Freight brokers can greatly enhance your business with the many services they provide. For example, they help to coordinate logistics and because they have a working relationship with many shipping services, they can get you the best deals with the right shippers. But not all brokers are the same, and it’s best to select a company you can trust. Here are some important things to look for when you choose a freight broker.
The People
The people freight brokers employ is their most important asset. It’s vital to choose a service with experienced staff. These people are there to make your job easier. Of course, the company must also be licensed and bonded and have an excellent reputation for customer service.
Choosing a Certified Diamond Broker
When you check out freight brokers, look to see if the business is an active member of the diamond broker program. Choosing a certified broker removes all the guesswork out of shopping for services. This certification guarantees this particular brokerage meets all the bond requirements for shipping.
Diamond brokers must maintain high standards and meet specific financial and credit requirements. When you do business with a certified broker, you know there is nothing to worry about.
Can They Serve All Your Needs?
Some freight brokers specialize in large loads or flatbeds only. Some may only cover loads going to certain parts of the country. The reason for this is simple. The brokerage may have very few shipping partners.
When you find a broker capable of serving all your needs, you have someone there for you all the time. Maybe you need to send an LTL load out quickly. Perhaps you occasionally need a tarped trailer. This is not a problem for the top freight brokers in the business. Here are some of the services you may receive from your freight broker:
* Flatbed service
* Expedited shipping services
* Oversized loads
* Refrigerated trucking
* Dry van service
* Hazardous materials
There is another important reason to choose a freight broker with many different services. These freight brokers have many partners in which to choose. This puts them in a position to find the perfect shipping solutions and at the most affordable shipping rates.
The Final Decision
You may discover many freight brokers qualified to take care of your needs, so how do you make a final decision? It usually pays to go with your gut feelings. For instance, how are you treated when you call? Do you feel you would like these people on your team? If you comfortable talking and doing business with these people (and they meet all your criteria), you have probably made the right choice.
