There are so many moving pieces in freight transport or shipping that it’s simple to drop the ball. Miscommunications, delays, and freight damage can all be costly.
Shippers may not have the time or employees to maintain quality requirements as their operations expand and carry more freight. And, as a freight carrier, you need consistent access to freight in order to increase your earning potential. You may need to work with a freight broker regardless of which half of the equation you are on.
What exactly is a freight broker?
A freight broker acts as a go-between for shippers and carriers. The broker, rather than taking control of the freight, enables the communication between the shipper and the carrier. They are in charge of ensuring that the handoff between carriers and shippers happens smoothly and that freight arrives safely and on time.
Shippers like to work with freight brokers because they have a single point of contact from point A to point B as their freight travels to its final destination. Using a broker avoids the time-consuming procedure of negotiating with a carrier, planning routes, and tracking freight. Carriers also enjoy working with freight brokers to optimize their routes and reduce deadhead miles, allowing them to earn more money in less time.
Freight brokers use their experience to shorten delivery times, prevent damage, and maximize the efficiency of your supply chain. Because they combine the freight volume of all the shippers with whom they engage, these brokers can negotiate reduced rates, which they pass on to their consumers.
Get Loaded and Rolling has a digital freight broker service that provides the speed and convenience of a traditional freight broker while aided by its powerful proprietary algorithms. Get Loaded and Rolling acts as an extension of your logistics team, coordinating shippers and carriers to ensure on-time, damage-free delivery. You concentrate on your business while they handle the logistics.
When do I require the services of a freight broker?
If you’re already sending freight without incident, now might not be the time to use a freight broker. It is dependent on your company and sector. However, if you want to optimize your shipping procedure, a freight broker may be able to assist you in these three instances.
1. Cost-cutting measures
Concerned about the cost? You’re not alone. Shippers live and die by their margins, and one of the most common reasons shippers engage freight brokers is to save money.
Freight brokers are freight professionals. They have the skills and connections to optimize your supply chain, identifying easy wins that reduce your costs and pass those savings on to you.
Furthermore, freight brokers serve as advisers. You can bring them on as needed to assist you, eliminating the need to hire in-house workers to handle your shipping. Get Loaded and Rolling accomplishes this through the use of our experienced team of logistics specialists and cloud-based computers, which speeds up the shipping process and saves you even more money.
2. Capability
Every company wishes to expand. However, if your company has developed too quickly and is having difficulty managing freight, you may want the services of a freight broker. When you’re up to your eyeballs in work, a freight broker steps in to assist with your logistics.
A freight broker can handle a large influx of freight in a short period of time if you need it processed quickly. It’s also an excellent option for seasonal businesses.
Avoid speed bumps while you grow your company. When you’re at capacity, use a freight broker to discuss with you as needed. When you need us, Get Loaded and Rolling can relieve the stress of transporting freight, so you’re always covered.
3. Quality and time
In the transportation industry, time is literally money. If your freight is not delivered on time, the ramifications can be disastrous for your entire supply chain. A freight broker will collaborate with carriers to optimize their routes and avoid costly delays.
Furthermore, freight brokers have systems in place to reduce cargo damage. If you’re exporting fragile or time-sensitive freight, a freight broker can get you there without any hassles. That’s our expertise; in fact, with FlockDirectTM, you have entire control over your pickup and drop-off schedule, ensuring shipments arrive on time and in perfect condition.
Get Loaded and Rolling is the only digital freight carrier that ensures shared truckload (STL) shipment at the point of sale with our FlockDirect service. Our patented algorithms pair your shipments with freight traveling in the same direction, resulting in a single load-to-ride shared truckload. Each shared truckload is meticulously organized in the last-in, first-out (LIFO) sequence. Using a LIFO loading approach eliminates the need for the truck driver to trans-load or cross-dock your freight before delivery, allowing shipments to arrive in one piece. Your freight will reach intact and on time with STL service.
How do I locate excellent freight brokers in my area?
The location of a freight broker is less important than their qualifications. Use these three parameters to sort among freight broker companies and discover the ideal partner for your business, whether you choose someone nearby or across the country.
1. Expertise
You’re putting your livelihood to a freight broker. Moving your firm’s items is a major responsibility, so you should employ an experienced organization.
Investigate prospective brokers. Examine their website, reviews, and social media presence. Are they well-known and reputable? Do you have faith in them? If your instincts tell you no, move on to the next freight broker. You need someone you can rely on.
Look for freight brokers with specialized experience as well. The more they understand about your field, the better. Because they specialize, they are more familiar with your firm and can uncover more quick wins to save you time and money. Get Loaded and Rolling, for example, specializes in LTL freight, which means our extensive knowledge and experience may help you save even more time and money.
2. Certified, bonded, and insured
Every freight broker must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration by law (FMCSA). You must also be bonded and insured in order to be registered.
Make certain that your freight broker is licensed by the FMCSA. This will safeguard your company in the event of fraud or damage.
3. Collaborations with carriers
Remember that the freight brokers will not be taking possession of your cargo. As a third party, they find carriers for your freight. That means you must rely on your freight broker’s expertise to select a dependable, secure carrier.
When considering freight broker companies, inquire about how they select their partner carriers. You want to ensure that they prioritize safety over quality and speed.
If you’re looking for a freight broker who can transfer your freight on time and with no chance of damage, go no further than Get Loaded and Rolling, the industry’s only broker who can move your LTL freight via STL service. When you choose FlockDirect, our shared truckload service, your package will be transported to its final destination on a single vehicle, eliminating damage, late delivery, and accessorial costs.
If you’re interested in learning more about shipping with Get Loaded and Rolling, now is the best time to get started. Sign up with Get Loaded and Rolling today.
