10/13/2026
Which one is better?
๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ (๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง)
A broker wants you locked down.
Suppose you operate a box truck and they offer a fixed $1.25/mile between Miami โ Orlando/ATL. Itโs safe, predictable, and pays the bills, but you are officially tied to their schedule and terms.
๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ ๐๐๐ซ๐ค๐๐ญ (๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ)
You scan the load boards looking for the highest bidder.
When capacity is tight, you extract a premium $1.75/mile because the demand is high. When the market drops to $0.90/mile, you sit back, refuse to lower your worth, and wait them out.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ฒ โ๏ธ
Use the dependable ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ as an anchor to cover your baseline expenses, then step into the ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ค๐๐ญ and take the highest-paying backhauls on your own terms.
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐-๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ข๐ง๐ โ ๏ธ
While the strategy is sound, watch out for the fine print on the contract's volume requirements.
If that broker expects you to haul for them 5 days a week on a rigid schedule, you won't have any time left to actually hunt for those spot market backhauls.
To make this work, you need a contract that guarantees your rate but still leaves your schedule flexible enough to play the market.
๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐จ๐ซ โ๏ธ
If youโre just starting out in the industry and have little to no experience, one of the best moves you can make is to invest in an experienced mentor who can guide you through the process of finding reliable loads, building strong industry relationships, and creating a consistent flow of business.
