Rate Confirmation: A rate confirmation, or rate con, is a document from the broker that confirms the agreed rate, the pickup and delivery details and any special terms for a load.
Why it matters to owner operators
It works as your agreement for the load. Check the rate, locations, appointment times and detention and layover terms before you sign, because the rate con controls what you can bill.
Example
A broker sends a rate con listing a $2,150 all-in rate, a Tuesday pickup window and two hours of free time. The carrier signs it before the truck moves.
What to check on every rate confirmation
- Linehaul rate, fuel surcharge and the total agreed amount
- Pickup and delivery addresses, dates, appointment times and reference numbers
- Commodity, weight, piece count and equipment (and temperature for reefer loads)
- Detention, layover, TONU and lumper terms, including how many free hours you get
- Payment terms and the documents the broker needs to pay you
Why the rate con matters when you get paid
Your invoice should match the rate confirmation. If the broker changes the rate or adds a stop, ask for a revised rate con before you roll. Most factoring companies need the signed rate confirmation together with the signed bill of lading before they fund a load.
A dispatcher reads every rate con before you sign it. Learn how we handle this on our truck dispatch services page.
Related terms
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Nexloads finds loads, negotiates rates and handles paperwork for owner operators and small fleets. No forced dispatch and no long-term contracts.