Understanding the Spot Market vs. Contract
The logistics kingdom is divided into two realms: Spot and Contract.
Contract Freight: Like a steady tithe. The volume is guaranteed, the price is fixed for a year. It offers stability but rarely high margins. In the simulation, these are your “Garrison Missions.”
Spot Market: The wildlands. Rates change hourly based on supply and demand. If there are no trucks in Atlanta, rates skyrocket. If there are too many, rates crash. High risk, high reward. These are your “Mercenary Missions.”
The Hours of Service (HOS) 11/14/70 Rule
You cannot command a driver to drive forever. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the supreme law of the land.
- 11 Hours: Max driving time in a day.
- 14 Hours: Max “on duty” shift window. Once this opens, it closes 14 hours later regardless of breaks.
- 70 Hours: Max time on duty in an 8-day period. Once hit, the driver must rest for 34 hours (The “Restart”).
Warning: Simulation penalties for HOS violations are severe. Fines can exceed the revenue of the load.
Detention & Layovers
Time is money. When a truck sits still, it bleeds cash (insurance, lease payments, driver salary).
Detention: Fees charged to a shipper when they take more than 2 hours to load/unload. Usually $50/hour. You must fight for this—shippers will not pay it voluntarily.
Layover: If a driver is stuck overnight due to a shipper error, you charge a flat fee (usually $250-$500). This covers the driver’s lost opportunity.