A rate confirmation — "rate con" in the trucking world — is the document that locks in the agreed freight rate and terms for a load between a broker (or shipper) and a carrier. It's the short, load-specific agreement the driver works from and the carrier invoices against.
What is a rate confirmation?
Before a truck rolls, the broker sends the carrier a rate confirmation covering this specific load: pickup and delivery details, commodity and weight, equipment type, and — most importantly — the agreed rate. The carrier signs it to accept the load, turning the quote into a binding commitment for that shipment.
What it includes
- Broker/shipper and carrier details, including the carrier's MC/DOT number
- Load / confirmation number and date
- Pickup and delivery locations with dates and times
- Commodity, weight, and equipment type
- The agreed rate — line haul plus any fuel or accessorial charges
- Payment terms and required documents (signed BOL, proof of delivery)
Free Rate Confirmation Template
Below is a free, blank rate confirmation (rate con) template. It records the agreed freight rate and terms between a broker/shipper and a carrier for a single load. Download the rate confirmation template
Rate confirmation vs. bill of lading
A rate confirmation is the commercial agreement on price and terms between broker and carrier. The bill of lading is the contract of carriage and receipt for the goods that travels with the shipment. The carrier typically needs both — the rate con to get paid, the signed BOL/POD as proof of delivery.
Getting paid faster on freight bills
Carriers often wait 30–60 days for brokers to pay. That's why many use freight factoring or invoice financing to turn a signed rate con and POD into cash within days instead of weeks.
FAQ
What is a rate confirmation in trucking? A load-specific document between a broker or shipper and a carrier that locks in the agreed freight rate, pickup and delivery details, and terms. The carrier signs it to accept the load.
What is the difference between a rate confirmation and a bill of lading? A rate confirmation is the commercial agreement on price and terms; the bill of lading is the contract of carriage and receipt for the goods that moves with the shipment.
What should a rate confirmation include? Broker and carrier details with the MC/DOT number, load number and date, pickup and delivery with times, commodity and weight, equipment, the agreed rate, and payment terms.
How can carriers get paid faster on a rate confirmation? Freight factoring or invoice financing advances the cash on a signed rate confirmation and proof of delivery, so carriers don’t wait 30–60 days for the broker to pay.
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