The short answer
A rate confirmation (rate con) is the document a broker sends a carrier to confirm the terms of one load: pickup and delivery locations and times, equipment, commodity, weight, the agreed rate and any extra charges. The carrier signs it before the load moves, so every detail should be checked first.
What's on a rate confirmation
- Broker and carrier names, MC numbers and contacts
- Load or PRO number and reference numbers
- Pickup and delivery addresses, dates and appointment times
- Equipment type, commodity and weight
- The agreed rate and any accessorials, such as detention, layover or lumper
- Special requirements, such as straps, temperature or team drivers
- Payment terms and where to send paperwork
What to check on a rate confirmation before you sign
- The rate matches what was agreed on the call
- Pickup and delivery times are possible within your hours of service
- Weight and equipment match your truck
- Detention terms are written down, not just promised
- Special requirements are ones you can actually meet
- Your company name and MC number are correct
If anything is wrong, ask the broker for a revised rate con before you roll. Brokers revise them often, and the signed version is what counts.
Rate con explained: who signs and when
The broker issues the rate confirmation after you agree on the load, and the carrier signs and returns it. Prime Trucks Dispatch reviews every rate con against the agreed terms before it goes back to the broker.
Common questions
Is a rate confirmation a contract?
It's the agreement for that load between the broker and the carrier. Read it like a contract.
What if the rate con has a mistake?
Ask the broker for a corrected version before you pick up.
Do I need the rate con to get paid?
Brokers and factoring companies usually want it with the signed BOL or POD.