Tips For Working With A Load Broker

Every time you hunt for a new load as an owner-operator or independent trucking company, you have to deal with load brokers. And it never fails that something goes awry. The broker might have failed to share important information, or you may have been misunderstood. 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 their loads. As the middleman, that's how a broker earns a living, so it's in their interest for you to know how to negotiate. Start by asking the right questions:

• Is the broker bonded, and do they have the proper license for what they're 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 answers will help you figure out which loads are too risky for their worth. From there, you can negotiate more effectively.

Communicating clearly with freight brokers

For every load you accept, that could lead to dozens of future loads. So you want to develop a professional, healthy relationship with your brokers. Take these tips to heart:

• Act like the professional you are, projecting confidence in your ability to do the job.
• Be respectful at all times. The freight broker is your bridge to loads, so don't burn that bridge.
• Avoid questioning their rates. These rates are generally set by the market.
• Don't talk the broker's ear off. Once they dispatch you, get off the phone. Better yet, use email or text whenever possible to save them another phone call.
• Loads are assigned in the morning for the majority of freight, so call early. Make it short and sweet about whether you can take the load.
• If you don't want a load, politely decline and move on. You can always check back with that broker later. No need to worry about hurt feelings.

Now that you understand how to deal with freight brokers, it's time to put it into practice and build the relationships that keep your wheels turning.