $1100 instead of $950 on my last 2 moves to keep a steady guy on the route. Has anyone else started asking carriers that question, or am I just slowing down the whole booking process for nothing?