A rate confirmation, often shortened to "rate con," is the single most important document in any individual haul, the binding agreement between a carrier and a broker or shipper covering exactly what's being paid, for what, and under what conditions. Reading it carefully before signing is one of the simplest habits that prevents payment disputes after a load has already been delivered.
In This Guide
1. What a Rate Confirmation Is
A rate confirmation is a one-load contract, issued after a carrier agrees to haul a specific load, laying out the pickup and delivery details, the agreed rate, and the terms both parties are bound to for that haul. Unlike a general broker-carrier agreement, which covers the overall relationship, the rate confirmation governs the specifics of one shipment.
2. Checking the Rate Itself
Confirm the total rate matches what was verbally agreed before the document was issued, including whether a fuel surcharge is included in that total or listed as a separate line item. Mismatches between a verbal agreement and the written rate confirmation are a common early source of disputes, and it's far easier to resolve before signing than after delivery.
3. Accessorial Charges
Accessorial charges cover anything beyond the base linehaul rate: extra stops, liftgate service, inside delivery, or driver-assisted unloading. Confirm which accessorials apply to this specific load and at what rate, since an accessorial not listed on the rate confirmation is much harder to collect after the fact even if it was verbally discussed.
4. Detention Pay Terms
Detention pay compensates a carrier for time spent waiting beyond a reasonable loading or unloading window, commonly $25 to $75 per hour after a free period, typically 1 to 2 hours. Confirming the detention rate and the free-time threshold before the load, rather than assuming a standard rate applies, prevents a frustrating dispute after a driver has sat at a dock for hours with no clear agreement on compensation.
Drivers should note arrival and departure times at each stop, ideally with a timestamped photo or dispatch log entry, since a detention claim without documentation is far harder to collect even when the rate confirmation clearly supports it.
5. Payment Terms
The rate confirmation should state payment terms clearly, typically a number of days from invoice submission, and whether any quick-pay option is available at a discount. Confirming this matches what was discussed with the broker avoids the common situation of a carrier expecting faster payment than the broker's standard terms actually provide.
6. What to Do Before Signing
Before signing, read every line, not just the rate: pickup and delivery windows, any special handling requirements, accessorial terms, detention terms, and payment terms. Once signed, a rate confirmation is a binding agreement, and raising a disagreement about terms after signing, let alone after delivery, is a far weaker position than catching a problem before accepting the load.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rate confirmation in trucking?
A rate confirmation is the binding, load-specific agreement between a carrier and a broker or shipper, laying out the rate, pickup and delivery details, and terms for one particular haul, separate from any broader ongoing broker-carrier agreement.
What is typical detention pay for truckers?
Detention pay commonly runs $25 to $75 per hour after a free waiting period, typically 1 to 2 hours, though exact terms vary by broker and should be confirmed on the rate confirmation before accepting the load.
Can I negotiate a rate confirmation after signing it?
Generally no, once signed, a rate confirmation is a binding agreement for that load. Any disagreement about rate, accessorials, or terms should be resolved before signing, since raising it afterward puts the carrier in a much weaker position.
This guide is for informational purposes. Regulations, fees, and requirements change — always verify current information directly with the FMCSA, your state DOT, and qualified professional advisors before making business decisions.