Counter-offers: Negotiating better rates

Counter-Offers: Negotiating Better Rates

If a load's target rate doesn't meet your needs, counter-offers let you propose a better price.

When to Counter-Offer

Consider a counter-offer when:

• The target rate doesn't cover your costs (fuel, deadhead, tolls)
• The load requires special equipment or handling
• Market conditions support a higher rate
• The route has limited backhaul opportunities

How to Submit a Counter-Offer

1. Open the load details page
2. Click Bid with Counter (instead of standard bid)
3. Enter your proposed rate
4. Add a message explaining your pricing rationale
5. Click Submit Counter-Offer

Writing Effective Counter-Offer Messages

Good examples:

• "Current fuel prices and 150 miles of deadhead to pickup require a rate of $X for this lane."
• "This load requires specialized securement equipment. Rate reflects additional preparation time."
• "Market rate for this lane and equipment type is $X based on current conditions."

The Negotiation Process

1. You submit a counter-offer → Shipper is notified
2. Shipper reviews and can:
   • Accept your counter → Load is booked at your rate
   • Counter back → You receive their new offer
   • Decline → Negotiation ends
3. Maximum 3 rounds of back-and-forth
4. 12-hour expiration on each counter-offer

Counter-Offer Etiquette

• Be professional and factual in your messages
• Don't counter excessively below or above market rates
• Respond promptly to keep negotiations moving
• If you can't reach an agreement, decline politely and move on

Tracking Your Counter-Offers

View all active negotiations in Bids > Counter-Offers tab. Each entry shows:

• Current offer status
• Number of rounds completed
• Time remaining before expiration