[OT] How To Find Out About Modern Freight Contracts

[Azure Trance]

Odd topic. So. I'm interested in learning more about how our "Wonderful World of Cargo Transportation Works." More specifically, how it could work without always involving large corporations; perhaps the trucking industry would be the most similar?

This is all sparked from playing too much Freelancer. I read a suggestion (which probably has a snowballs chance in hell, but nonetheless) to make it more realistic by involving freight contracts. Not just a, "Buy X units of Y to take to planet A and make a profit" but, I assume, something of "You have this much time to send our goods to planet A for this much money." I assume of course, because I don't know. So I'd like to ask if anyone here knows more about it, whether it could be better for a space sim involving free trade, and just edjumacate me in general about the topic since I'm genuinely interested.

Internet research is a bit vague on the matter. I figure I have the basics down, but like to know more about common clauses and other such details.

 

[Ruined]

Hmm, let's see if I can remember any useful information from my days in the shipping warehouse.

IIRC, transit companies generally contract for the company that will receive the freight.

These companies want the freight as quickly as possible, so they use incentives to speed up transit. Drivers get more money for getting there quicker, and this frequently puts them at odds with the law. Drivers have to maintain logs of how long they've been on the road, mainly so the highway patrol knows they're getting enough sleep. I've personally talked to drivers who used narcotics to keep themselves awake and alert for the drive, and it was quite frightening.

Drivers usually own or lease their own rigs. The containers (trailers) are typically owned by the receiving company. If there are deals worked out between the shipper and receiver, drivers can usually drop off an empty trailer and pick up a loaded one to save time.

I don't know as much about contracts, but hopefully this helps some.

 

[Hand of Evil]

http://www.howstuffworks.com/index.htm

Look in the Travel tab, then air freight

Maybe it has something. I don't think it does but...

 

[Azure Trance]

Hmm, let's see if I can remember any useful information from my days in the shipping warehouse.

IIRC, transit companies generally contract for the company that will receive the freight.

These companies want the freight as quickly as possible, so they use incentives to speed up transit. Drivers get more money for getting there quicker, and this frequently puts them at odds with the law. Drivers have to maintain logs of how long they've been on the road, mainly so the highway patrol knows they're getting enough sleep. I've personally talked to drivers who used narcotics to keep themselves awake and alert for the drive, and it was quite frightening.

Drivers usually own or lease their own rigs. The containers (trailers) are typically owned by the receiving company. If there are deals worked out between the shipper and receiver, drivers can usually drop off an empty trailer and pick up a loaded one to save time.

I don't know as much about contracts, but hopefully this helps some.

I suddenly remember a PC game review by Gamespot on a trucking simulation. The more time you take shipping, the smaller the profit you're going to make. I doubt then that unaffiliated joes being hired to move freight would be a very common situation, if even possible.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/index.htm

Look in the Travel tab, then air freight

Maybe it has something. I don't think it does but...

Nonetheless HoE, I appreciate the effort