There’s always a middle in any process. Understanding what is a freight broker gives insight on what that middle stage looks like. A freight broker is right there, in the middle, where their clients need them to be, in that vital stage where everything falls into place for a delivery to occur correctly. With so many moving parts within the industry, there must be structure and alignment between the parties involved to ensure that the freight is intact and delivered on time.
In many cases, carriers want to take on every load they get without hesitation since their main objective is to satisfy their clients and transport whatever they need. But hesitation is usual; there are many aspects to consider when booking a load, and once accepted, there’s no turning back.
Freight brokers allow shippers and carriers to avoid hesitation. Their expertise ensures carriers can take on any load that their clients require and enables shippers to feel safe knowing someone is overseeing the entire process.
What is a Freight Broker: A Middleman.
A freight broker is a middleman. Whether you’re shipping or carrying freight, you’ll need the help of a middleman that will allow you to find capacity for your loads with suitable carriers or find the best cargo for you to carry. Either way, freight brokers add value to the entire process connecting every party to deliver freight safely and efficiently.
Freight brokers take care of arranging and managing the process from the moment they receive the freight until they deliver it to the end client. They move the shipment with the help of their qualified carriers through any mode of transportation, ships, trucks, railroads, or planes.
Creating strong relationships with shippers and carriers is a must since freight brokers can grow their network to provide the best services to all their clients.
What are the benefits of working with a Freight Broker?
There are many benefits to working with a freight broker; let’s outline just a few:
- Solid and trustworthy relationships with carriers and shippers.
Throughout their years within the industry, freight brokers create relationships with shippers and carriers, allowing them to streamline the entire shipping process. Working with clients during a specific period enables freight brokers to get to know them and how they like to work, making everything easier.
Also, freight brokers know who to contact depending on the load’s specifications. If the freight requires a particular type of vehicle or must fall within specific regulations, freight brokers contact a company that complies with these specifications.
- Shippers don’t have to worry about the entire shipping process.
Considering there are many moving parts within a shipping process, many shippers do not have time or need time for other vital issues. Freight brokers take care of the details like finding the best carrier, using the best and fastest routes, finding the most cost-efficient option, or coordinating schedules.
Suppose any issues arise during the process regarding timing, damages, or even pricing. In that case, brokers find a way to resolve them with their expert knowledge of the industry and how it works.
- Carriers can find a steady stream of freight.
Sometimes finding high-quality freight to haul can be complicated. Leveraging freight broker’s relationship with shippers, freight brokers can connect both parties involved in the process and create a mutually beneficial association. Freight brokers provide cargo for carriers as well as the best carriers for shippers.
- Freight brokers provide their clients flexibility.
Another essential element for clients is flexibility. Clients want to have options that allow them to ship their loads faster and in a cost-efficient manner. Depending on the season, shippers will need to move more freight; this will require freight brokers to work harder to find carriers that accommodate with the shipper’s needs.
Leveraging their expertise and knowledge, freight brokers can find capacity and for any load, even if the amounts are more significant or if they are delicate loads like hazmat, frozen goods, or pharmaceuticals.
- They allow clients to save money.
Saving money is always a plus in any business. With the vast network of carriers, brokers can search for the best pricing options for shippers. Since they provide steady freight for carriers, brokers can achieve better pricing. Freight brokers must manage expectations in this stage. Better pricing does not mean that the integrity of the load will be compromised.
A Freight Broker will always be a fantastic partner that will allow shippers and carriers the opportunity to be more productive and reducing overall costs. Having a link in the middle of the process, with expertise and knowledge of the industry, provides excellent value to shippers and carriers. Freight brokers take care of the in-between and allow their clients to ship their goods safely and within the time period that was agreed on.
