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Glossary

Rate Confirmation

A rate confirmation is a written agreement between a carrier and broker that specifies the load details, pay rate, pickup/delivery requirements, and terms of the haul.

What Is Rate Confirmation?

A rate confirmation (also called a rate con or load confirmation) is the binding contract for each load you haul. It specifies everything: the rate you will be paid (per mile or flat rate), pickup and delivery locations, dates and appointment times, commodity description, weight, equipment requirements, and any special instructions. It also includes payment terms, detention and TONU provisions, and the broker's liability.

Before accepting any load, you (or your dispatcher) should review the rate confirmation thoroughly. Key items to verify include: the rate matches what was verbally agreed, pickup and delivery appointments are realistic given your HOS, the commodity is accurately described, weight is within your legal limits, and accessorial charges (detention, layover, TONU) are specified. Any verbal agreement that is not in writing on the rate confirmation is effectively unenforceable.

The rate confirmation is also your proof of the agreed-upon rate. In disputes — such as a broker trying to reduce your pay after delivery — the rate confirmation is the document that protects you. Never haul a load without a signed rate confirmation, and always keep copies of every rate con for at least two years.

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Why It Matters

The rate confirmation is your only legal proof of what you are owed. Without it, brokers can dispute rates, deny accessorial charges, or change terms after the fact. A thorough review before dispatching prevents costly surprises and protects your revenue.

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Real-World Example

Chris books a load verbally at $3.00/mile from Memphis to Dallas. The rate confirmation arrives showing $2.75/mile — the broker "made a mistake." Because Chris's FF Dispatch dispatcher caught the discrepancy before he dispatched, they pushed back and got the rate corrected to $3.00/mile in writing. On 450 miles, that saved Chris $112.50. If Chris had not reviewed the rate con, he would have had no recourse after delivery.
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How FF Dispatch Handles This

FF Dispatch reviews every rate confirmation before you dispatch. We verify the rate matches our negotiation, confirm realistic appointments, and ensure detention/TONU/layover provisions are included. You see the actual broker rate confirmation for full transparency — no hidden fees.

Related Terms

Freight Broker

A freight broker is a licensed intermediary that connects shippers who need freight moved with carriers who have available trucks, earning a commission on each transaction.

Bill of Lading (BOL)

A Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by a carrier or shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of freight being transported.

Detention

Detention pay is additional compensation paid to a carrier when loading or unloading takes longer than the agreed-upon free time, typically after a 2-hour window.

TONU (Truck Ordered Not Used)

TONU is a fee charged to the broker or shipper when a carrier arrives at a pickup location and the load is cancelled, not ready, or significantly different than booked.

Per Mile Rate

The per mile rate is the amount a carrier is paid for each mile driven on a load, and is the primary measure of load profitability in trucking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I haul a load without a rate confirmation?+
Never. A verbal agreement is not enforceable. Always wait for the written rate confirmation and verify it matches what was discussed before dispatching to the pickup.
Can a broker change the rate after I deliver?+
Not legally if you have a signed rate confirmation at the original rate. This is why having the written document is critical. If a broker tries to reduce your pay after delivery, the rate confirmation is your evidence.
What should I check on a rate confirmation?+
Verify the rate, pickup/delivery dates and times, commodity description, weight, special requirements, detention terms, TONU terms, and payment timeline. Flag anything that does not match the verbal agreement before dispatching.

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