The rate confirmation (also called a rate con or load confirmation) is one of the most important documents in trucking. It is the binding contract between you and the freight broker for a specific load. Before you sign or accept any rate confirmation, read every line. Here's what everything means.

What is a rate confirmation?

A rate confirmation is the written agreement you receive from a freight broker after verbally agreeing to haul a load. It confirms the details of the load, the rate you're being paid, any special conditions, and the payment terms. Signing it (physically or electronically) makes it a binding contract.

Key sections of a rate confirmation explained

Load Reference Number

A unique number the broker uses to track this specific load. Always reference this number in any communications with the broker about this load. Write it in your logbook and on your BOL.

Shipper Information

The name, address, and contact info for where you're picking up the freight. Also shows the pickup date and time (appointment or FCFS — First Come, First Served). Verify the address before your pickup day.

Consignee Information

Where you're delivering. Name, address, contact info, and required delivery date/time. Note whether it's an appointment delivery or a delivery window.

Commodity

What you're hauling. Verify this matches what's actually on the truck when you pick up. If the commodity is something you're not approved to haul (hazmat, temperature-sensitive, oversize), it should be different equipment or a different carrier.

Weight

The expected weight of the freight. Add this to your tractor and trailer weights to estimate your total gross weight. Make sure it won't put you over legal limits (80,000 lbs gross for standard trucks). Overweight fines are on you, not the broker.

Rate Breakdown

This shows exactly what you're being paid. Look for:

• Linehaul rate — the base pay for hauling the load, usually as total flat or per-mile
• Fuel surcharge (FSC) — additional payment for fuel costs, calculated on mileage
• Detention pay — if listed, the amount paid per hour if you're held at a shipper beyond a free time window (often 2 hours)
• Lumper allowance — money for unloading labor if required at delivery
• TONU (Truck Ordered Not Used) — what you're paid if the load cancels after you've dispatched

Payment Terms

Usually net 30 or net 45 from receipt of signed paperwork. Note: the clock starts when the broker receives your signed BOL and POD — not when you deliver. Submit your documents quickly.

Carrier Responsibilities

Any special requirements: temperature ranges, load securement instructions, no-touch freight only, team driver required, hazmat placards, etc. Verify you can comply with all of these before accepting.