If you are thinking of functioning with a load board broker to ace your transportation network, you should know where to start. On the surface level, engaging with freight brokers may seem like a convenient solution. You may feel your business will get the flexibility and scalability it needs. But truth is spoken, there are also risks of not meeting up with operational requirements and security issues of your goods. Henceforth, it is crucial that you do a thorough research and choose the broker whom you want to partner with. Factors to consider when finding one amongst the many freight brokers around: You need to understand that not all load board brokers are equal in functionality. The reliability and proficiency of a freight broker are pivotal to the success of your business functionality. It doesn’t matter how good your instruments or widgets. If you cannot deliver it to your respective customers on time and in proper condition, they are useless. To ensure this doesn’t happen here are 6 tips to look into. 1.Financial viability of a freight broker: You need to check carefully about a broker’s sustainability. For that, you need to thoroughly check their website and also have a word with the company heads. It is important to have an idea if you can legally get back to your working partner for the complete payment. And this is irrespective of whether that party has paid the broker or not. So the advice is to do a complete credit report. Plus you also need to validate the broker with FMCSA and get copies of insurance certificates and surety bonds. DO NOT go for freight brokers who don’t have a broker authorization. It’s too much of a risk! 2.Their span of functionality: Studies state that companies aim for survival in the 1st couple of years. And as a mode of enticing clients to take up their services they give out discounts. But it is always beneficial to look into companies which have gone through tough economic situations. This denotes that they know a thing about working with various customers and execute orders on a timely basis. Their successful record with numerous clients shows that their skillful management team knows what they are doing. Their experience matters in stress situations, and if you run into one, then they will know exactly what needs to be done.
SO ALIGNING with experienced freight broker guarantees success to you even rough economies.
3.Check if they are multi-operational? Another crucial aspect when looking for freight brokers is their area of expertise. This means checking if they work domestically, internationally or both! Top-notch load board brokers offer LTL motor services, load board services, project cargo and warehousing. They offer air freight as well as water freight services. Going for a multi-modal company is always fruitful for your business as they help save a lot of your time as well as money. 4.Their billing department: When going through the list of freight brokers, another crucial thing to check is the efficiency of their billing department. You need to check whether their bills have adequate details or not. Plus you also need to see if it is accurate or timely. If you want to present the shipping expenses to your clients, then you need an impeccable invoice. Getting notices for re-weighs and incurring supplementary charges weeks after your billing your clients is very frustrating. If you come across their invoices hand typed via a Smith Corona typewriter, then it a definite NO to that company.
5.Their level of communication: With time, your chosen freight broker and their drivers will be out on the streets transporting your loads. They will be the representation of your company. Dispatchers will have to get in touch with your clients and coordinate routes, discuss arrival times and set up appointments. This will all happen through email or over the phone. And if the communication of your brokers is not good, then confusions can take place.
6.After-hours contacts: Lastly, you also need to check if you can reach the management team after working hours. This means regular working days as well as weekends. You can get calls from your customers asking about the status of shipment/transfer of goods any given day. So you should be able to answer their queries by contacting the senior management team for updates. These are the crucial tips which you need to follow when choosing one from the many freight brokers around. Hopefully, it proves beneficial for you.
Contact :
Free Freight Search 1255 Country Club Road, Suite D Santa Teresa, New Mexico 88008 United States 800-422-0766
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