Trucking Broker

Many shippers in the United States have direct contracts with trucking companies to transport their goods. Using a trucking broker gives shippers more flexibility within their shipping range which helps ensure delivery of their shipments saving money along the way. Trucking brokers don’t have trucks or drivers, instead, they arrange for reliable freight carriers within their network to service shipments.

What Is a Trucking Broker?

A trucking broker, or freight broker, is a licensed shipping agent who coordinates shipments on both ends of the transaction. Their role as the middleman in shipping transactions includes confirming the pickup, delivery, safety, and timeliness of the freight. Truck brokering maximizes the money made in freight hauling by allowing trucking companies to negotiate cargo hauling with other freight businesses.

What Does A Trucking Broker Do for Shippers?

Trucking brokers ship with hundreds of different companies weekly, helping them:

–Cut expenses by optimizing efficient ways to ship freight safely, and quickly, and carry as much as they can to minimize freight costs.
–Remove demands on traffic management creating a reliable supply chain.
–Provide multiple modes of transportation to fit all needs of the freight.
–Maintain carrier information and keep connection and communication between the career and the shipping party.

What Should You Look For In A Trucking Broker

-Insurance and claims assistance. | If you are searching for a broker for your company, it is best to look for one that carries insurance. Freight brokers are not required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to be insured. Since freight brokers don’t take possession of freight, the carrier is liable for the cargo. Although, it is best to choose a freight broker that carries insurance such as limited liability coverage. The broker having insurance shows that they’re prepared in the event of risks to the carriers and shippers.

-Modes of transportation and related services. | While shipping freight it is best to know all accessorials and requirements needed to ship your freight safely and correctly.

-Refrigerated truck (Reefer trailer)
–Lowboy trailer
–Flatbed Trailer
–Step Deck Trailer
–Dry Van Trailer

-Freight tracking. | Find a broker that will track your freight during transit. Tracking systems help you address shipping delays immediately that are caused by external factors along the transit of the shipment.

-Industry experience and recognition. | Since 1998, FreightCenter has been helping shippers, both small and large, ship for less. Customers benefit from this independence every time that they ship with FreightCenter, focusing on providing their customers the best prices and services available.

What Is A 3PL?

A 3PL provider (third-party logistics) is a company that provides a wide range of freight transportation services to businesses. 3PLs like FreightCenter work with thousands of freight carriers, brokers, and partners, so we have an extensive network of industry connections.

–3PLs help connect you with discounted shipping rates from a large network of carriers.
–Third-party logistics providers also supply valuable knowledge, tools, and savings for shipping.
–Once your freight agent understands you, your business, and its unique needs, each shipment becomes a personalized experience in an ongoing relationship.
–The more you ship with your 3PL partner, the more of a volume discount you can earn.
–If an issue may arise with a carrier, your 3PL partner can help you resolve the issue.

When freight needs to be shipped, FreightCenter’s agents search through our broad range of carriers to give you the best price to ship freight both domestically and internationally.

How a Trucking Broker and 3PL Work Well Together

As trucking brokers and 3PLs work together, productivity increases. With the technology 3PLs use to assist in setting up shipments makes the process both faster and cheaper. When a freight broker and a 3PL work together using a powerful transportation management system (TMS), can help save your company in multiple ways. Whether they save you money upfront on your shipment or it being advice that will help save your company money down the road to avoid billing adjustments, take advantage of a 3PL so that you can focus on other areas of your business.

Where Do I Start?

As a small business, you want to make sure you’re finding the best shipping partner for you. A 3PL partner can connect you to a wide range of carriers. This allows you to compare multiple shipping rates side-by-side, saving you time and money. Your 3PL can provide tips on small business shipping mistakes and how to avoid them. They also will keep you updated on market conditions in the freight shipping industry that could impact your shipments and rates. 3PLs have experts standing by to answer your questions, help you choose the right accessorial, and assist in booking your shipment. Basically, your 3PL acts as your own personal shipping department without the hassle of having to manage it by yourself.

Ship With Us Today

It’s easy to see that one of the main benefits of partnering with a 3PL like FreightCenter is the ability of shippers and small businesses to streamline their supply chains. We help empower supply chains to meet their shipping needs, grow their businesses, and make logistics work for them. FreightCenter’s network of over 60-plus freight carriers help deliver hundreds of shipments each day across the United States and beyond!

Let us be your shipping department. Get a freight quote or call one of our agents at 800.716.7608 and experience the difference when partnering with FreightCenter.