**How to Write Truckload Bidding Bid
When bidding a contract for freight transportation you must take into account that you are competing with other companies. You want to set yourself apart from that competition in order to give yourself an edge on the competition. Every government agency or company that releases a request for bids or a request for proposals has different requirements for writing the bids to be submitted. There are however five basic components that all bids for freight transportation must include no matter to whom the bid is going to be submitted.
Guidelines:
1. Write out your quote for the transportation services. The lowest quote is not always going to be the one that wins. Be realistic. When you quote a price you are held to it. Take into consideration expenses like gas, labor and maintenance to the vehicle that might be necessary due to the transport requirements.
2. Write a paragraph or two to include with your quote detailing what is included in your quoted price. This allows the agency to know if the loading and unloading of the truck is included, if insurance for the goods being transported is included and also lets them know if there may be any extra fees if they accept your bid.
3. Include references. The agency or company may not request you to do this, but adding a reference page as an addition to your actual bid will be an addition that will give the agency or company more peace of mind. It shows initiative on your part for including it and it shows that you have had previous satisfied customers.
4. Describe your company. What makes your company different from other freight transportation companies? What services do you offer that others do not? Include a paragraph with information to answer those questions. It is okay to brag a little. Inform the agency or company how many years you have been in business and how well you have done. It gives them a more rounded view of the company as a whole.
5. Check grammar and spelling. Your finished bid should be clear, concise and error free. It should also be clean. This is your first impression to the company or agency for which you are possibly going to be working, so make sure it is a good one.
**Bid on Loads for Trucking
Bidding on trucking loads may be done by individuals who are owner-operators or trucking companies that dispatch large volumes of drivers. Trucking is a regulated industry which means you won’t have a free hand when it comes to freight rates and fuel surcharges.
Guidelines:
1. Call other trucking companies that haul the same type of loads. Request a rate sheet and determine how your rates compare. Use this knowledge to bid slightly lower.
2. Identify manufacturers and companies that may need your services. Chambers of commerce can be a good source for this. Make sure you have the truck and trailer, such as tanker or flatbed, to meet their hauling needs before you bid.
3. Request a list of the loads available from potential clients and submit bids sheet via email or fax. Ask the shipper which method is preferred and make sure you return the bids as quickly as possible. Make copies of the bid sheet if you plan on bidding on more than one load. The winning bid on a trucking load may only vary by only a few dollars from the rest of the pack, so make your freight rate (with fuel surcharge) more attractive by offering quick delivery and proof the load will be insured.
4. Sign up to bid on loads online at websites, such as RightNowLoads and FindFreightLoads. These sites allow you to view available loads and place your bid for trucking loads online.
