Picture this. Every time you hunt for a new load as an owner operator or independent trucking company, you have to deal with load brokers. However, it never fails that something goes awry with your commercial truck and trailer loads. The load broker might have failed to share some important information, or you may have been misunderstood by the broker. In the end, you want to resolve this issue so you can move on. Here are some tricks of the trade to help you work with your freight brokers.
How to Negotiate with Load Brokers
Load brokers want the easiest, cheapest, and most timely trucking company to handle loads. As the middle man this is how load brokers earn a living. Therefore it is in their best interest for you to know how to negotiate with load brokers. Start by knowing the right questions to ask.
- Is the broker bonded and do they have the proper license for what they are moving?
- Does the freight broker have contingent cargo insurance to cover the shipper of your load?
- How long has the broker been in business?
The answer to these questions will help you figure out which loads are too risky for their worth. From there you can negotiate with load brokers more effectively.
Tips on Communicating Clearly with Freight Brokers
For every load that you accept from freight brokers, that could equate to dozens of other trucking loads for you haul. Before long you will be ready to look at getting semi truck loans so you can increase your fleet. Therefore, you want to develop a professional and healthy relationship with freight brokers. Start by taking these tips to heart:
- Act like the professional you are so to portray a strong confidence in your ability to do your trucking job.
- Be respectful at all times, remembering that the freight broker is your bridge to trucking loads. Don't burn that bridge.
- Avoid questioning their rates for loads, as these rates are generally set by the market.
- Don't talk the freight broker's ear off. When they dispatch you to your trucking job, get off the phone with them. Better yet use email or texting whenever possible to save them the time on yet another phone call.
- Loads are assigned in the morning for the majority of trucking loads, so call early. Make it short and sweet whether you can or will take the load or not.
- If you don't want to take a trucking load then don't take it. Just politely decline and move on to another load for the day. You can always go back to that freight broker and see what they have to offer at a later time. No need to worry about hurt feelings.
Now that you understand how to deal with freight brokers it's time to make your move. Get on board with semi truck loans so you can expand your trucking fleet to meet the new demand of shippers' loads.
Source: ENGS Commercial Finance