A certified freight or transportation broker is a middleman between shippers and carriers. Instead of taking ownership of the freight, the broker facilitates communication between the shipper and the carrier. Transportation brokers also make sure the handoff goes smoothly between carriers and shippers, and that freight arrives safely and on time.
What Is a Certified Transportation Broker?
Shippers, Carriers, and Transportation Brokers
Shippers prefer working with certified transportation brokers because they have a single point of contact from point A to point B while their consignment moves to its destination. Working with a broker eliminates the not always easy process of negotiating with a carrier, planning routes, and tracking freight. Carriers also prefer working with freight brokers to optimize their routes and minimize deadhead miles, increasing their earnings in less time.
Transportation brokers use their knowledge and experience to improve delivery times, avoid damage and increase supply chain efficiency. Certified transportation brokers can offer lower rates because they combine the freight volume of all the shippers they work with to negotiate lower rates. They are then able to pass on lower costs to their customers.
When Do You Need a Transportation Broker?
Even if your company has no problems shipping right now, a transportation broker can still help. If you are looking to improve your shipping process then keep on reading.
Cost Reduction
You are not alone when it comes to worrying about costs. Shippers live and die by their margins, and cost reduction is a very good reason to hire transportation brokers. Transportation brokers have the experience and connections to optimize your supply chain. When they find lower prices, they are then able to pass them on to you.
Another advantage of using a transportation broker is that you can bring them onboard to gain an outside perspective instead of hiring in-house employees.
Capacity
If you have grown your business too quickly and have a hard time managing freight, you might need a transportation broker. If you need to process a vast influx of freight in a short amount of time, a transportation broker can handle it for you.
Time and Quality
Time is money in the world of shipping. If your freight is not distributed on time, it can have serious consequences for your entire supply chain. A broker will work with carriers to optimize their route and eliminate costly delays.
Another benefit of using a certified transportation broker is that they have procedures in place to minimize damage to your cargo. Even if you are shipping fragile, time-sensitive freight, a broker can get you to the finish line free of challenges.
How Do You Find Capable Transportation Brokers Near You?
Research potential brokers by looking at their websites, reviews, and social media. Are they reputable and established? Do you trust them? If your gut is saying no, move on to the next broker.
Be on the lookout for transportation brokers with specialized knowledge as well. The more familiar with your industry they are, the better. Transportation brokers’ qualifications matter more than their location. Whether you choose a broker down the street or across the US, the above information will serve as a helpful guide.
Additional Reading: Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)
The Junction LLC | Truckload Shipping
As a leader in the transportation industry, we demand excellence from our entire team. Our team at The Junction LLC strives to deliver the best possible customer service and by a desire to solve our customer’s toughest transportation and supply chain needs.
Our team is dedicated to serving our customers and will take the necessary action to deliver our customers’ products safely, efficiently, and on time. In fact, this is our promise to you!
Nationwide Services include:
- FTL (Full Truck Load) Shipping
- LTL (Less Than Truck Load) Shipping
- Transportation of refrigerated, dry, and bulk shipments
- 3PL Warehousing and Logistics
- Contract Warehousing
- Trucking Freight Brokerage
Trucking & Freight Shipping Services:
- Overweight,
- Over-dimension
- Time-sensitive shipments
- LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)
- FTL (Full Truckload)
- Flatbed
- Flatbed LTLRGN (removable gooseneck lowboy)
- RGN (removable gooseneck lowboy)
- Maxi’s / A-Train / B-Train
- Heavy Haul
- Over Dimensional
- Dry Van
- Dry Van LTL
- Refrigerated
- Refrigerated LTL
- Power Only
Additional Services:
- Our sister companies can also provide warehousing in our food-grade facilities, cross-docking, and contract warehousing.