Rate Confirmation Template Guide: What Every Dispatcher Needs
The rate con is your contract. Learn what must be included and what to watch out for.
Required Rate Confirmation Elements
Load Information
- Load/Reference Number
- Pickup Address & Date/Time
- Delivery Address & Date/Time
- Commodity Description
- Weight & Piece Count
- Equipment Required
Financial Terms
- Agreed Rate (all-in or linehaul + FSC)
- Payment Terms (Quick pay, Net 30, etc.)
- Detention Policy
- TONU Fee (if applicable)
- Lumper Policy
- Accessorial Charges
Red Flags in Rate Confirmations
"Driver must sign at delivery"
Some brokers add terms requiring driver signature that weren't discussed verbally. Always compare verbal agreement to written rate con.
"No detention pay under any circumstances"
Push back on this. Most loads should include detention after 2 hours free time. Negotiate before signing.
"Rate subject to change"
Never sign this. The whole point of a rate confirmation is to lock in the rate. This language lets brokers reduce payment after delivery.
"Carrier responsible for all cargo claims"
Standard - but ensure your carrier has proper cargo insurance. Claims can exceed the load value.
Sample Rate Confirmation Template
RATE CONFIRMATION Broker: [BROKER NAME] Carrier: [CARRIER NAME] MC#: [BROKER MC] MC#: [CARRIER MC] Contact: [NAME] Contact: [NAME] Phone: [PHONE] Phone: [PHONE] LOAD NUMBER: [LOAD #] DATE: [DATE] PICKUP: [SHIPPER NAME] [ADDRESS] [CITY, STATE ZIP] Date: [DATE] Time: [APPOINTMENT TIME] DELIVERY: [CONSIGNEE NAME] [ADDRESS] [CITY, STATE ZIP] Date: [DATE] Time: [APPOINTMENT TIME] COMMODITY: [DESCRIPTION] WEIGHT: [WEIGHT] lbs PIECES: [COUNT] EQUIPMENT: [53' Dry Van / Reefer / Flatbed] RATE: $[AMOUNT] ALL-IN (includes fuel surcharge) PAYMENT TERMS: [Net 30 / Quick Pay 2%] DETENTION: $[AMOUNT]/hr after [X] hours free time Carrier Signature: _________________ Date: _______ Broker Signature: _________________ Date: _______
Get All Contract Templates
Rate confirmations, dispatcher agreements, carrier contracts, and more
Download Templates - $49