Using counter-offers to negotiate rates

Using Counter-Offers to Negotiate Rates

Counter-offers let you negotiate pricing with carriers until both sides agree on a fair rate.

How Counter-Offers Work

1. A carrier submits a bid on your load
2. If the price isn't right, click Counter-Offer instead of Accept or Decline
3. Enter your counter-offer amount and an optional message
4. The carrier reviews and can accept, decline, or counter again
5. Negotiation continues until an agreement is reached or either party declines

Sending a Counter-Offer

From the bid details screen:

1. Click Counter-Offer
2. Enter your proposed rate
3. Add a note explaining your reasoning (optional but recommended)
4. Click Send Counter-Offer

Counter-Offer Limits

• Maximum of 3 rounds of counter-offers per bid
• Each counter-offer is valid for 12 hours
• After 3 rounds, you must accept or decline

Tips for Effective Negotiation

• Be reasonable — Counter-offers too far from the original bid may be ignored
• Explain your rate — A brief note like "Market rate for this lane is typically $X" helps
• Be responsive — Quick replies keep carriers engaged
• Know your market — Research current rates for your lane and equipment type
• Consider the full picture — A slightly higher rate from a 5-star carrier may save money on damages and delays

For Carriers

You can also send counter-offers when a shipper's target rate is too low:

1. From the load details, click Bid with Counter
2. Enter your desired rate above the target
3. Explain your pricing (fuel costs, deadhead miles, etc.)
4. The shipper can accept, decline, or counter back