Why do buyers set minimums?
Because freight is paid per truck. The buyer's own sale to a mill usually needs a full load. Kruger's published OCC #11 specification, for example, sets a minimum payload of 18,000 kg (40,000 lb) per truck to avoid a light-load charge, a minimum bale weight of 300 kg (660 lb), and a best bale weight of 800 kg (1,760 lb). Your buyer passes some version of that on to you.
How do I meet a weight minimum?
Bale weight is the lever. A baler that makes heavier, denser bales fills a trailer to weight rather than to volume. Count how many bales fit on the trailer, multiply by your average bale weight, and compare with the minimum. If you fall short, ask for a longer interval between pickups rather than a light-load charge.
What about unit-priced items like pallets and totes?
For pallets, gaylord boxes and IBC totes, minimums are usually a count per pickup. Mixed loads matter here: ask whether a load can combine items, and whether the count is before or after culls.
Sample wording
7.1 Minimum load. Each load shall be not less than [___] lb net. For a load below that weight, Buyer may deduct $[___] as a light-load charge, and shall not otherwise change the price.
What to negotiate
- Base the minimum on your slowest month, not your average.
- Prefer a longer pickup interval over a light-load charge.
- For unit items, count before culls, or agree the cull rules in writing.
Red flags in a draft
A minimum stated in tons with no ton definition.A light-load charge and a lower price for the same light load.
Questions
- How heavy is a bale of cardboard?
- It depends on the baler. One mill specification asks for bales of at least 660 lb and calls 1,760 lb the best weight. Weigh your own.