Oct 11, 2017 • Brokers

Find Freight Carriers

Find Freight Carriers

Discover how to find verified freight carriers who are reliable and ready to haul your client’s truck freight.

How to Find Freight Carriers

There’s more to being a freight broker than just finding a freight carrier, it’s about finding the right freight carrier for your shipping client.

Freight carriers need to be reliable and qualified to deliver the various types of truck freight. You want to be certain that the freight carrier will pick-up and deliver the load in a timely manner and not compromise the freight itself, costing you and your client in potential liability.

In order to find freight carriers, you will need to source truck freight load boards where carriers are searching for available loads. The great thing about load boards is you can post your freight with specific details such as location, date, and load details that will ensure interested freight carriers will inquire.

Keep in mind, that not all load boards are created equal. Some have advanced technology with features others simply do not.

Find Freight Carriers on Truckloads Load Board

Truckloads free broker load board is one of those with unmatched technology. It provides you with access to over 100,000 verified freight carriers who are qualified to haul your freight. It’s easy to post truck loads via CSV or TMS and you can keep tabs to see which freight carriers have viewed your load and how many times.

Truckloads also has unique features such as Truck Search which allows you to search for available trucks in a specific location. View a carrier’s Safer Watch Rating to confirm if they are qualified and if you’re interested, contact the freight carrier directly. Now you can move more truck freight than ever before!

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Foster Relationships With Your Trusted Freight Carriers

Once you find freight carriers that are reliable and meets your standards, stay connected with them. Make it a priority to reach out to freight carriers whom you’ve had enjoyable working experiences with and stay in touch.

Even if it’s strictly professional via email or phone, you can still be friendly and reach out to the carrier to see how things are going and if there are any new updates.

An inquiry might provide you with new information such as the freight carrier adding new equipment to their fleet that might allow them to haul other truck freight types for loads you have. Although load boards are a convenient and reliable tool, you need to stay in contact with freight carriers if you want to succeed as a broker.

TagsFreight Brokers

Freight Broker Software [h2] Freight Broker Software [/h2] [p] Like any industry, the use of technology in freight has rapidly advanced and new freight broker software promotes efficiencies and allows brokers the ability to connect its customers to move more freight and increase potential earnings. [/p] [h2] Carrier Essentials [/h2] [p]When you are searching for the right freight broker software for your business there are a few key features you need when it comes to managing the trucks you work with. The essentials on the carrier side should include:[/p] [p]<strong>Carrier Lists:</strong> to keep a record of all of the carriers you have a contracted relationship with. Keeping a list of carriers to go to for certain lanes or projects makes your job of covering freight much easier.[/p] [p]<strong>Carrier Information:</strong> it's beneficial to have all the carriers you work with documented. This means having the motor carrier number (MC#) or Department of Transportation number (DOT#) linked to updated insurance, a record of loads ran as well as any additional terms and conditions. [/p] [h2]Client Essentials[/h2] [p]<strong>Client Addresses:</strong> the most important thing to consider for choosing software in regards to your clients is to track the pickup and delivery locations (sheds). Having all the sheds tracked in your system will allow you to easily create loads for the lanes you are working on. Knowing if those facilities are appointment based on first come first serve (FCFS) is also beneficial. [/p] [p]<strong>Load History:</strong> having a record of the loads you ran will help tremendously not only when it comes time to send invoices but also when you are comparing rates or running a lane frequently. With a record of the common lanes, you have run for a customer you have a blueprint for future loads and can easily compare rates. [/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/3oriO7A7bt1wsEP4cw" width="480" height="336" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2] Load Management Essentials [/h2] [p] <strong>Load Building:</strong> this is the most important aspect of your potential software choices. To build a load you need to have sheds for pickup and delivery, carrier on the load, and location tracking. [/p] [p]<strong>Location Tracking:</strong> Thus software helps keep your customers happy. Knowing when a load has been booked, dispatched, picked up, and delivered are four things you will want to relay to your client. In addition having a function allowing you to track the location of the load either with automatic GPS or manually logged updates will help you stay ahead of potential issues and set you apart from a Fed Ex or UPS where you have no idea where things are while on the road.[/p] [p]<strong>Carrier on Load:</strong> having a list of qualified carriers is great and all, but what good is it if you cannot add them to loads. This makes tracking loads much more efficient and avoids confusion when you have several loads over the road. [/p] [p]<strong>Pay and Bill Rate:</strong> tracking the amount you will be billing your client and paying the carrier makes for easy calculation of margins and load budgets. This will make accounting much easier to manage.[/p] [p]<strong>Rate Confirmations:</strong> knowing what you are charging your client and paying your carrier is great, but being able to generate the confirmation binding them both is even better. If your freight broker software can generate these documents for you, it will save you loads of time. You can get the truck on the road right away instead of having to write out an email with pickup and delivery cities, load specifics, FCFS or Appointment times, and rate.[/p] [h2]Additional Software Tools[/h2] [p]<strong>Accounts Payable/Receivable:</strong> while having a feature like this included in your freight broker software is helpful, it is not essential. When it comes down to it billing your customer and paying carriers comes down to keeping an accurate spreadsheet which will already be installed on your computer. [/p] [p]<strong>Bill of Lading Generation:</strong> this is another feature you may or may not need. Most of the time the shipper will have the bill of ladings created for the driver but in the off chance, they ask you to make one a word processor is all you need. Blank BOLs can be downloaded off of a simple google search or made using tables in a word processor: it needs a pickup number (if applicable),pickup address, delivery address, and special instructions. If a freight broker software suite is going to charge you extra to do that, pass on it.[/p] [p]<strong>Carrier Search/Load Post:</strong> you may see different broker software programs with a feature to help you find a carrier for your loads. However, all they are doing is pulling data from load boards. Why pay extra when you can use load boards like <em>Truckloads</em> to post your load and find carriers yourself?[/p] [p]Selecting your broker software comes down to what you feel you really need for your freight business. When it comes down to it you might not need much to get started, but choosing the right freight broker software can help can you maximize efficiency and increase potential profits.[/p] [video id=snyBYpnuhWw] [button-green href="https://ship.truckerpath.com/signup?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=software&utm_campaign=Aug8"]Try Truckloads for Free[/button-green]

Aug 09, 2017 • Brokers

Industry Update - March 15, 2019 <h3>Trucking Industry Update March 15, 2019</h3> <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> One of the world’s first, and at the time the worst, oil tanker spill occurred this week in history. On March 16, 1978, the Supertanker Amoco Cadiz, wrecked off the coast of France. The spill released 68 million gallons of oil into the Ocean and covered roughly 240 miles of French coastline in oil. <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> We are about a week away from Spring Break for most of the US. This means more cars on the road traveling to both big cities and remote areas. Make sure you allow yourself additional time on your trips. Be vigilant as this time of year also begins to see an increase in freight thefts. Be careful and be safe. <h3><strong><u>Declarations of Emergency</u></strong></h3> With another massive storm hitting the US, make sure you are checking the road and weather reports for the areas you are traveling to and through. This time, a good portion of the <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/bomb-cyclone-slams-plains-midwest-with-heavy-winds-snow/ar-BBUMs06?ocid=spartandhp">Mid-West and Plain States</a> were hit with what is being called a “Bomb Cyclone.” This weather pattern hit states from Colorado to Iowa and as far south as Missouri. Many states have already declared a State of Emergency. Make sure you know if your loads are cleared for hours of service exemptions before trying to run in an exempt status. <h3><strong><u>Pay</u></strong></h3> In what should come as little surprise, and good news to owner-operators, large fleets saw a reduction in turnover rates in 2018. This is because <a href="https://www.joc.com/trucking-logistics/labor/pay-hikes-cut-truckload-driver-turnover-big-fleets_20190314.html">large trucking companies increased pay</a> across the board for their drivers. As rates drove up, companies were desperate to keep their seasoned drivers from going off on their own and increased pay. By doing this, they allowed owner-operators to operate at higher rates in the spot-market for a bit longer than normal. As rates begin to fall again, we will see if large fleets retain their high pay rates through the summer or not. <h3><strong><u>Danger on the Road</u></strong></h3> This piece of news has several dangerous aspects to it. A driver, just outside of Spokane, WA was uninjured when he navigated the rest stop exit improperly and wrecked his truck into a snow bank. Normally, a wreck that is off the freeway/highway would not shut down an interstate for two hours. This one however did as the trucker had <a href="https://www.khq.com/news/isp-confirms-semi-truck-carrying-missiles-was-headed-for-indiana/article_e96df9ae-443a-11e9-8fb5-430d6df36d84.html">16, 2000-pound US Military missiles</a> on board. Military crews from Fairchild Air Force Base were called to clean up and secure the scene.

Mar 15, 2019 • Carriers

How to Become a Freight Broker? [h2] How to Become a Freight Broker? [/h2] [p]To become a freight broker you need to understand the <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-industry-trends/">trucking industry trends</a> first. Thousands of products need to be moved across America and companies use every venue possible to ship their freight, but none more than through truck freight. The trucking industry produced $726.4 billion in revenue for 2015 and freight tonnage has increased since. Freight is hauled by truck drivers but moved by freight brokers. Here's how you can become a freight broker and enjoy a piece of the lucrative pie. [/p] [h2]1. Register your Freight Broker Company [/h2] [p] There are a couple routes you can choose to become a freight broker. The easiest way to start is to get hired by an established freight broker company. There you will fall under their insurance and use their capital as well as being provided training about the trucking industry. If you've already done this and have the necessary capital, this is where you would be registering your business with the local licensing department. Once you register your LLC you will receive your Tax ID Number [a href="https://irs-tax-id.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medihttps://irs-tax-id.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=irs%20tax%20id%2Fein&utm_term=irs.gov%20tax%20id%20number&utm_content=irsum=cpc&utm_campaign=irs%20tax%20id%2Fein&utm_term=irs.gov%20tax%20id%20number&utm_content=irs"]from the IRS[/a]. [/p] [h2]2. Have a Plan For Your Freight Broker Company [/h2] [p] The most important part of becoming a freight broker is to have a clear vision and plan, especially if you need to generate funding from lenders. Know your target, stick to your strengths, and don’t be afraid to grow. [/p] [p] Understand your region and what types of loads move through, who's your ideal customer base? What type of services will you offer? How will you market your freight brokerage? [/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/Sg21YDdh3Onqo" width="480" height="288" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]3. Build a Carrier Base [/h2] [p]Life as a freight broker is all about who you know. Networking and connecting with motor carriers is the only way you will succeed in moving freight. You need to start building a list of trucking companies with capacity and willingness to work with you. [/p] [p]This is when networking meets relationship building. Establishing trust and showing that your work efficiently and provide good service can be the difference when finding carriers. The best way to find carriers is by using load boards from trusted companies like Trucker Path Truckloads. Load boards allow you to post your freight for carriers to view and then contact you if they're interested in hauling them. This way you can move more loads quickly and from anywhere. [/p] [p] Don't forget, freight brokers also need to connect with shippers who need freight moved. Here's a closer look at <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-do-freight-brokers-find-shippers/">how freight brokers find shippers</a>. [/p] [h2]4. Freight Broker Authority [/h2] [p]You’re well on your way to becoming a freight broker now that you have a registered business and a carrier group to connect with, but there are still a few more requirements. You must apply for a US DOT number with your local Department of Transportation branch. Once you are approved, take your DOT Number to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to get a Motor Carrier (MC) number and broker authority. This is approved through the completion of the [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/form-op-1-application-motor-property-carrier-and-broker-authority"]OP-1 Form which includes a $300 application fee[/a].[/p] [p] Here are a few more details as to how you can get your <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-broker-license/">freight broker license</a>. [/p] [h2]5. Freight Broker Bond [/h2] [p] To show carriers and companies alike you have the financial backing to broker your business you will need at least a $75,000 <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-broker-bond/">Freight Broker Bond </a>(BMC-84 or BMC-85). Think of this as insurance for your business. This will cover you in the instance something goes wrong leading to monetary losses of a company. [/p] [p] Let's say the carrier you contracted to haul a load shows up to the receiver with a truckload of spoiled milk because you instructed them to cool the reefer to 74 degrees instead of 47. You were deemed responsible and your client seeks repayment of damages for a load of milk valued at $65,000. Your bond covers that cost similar to the way car insurance companies handle a car accident. [/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/3o6Zt2iHqqrjNlbPS8" width="480" height="270" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]6. BOC-3 Blanket of Coverage [/h2] [p] One of the last filings you will have to complete in order to become a freight broker is your [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/form-boc-3-designation-agents-service-process"]BOC-3[/a]. This is the Blanket of Coverage for your company. Basically, you must file your BOC-3 in each state you will be operating. You will need to select a process agent to file. The process agent is the company who will be handling your legal processes in each state you have operating authority. [button-white href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/process-agents"]List of FMCSA Agents[/button-white] [/p] [h2]7. Freight Broker Essentials [/h2] [p]The tools of the trade for a freight broker are office equipment and supplies to make work easier and more organized. You'll need the basics like a computer with internet, printer, scanner, and fax machine. But you'll also need a phone with several lines and a quality headset to communicate with drivers and clients. [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/VmNVXIMH3bCsE" width="480" height="353" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [/p] [p] Don't forget<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-broker-software/"> broker software</a> as you'll want software that allows you to keep track of your loads, customers, carrier locations, and truck status (some load boards will do all of this for you). DR Dispatch and ITS Dispatch are a few of the programs that can be beneficial. [/p] [p] Look for broker software offering GPS tracking based on logged location updates, bill of lading/invoice generators, pickup and delivery location (shed) logs, note taking/documentation, and most importantly rate confirmation generation. These are the essential functions needed to manage your loads from pick up to delivery. [/p] [h2]8. Freight Brokerage Financials [/h2] [p]In order to continue your carrier relations, you need to get backing from a bank. As a freight broker, you will be paying the carrier after they deliver the load. Pay terms for carriers range from 1-28 days (sometimes more). Whereas you will be extending the customer a line of credit or they will pay up front for the services. [/p] [p] You make your money off of the margin known as the "spread". For example: [ul] [li]Company X pays you $3,000 to find a motor carrier[/li] [li]You pay Carrier Y $2,500 to haul the load[/li] [li]You earn $500 for brokering the arrangement. Of course, this isn't all profit as overhead costs will apply, but you get a general idea.[/li] [/ul] [h2]9. Marketing Your Freight Company [/h2] Lastly, in order to succeed as a freight broker, you have to make a name for yourself by building awareness surrounding your freight company. Reliable service that is transparent and convenient is key to building a reputation with carriers. Word of mouth is critical for growing your freight business locally but you have to put yourself out there and raise awareness just like any other startup if you want to be a successful freight broker. [/p] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/broker-load-board/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=becomeafreightbroker&utm_campaign=july12"]Get Started With Truckloads[/button-green]

Jul 12, 2017 • Brokers