Dry van loads keep getting bumped for higher paying freight?
Straight answers about contracted capacity from Gateway Logistics in Maryland, MD.
Your regular dry van loads keep getting canceled at the last minute across Maryland. Carriers are dropping your freight for higher-paying spot market loads. Your customers are getting frustrated with delays and you're scrambling to find replacement trucks.
This happens when you're competing on the spot market where carriers can always find a better rate. Spot pricing changes by the hour, and your regular freight gets bumped when something more profitable comes along. Carriers have no commitment to honor your load when they can make $200 more per mile elsewhere.
The real cost is not just the higher rates you pay for last-minute replacements. You lose customer trust, damage relationships, and spend hours finding emergency capacity. Most shippers underestimate how much these disruptions cost in staff time and customer goodwill over a year.
Stop competing on spot rates alone. Ask about contracted rates or dedicated capacity agreements that guarantee pickup. Gateway Logistics can set up capacity contracts that lock in your lanes at slightly higher rates. Paying $50 more per load beats losing customers to missed deliveries.
With contracted capacity, your loads ship on schedule. Your customers stay happy and your operations run smoothly. You can plan ahead instead of fighting fires every week.
Other things people in Maryland ask
expedited dry van shipping next day
Call a freight broker who specializes in expedited dry van service. They have carrier networks that can handle rush deliveries. Expect to pay 20-30% more for next-day service, but it's cheaper than losing the customer.
when to book dry van trucks peak season
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (holiday shipping, harvest time, back-to-school). Spot rates spike when capacity gets tight. A good broker can help you balance contract rates with spot market flexibility.
dry van freight damage prevention
Poor loading and securement cause most dry van damage. Work with a broker who vets their carriers for proper loading procedures. Require photos of how freight is loaded and secured before the truck leaves.
dry van shipping cost per mile
Dry van rates change based on fuel costs, distance, and demand. Ask for a breakdown that shows base rate, fuel surcharge, and any accessorial fees. Rates typically run $1.50-$3.00 per mile depending on the lane and season.
LTL vs FTL shipping comparison
FTL makes sense when your shipment fills 75% or more of a trailer, or when speed matters more than cost. LTL works for smaller shipments but takes longer with multiple stops. Calculate cost per pound, not just total price.
Ready to talk?
Gateway Logistics handles dry van in Maryland and the area around it.