6 Ways Freight Brokers/Agents Can Increase Carrier Capacity

This is a fantastic article by Denis Brown of LDI once again he has done a fantasitic Job at showing what a top notch broker should do.

If you are like most freight brokers or freight agents I talk to, finding trucks can be a real challenge these days. The fact is, not all freight is created equally and neither are all brokers. There are times when carriers are tripping over one another to take your loads and other times the silence is deafening.
So what’s the secret to finding and retaining truck capacity? The fact is there is no secret, there are no magic bullets, there are just basic business principles that successful freight brokers and freight agents use to stand out from the crowd.

1) Be an investor and focus on building relationships with carriers and drivers before you need them, rather than just focusing on only one load at a time. Ask carriers how you can help them grow their business and always try to think long term while balancing your short term needs.

2) Utilize technology to leverage your time, including advanced freight brokerage software, load boards, email, smart phones, instant messaging, dual monitors and beyond. Let technology do the heavy lifting to make your job easier by allowing you to cast a wider net and communicate your value and needs more efficiently.

3) Tell the truth and be upfront with carriers about the details of your load. No one likes to be misled, including you, so revert back to the basics, “Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you”.

4) Always, always, always pay your carriers on-time! Even if your shipper slow pays or downright refuses to pay you, make sure you are not hurting the carrier for something outside of their control.

5) When there is a problem, take ownership and always focus on the solution, never on the problem!

6) Network with carriers and more importantly with drivers about other drivers and carriers they know that would be interested in doing business with you. Use tools like Linkedin.com and Facebook.com and other social media to make industry connections.