How to Read a Rate Confirmation Before You Sign

What a rate confirmation is

A rate confirmation (often called a rate con) is the written agreement between you and the broker or shipper for one specific load. It sets the pay, the pickup and delivery details and the extra charges. If something goes wrong, this document is what you point to, so it must match what you agreed on the phone.

What to check, line by line

1. Rate and what it includes. Is the amount all-in or does it include a fuel surcharge? Confirm the total you will be paid.
2. Pickup and delivery. Addresses, appointment times, contact names and phone numbers, and whether it is a live load or drop and hook.
3. Commodity, weight and equipment. Make sure the weight, piece count and trailer type match your truck and your legal limits.
4. Detention and layover. Look for how long free time is and what detention pays per hour after that.
5. Other accessorials. Lumper fees, TONU, tarping and extra stops should each be listed with an amount.
6. Payment terms. Find the invoice deadline, required documents and terms such as Net 30.
7. Tracking and check calls. Note any tracking app or check-call rules so you do not lose pay over a missed update.

Common problems to catch

• The rate is lower than what you were quoted.
• Detention or TONU is missing or says "at broker discretion".
• The paperwork asks for fees or penalties you never discussed.
• A broker name on the rate con differs from the company you spoke with.
• Last-minute changes in pickup time with no added pay.

If something is wrong

Do not sign and ask the broker for a corrected rate con in writing. Save emails and texts. A signed document with the wrong terms is hard to fight later. To improve the numbers before you sign, read how to negotiate freight rates.

Keep your records

Save every rate confirmation with the matching bill of lading and proof of delivery. Together they are the proof you need to send a clean invoice and get paid without delays.

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