Blog Author

Pat Pitz

Pat Pitz was the editor of the DAT Solutions freight broker newsletter. He has nearly 20 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. Before joining DAT, he spent 8 years at a Portland advertising and public relations agency, where he wrote newsletters and other content for a variety of high-profile clients, including several in the trucking industry.

Spot rates stall for van freight in uncertain market conditions
Spot rates stall for van freight in uncertain market conditions

Van carriers may be glad to see February recede in the rearview, as rates and volume slid lower in a typical winter slump. As of last week, rates seemed to have hit a plateau, and truckload volumes were picking up. The much-anticipated spring recovery may be delayed or canceled, however, due to the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus on supply chains worldwide.

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Why freight brokers should be concerned about AB5
Why freight brokers should be concerned about AB5

California's new AB5 law governing contract work also affects freight brokerages who use outside agents — people who perform the same duties as a broker but work off site and are considered independent contractors. And California isn't the only state trying to reclassify contractors as employees. 

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VIDEO: How to negotiate the best price
VIDEO: How to negotiate the best price

Before you call on a load, you need to decide how much you're going to charge, especially if the broker hasn't posted an offer rate. This video offers advice on where to start your rate negotiation.

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