A significant consideration to consider when moving cargo is choosing a great freight broker. Freight brokers are the middleman between the shipper and carrier and coordinate the movement of your goods. While they don’t necessarily deliver the shipment, they are in touch with a network of trucking companies that do. With the number of parts that make up a supply chain, they help streamline the process for the shipper. When looking for a broker, finding one with expertise and knowledge is necessary for a shipment’s success. This article will explain the top qualities when deciding on a freight broker to handle your shipment.
Why is Using a Freight Broker Beneficial
Freight brokers are beneficial whether you have a company that sells products or wants to move a shipment domestically. The most significant advantage is the time and money you can save using a broker. Time-saving is possible since the broker handles the shipping process for you. For a new shipper, there are various regulations and laws that they have to learn. Likewise, the paperwork may be confusing and tedious to fill out. Freight brokers understand this and guide them through the journey while making it quicker. Money saving also becomes possible since brokers can cover shipments at lower costs than carrier companies and find cost-saving solutions.
Qualities to Look For When Choosing A Great Freight Broker
When deciding on a freight broker to move your goods, some of the top traits to look for include:
- Expertise – One of a freight broker’s main goals is the success of their clients’ shipments. With the vastness of the shipping industry, a good broker should understand it fully and at an expert level. They are current with any new regulation and can clearly explain it to their clients.
- Communication – A vital quality to look for in a broker is the amount of communication they have with the shipper. They should be available when a client has a concern and be able to provide constant updates on a shipment. Brokers must also communicate with the carrier and speak on behalf of their shippers.
- Relationships – Over 700,000 trucking companies in the U.S. move freight domestically. A freight broker should have a network of carriers they can depend on. Not only does that mean a variety of transport options, but it can result in competitive pricing. A benefit that shippers have when using a broker is the chance for cost savings since carriers want the shipment.
- Specialization – Shippers use different types of trucking when moving cargo domestically. For example, goods too large to fit in a standard 40ft container must move using a flatbed trailer. An ideal freight broker should offer specialized services like heavy haul, refrigerated, expedited, and more. Specialization also means the ability to work based on the goals of the customer.
How to Begin
Other qualities to consider when choosing a freight broker include transparency and licensing. Contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1wwl.com to speak to an expert freight broker regarding cargo movement. We help you navigate the world of shipping in the most efficient and cost-efficient way possible. We also connect to freight forwarders that can move your shipment internationally.