Insider Secrets to Successful Freight Brokering

Freight Broker Load Boards

Some people miss the point on how to work the Load Boards as a freight broker. It is very simple.

First, let me tell you what you do NOT want to do. You do not want to get loads from the Load Boards. These loads are posted by other freight brokers. Why would you want to go to another freight broker to get a load? It defeats the purpose of getting your own authority.

Second, here is what you WANT to do. You want to go directly to the shipper to get loads. You need good marketing savvy here and it is not easy starting from scratch. After you get loads from shippers, THEN you go to the Load Boards to post you own loads.

These loads that you post are for truckers to call in to ask for more information.

So, it is essential that you understand the business model when working with shippers, carriers and the Load Boards.

Freight Broker Resources

When you get into freight brokering, you go at it with an entire arsenal of resources. You have to know a lot before you contact willing shippers and carriers. Otherwise, you are presenting yourself as one ignorant entity.

One resource that has made some recent upgrades is TransCore 3 Sixty Express. This is a load board resource that includes a whole lot more.

Their TruckLoad Rate Index will give you the going rates around the country for both contract rates and spot rates. They even provide Short Haul rates.

Go here to learn more and start browsing this great resource: TransCore TruckLoad Rate Index.

Are You Using Short Trucks?

Every now and then, I get a calls from truck drivers who are driving short trucks - 26 footers or something similar. One recent caller is trying to find more loads for himself.

Well, the loading boards are going to be dealing mostly with semi trucks - 48 and 53 footers. I don't know where a person goes to get loads for the shorter trucks.

I don't know if those running hot shots or doing expediting would be knowledgeable about where to go to find loads - but they must.

Do YOU have any experience in short trucks? Are you having problems finding loads?