Rate Confirmation Review Checklist
A one-page checklist that walks every line of an incoming rate confirmation in five minutes. Built so a new carrier can identify gaps, push back with specific written language, and stop signing rate cons that leave money on the table. Free PDF. Currently in build.
What’s on the checklist
- Identifying information block (legal names, MC numbers, signer authority)
- Line-haul rate and fuel surcharge methodology check
- Pre-approved accessorials matrix (detention, TONU, layover, lumper, after-hours, stop charges, reconsignment, cancellation by stage)
- Communication standards section (cadence, ETA reporting threshold, escalation contacts)
- Trap-clause review (one-way indemnification, disproportionate penalties, charge-back authority, no-back-solicit term length)
- Insurance and compliance verification
- Push-back language pack: specific text to add when a clause is missing or one-sided
Why this checklist matters
Most rate confirmation arguments at delivery are about situations that were never named on the rate confirmation. The carrier did not know to ask. The broker did not volunteer. Both end up arguing margin instead of comparing notes. The checklist runs the inventory in five minutes so nothing gets missed before dispatch.
Who it’s for
New trucking companies running 1 to 5 trucks under their own authority. Owner-operators booking direct with brokers. Small fleet dispatchers who want a repeatable process for reading every incoming rate confirmation instead of relying on memory.
What you’ll get over email
The checklist PDF when it ships, formatted for clipboard use or duplex printing, plus a short email sequence on the most common rate confirmation traps and the language to push back with. Because this checklist is currently in build, the form below subscribes you to be notified the moment it’s available.
Going further
The checklist pairs with the broker-carrier rate confirmation template article and the working-with-brokers resource hub. Read the article for the mental model, then use the checklist to score every incoming rate confirmation.