A freight broker is an entity or independent person who serves as a liaison between a buyer of a freight company and a freight asset dealer. Choosing the correct freight broker to manage your shipping may make or break your business. You wish to make sure that they are up to the standards and will handle your needs well. The union between the two requires to be built on trust and communication, unlike personal relationships. In case you are thinking of partnering with a freight broker for your shipping needs, there are many aspects you ought to put into consideration when determining your freight partner. Below are among the things you ought to keep into consideration when picking a freight broker for your business needs.
Ensure that they have a valid license. You need to be sure that the freight broker you have selected is credible, check that they have a license through the Federal Carrier Safety Administration. This is a federal policy that anybody organizing transportation for compensation needs to have a national property broker license provided by the FMCSA. Licensing engages several strict criteria, involving bonding and insurance needs. Insurance requirements differ though entails such things as loss and destruction or property damage. The bonding safeguards you against fraud or any other illegal actions which the broker may engage in through availing chances of compensation.
Assess the carrier management process. To evade unnecessary surprises and issues, brokers ought to communicate frequently with carriers. Offering guidelines via the phone isn’t sufficient; search for brokers who communicate in writing when guiding carriers. Ask the brokers the manner they match carrier to available loads. How do they verify that loads were picked up and delivered timely as promised? Inquire about having a look at copies of their correspondences with carriers to take a look at how comprehensive it is.
Determine how long the broker has been operating in this business. A company in any field faces its significant problems in the course of its initial years of operation when survival is the key goal. Companies that can sail through and prosper in service industries have a record of executing successfully. The longer a freight company has been in the industry, the higher the chances of availing quality services. Hence, you wish to align yourself with a successful, as well as experienced freight brokers.
They are recognized and approved in the industry. The Transportation Intermediaries Association is the premier body for third-party logistics experts and holds its members to the highest set of ethical standards. A quality freight broker will be an affiliate of TIA and will have workers who are approved through the Certified Board Broker Program. There are as well several other affiliations that may indicate the credibility of the broker. Pick a freight broker with excellent standing with the better business bureau and is recognized through the industry associations.
Tracking options. Freight visibility is critical when selecting a freight broker. Using tracking systems permits your broker to monitor your shipments and deal with any change before they worsen. Tracking as well as assist in safeguarding you against cargo theft, providing the needed peace of mind.