Adam Wingfield
5 min read
You wouldn’t sign a lease on a truck without reading the fine print. So why do so many carriers treat a rate confirmation like it’s just a receipt? That little PDF holds the power to make or break your load. And in 2025, with tighter margins, slicker brokers, and more tech-generated freight than ever, knowing how to read your rate con isn’t optional—it’s essential. The fine print is where profit lives. Or die.
This article is going to walk you through exactly how to break down a rate con like a seasoned fleet manager. Not just where to find the rate per mile—but how to spot clauses that can delay payment, waive detention, or dump liability on your carrier. I’m going to show you what to look for, what to question, and how to protect yourself from surprises that hit you when you least expect it.
Let’s get into it.
A rate confirmation is a binding contract between you (the carrier) and the broker.
It outlines:
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Load details (pickup, delivery, commodity)
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Agreed payment
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Accessorials (detention, layover, etc.)
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Terms and conditions
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Sometimes broker-specific rules or waivers
The key word here is contract. If you sign it, you’ve agreed to every word—even the stuff you didn’t read.
So let’s start by learning exactly how to read it line by line.
Most rate cons begin with the following:
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Load number or reference number
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Broker name and contact
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Pickup and drop addresses
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Appointment times
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Commodity and weight
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Rate total
What to check:
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Confirm appointment times match what you were told
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Confirm that the total pay matches what was agreed
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Look for special instructions that weren’t discussed on the phone
Red Flag Example:
A pickup says “FCFS 08:00–16:00” on the phone, but the rate con says “Appt 10:00 AM Sharp.”
If you’re late, you could be fined or denied detention.
Always review:
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What is the actual commodity?
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What equipment is required?
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Are there any special handling notes?
Watch out for:
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“Driver count” or “Tailgate unload” language (means YOU unload it)
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Temperature-controlled product being booked as dry van
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Hazmat or bonded freight not disclosed verbally
Pro Tip:
If you’re pulling a reefer, look for temp requirements in writing. If it’s not listed and the product is damaged, they may deny your claim.
(Photo: FreightWaves)
This is where a lot of carriers lose money.
You assume you’ll get detention or layover pay—but the rate con may say otherwise.
What to look for:
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Minimum hours required before detention kicks in (typically 2 hrs)
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Required time-stamped in/out documentation
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Specific wording like “carrier must notify broker of detention prior to accruing time”
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Layover capped at a flat rate ($150/day is common)
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TONU (Truck Ordered Not Used) policy—if it even exists
