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February 19, 2025

How To Find The Right Freight Brokers For Your Business

Freight brokers are an essential part of running a smooth operation. They save you time and money by looking for available business opportunities and help you build relationships with new customers. But you will only experience these benefits if you partner with the right freight brokers for your business.

While it may seem like a straightforward process to choose the right freight brokers, there are significant impacts on your business if you partner with the wrong ones, like payment issues, damaged customer relations, poor communication, and more commonly, double brokering.

In this blog, we are going to breakdown 7 tips to consider when searching for the right freight brokers to partner with:

1. Have Industry Experience

Make sure your freight brokers have experience within the trucking industry, especially with the type of loads and cargo that you plan on hauling. This will help them find the right customers for you to work with.

2. Right Credentials and Compliance

Ensure the freight broker is properly licensed, insured, and compliant with industry regulations to prevent any potential issues with noncompliance.

3. Financial Stability

Assess the financial stability of any potential freight brokers and run a credit check to ensure they are more likely to give timely and consistent payments.

4. Customer Networks

Having a network of shippers for you to choose from is key. With a large, diverse network, you will have direct access to more growth opportunities and will provide flexibility for your business.

5. Rates and Agreements

Make sure you have an understanding of the freight brokers contractual agreements, payment terms, fees, and rates to prevent hidden fees or undisclosed contract terms. In addition, compare rates, payment terms, and fees to ensure you are choosing a partnership that best aligns with your business operations and needs.

6. Technology Tools

Make sure your freight brokers are utilizing advanced technology to not only find you the best loads, but to also keep an eye on the market trends and rates. This will help you effectively navigate the ever-changing market conditions.

7. Customer Services & Communication

Just like any other partnership, communication is key, so ensure your freight broker gives your access to their direct line. Also, make sure to read reviews from past and current customers so you can get a good idea on the service that they will offer.

Where To Get Started

Now that you have an understanding of what to consider when looking for a freight broker, the next step is to begin your search. The best places to search for a freight broker are fellow owner-operators and fleet owners, trucking associations, online load boards, social media, google and more.

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FAQ

What Happens If You Fail a DOT Inspection?

If the vehicle or driver is deemed unsafe, they may be placed out of service, meaning the vehicle cannot operate until all violations are properly corrected.

Who decides which level of inspection to perform?

Both the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have a part in DOT inspection levels. The CVSA develops the criteria and sets the procedures for every inspection level. The FMCSA establishes overall regulations and determines which vehicles must be inspected.

How often do DOT inspections happen?

DOT inspections can happen at any time. They most commonly happen during roadside stops and weigh stations. Carriers with higher risk, poor safety records, or hazardous material may be inspected more frequently.

What documents are required during an inspection?

Documents required during an inspection include but may not be limited to:

  • State driver’s license or commercial driver’s license
  • Medical examiner’s certificate
  • Record of duty status
  • Vehicle registrations
  • Periodic inspections document for all vehicles being operated
  • Shipping papers or bills of lading
  • Information for hazardous materials being transported
  • Proof of insurance

What are common DOT inspection violations?

According to the FMCSA, the 5 most cited roadside violations are:

  1. False Report of Driver’s Record of Duty Status: log falsification providing inaccurate or intentionally altered duty-status information.
  2. No Record of Duty Status (ELD Required): using a commercial vehicle without the required electronic logging device or valid time records.
  3. Inoperable Required Lamp: crucial lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.) are not functioning properly.
  4. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  5. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without Proof of a Periodic Inspection: failure to meet FMCSA the maintenance standards of a required annual inspection.

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