Working with a transportation broker can help your business save:
- Time — searching for carriers for every destination
- Aggravation — sorting through which carriers are both reputable and available
- Money — paying one broker instead of several individual carriers
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Where to find the right broker for your company
Several great online solutions will get you the names you need.I recommend: YellowPages.com contains extensive listings under “Transportation Broker.” Online broker Freightquote.com gets you carrier quotes in seconds. Designed to help carriers find reputable brokers, the Red Book Transportation Broker Ratings is a good back-door research tool.
Check qualifications and insurance before signing on
The best brokers will carry three types of insurance: “contingent cargo” (a backup policy that pays if the carrier fails to deliver), liability, and “errors and omissions” insurance. Insurance isn't required by law but is a good sign your broker is reputable. Ask your broker how long they have been in business and about their financial solvency.I recommend: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Web site contains company safety and security records and fact sheets on various topics related to carriers and brokers. RTS Credit Services specializes in performing credit checks on transportation brokers.
Get your agreement in writing
Make sure to have a clear, written agreement with your broker. This avoids misunderstandings, spells out expectations and delegates roles and responsibilities.I recommend: FindLaw for Small Business contains links to basic information about contracts and where to find a contracts or transportation attorney in your area.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Ask brokers if they offer discounts for regular customers or larger shipments.
- If you'll be shipping hazardous waste, ask your broker about additional charges or regulations governing this need.
- Brokers belonging to the Transportation Intermediaries Association adhere to a code of ethics as a condition of membership — ask if your broker is a member.
- Ask how your broker finds its carriers — does it merely post electronic requests for carriers or does it work more closely on an individual basis with a solid network of transportation companies?
the Transportation Brokers page at Business.com
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Company | Services | Rate Quote | Contact Us
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Transportation Brokers
Online freight broker offering instant quotes, rating, scheduling and tracking for LTL, TL, Air and Rail Freight Services.
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Online freight broker offering instant quotes, rating, scheduling and tracking for LTL, TL, Air and Rail Freight Services.
Carrier Resources | View Online Demo | Enroll Online | Quick Quote
www.Freightquote.com
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