Rate confirmation
A rate confirmation is the document a broker issues that sets out the agreed rate and the terms for a specific load, and which becomes the contract for that movement once signed.
Updated
Terminology varies. Some brokers call it a load confirmation, some a rate agreement, and a few issue a load tender first and a rate confirmation after acceptance. Whatever it is called, the signed version controls the load, and it usually incorporates a longer carrier agreement by reference.
In practice. You read it before you sign, because it fixes the accessorial terms you will argue about later. The clauses that matter are free time before detention, who pays lumpers, the required delivery paperwork, any quick pay terms, and any deduction schedule for late delivery.
The rate confirmation is also the first place a fraudulent load shows itself. Compare the company name and MC number against the FMCSA record before you sign.
Example. A rate confirmation lists $2,400 all-in, two hours free time, detention at $50 per hour, and a $150 deduction for a missed delivery appointment. Every one of those numbers becomes real money within the week.
Why it matters for your cash flow. Almost every payment dispute traces back to a term in this document. A carrier who signs without reading has already agreed to the deduction they will contest a month later.
Related terms
Movik Editorial
Freight finance desk
The Movik editorial desk covers freight payment, factoring and carrier compliance. Posts are reviewed against the underwriting and document-processing work the team does daily.
Written and fact-checked by the team that underwrites carrier funding applications at Movik.