How do I know if the freight cost quoted is fair, or inflated to reduce my net payout?
Short answer: Getting a comparison quote from an independent transport provider for the same route and load type gives you a real benchmark to judge against — a freight cost significantly above what independent transport would reasonably cost for the same job is worth questioning directly with the buyer, since it directly reduces what you actually net from the sale.
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List Free →Why freight cost transparency matters to your bottom line
Since freight cost directly reduces your net proceeds from a sale, an inflated freight charge functions the same as simply offering you a lower price for your material — this makes freight cost worth scrutinizing with the same attention you’d give the base price itself.
How to get a real comparison
Contact an independent transport or logistics provider and describe your actual load and route to get a rough comparison quote — this gives you a concrete, real-world benchmark rather than just trusting the buyer’s stated figure without any point of reference.
What to do if the quoted freight seems high
If the buyer’s freight cost is significantly above your independent comparison, ask them to explain the difference — a legitimate reason might exist, like specialized equipment needs, but an unexplained, substantial gap is reasonable grounds to push back or seek a different buyer.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
Comparing total net proceeds, including freight, across multiple ScrapTrade offers helps you spot whether one buyer’s freight cost is inflating their apparent price advantage unfairly.
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