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Freight Broker Best Practices

So, you’ve made the decision to partner with a freight broker for your transportation needs and the “ink is dry” on the deal. You’ve put in the work to get to this point, including researching carriers and negotiating an arrangement that you feel will better position your company and improve efficiency. But don’t rest yet – while the bulk of the work is done, there are a few key considerations and best practices to help ensure a positive working relationship with your freight manager. In this post, we’ll share a few of those considerations, as well as best practices for working with a freight broker. 

 

Secure a bond

Per federal requirements, freight brokers are required to protect their customers by carrying a freight broker bond or trust of at least $75,000. The bond serves as an insurance policy of sorts against claims made against the broker. A bond protects customers from any financial implications related to such claims. Be sure to verify that your freight broker has a bond by asking to review documentation.  

 

Allow your broker to handle regulations and red tape 

You hate red tape, right? Laws, regulations and bureaucratic processes are a few of the key reasons that many companies choose to outsource freight management. Freight brokers work with numerous clients and navigate the rules and regulations that govern shipping, import and export on a daily basis. So, let them put their experience to work and do it for you. You have enough to worry about in ensuring that your business runs smoothly – let your freight broker handle the regulatory environment so you can focus on all of the other moving parts. 

 

Work at fostering a relationship 

In business, building and maintaining positive working relationships is critical, and the relationship between a business and its freight broker is certainly no exception. Getting to know your freight broker – understanding his or her business and helping them better understand yours – will help ensure a positive and productive working relationship. 

 

Build a foundation of trust

Building a relationship with your freight broker is essential, but once the groundwork for this relationship is laid, it is important to trust both the carrier and the process. This can often be easier said than done as it means relinquishing some degree of control. But if you’ve done your homework and chosen a competent and capable freight broker, trusting the process and letting your freight broker do their job will free up more of your time and positively impact your bottom line. 

 

Ensure timely resolution of issues 

Naturally, not every shipment will go smoothly and it is inevitable that issues will arise at some point. As time is of the essence in the world of transportation and logistics, it is critical that once identified, issues are addressed in a timely fashion. Communication between clients and freight brokers allows for the prompt and effective resolution of issues. 

 

Communication 

The saying, “communication is key” could not be truer than in the relationship between a company and its freight broker. Whether conveying issues as mentioned above, establishing expectations or simply discussing the details of a shipment, honest, open and consistent communication serves as the critical foundation of any freight broker-client relationship. 

 

The bottom line

The relationship between freight broker and customer should not be a static one, but rather an ongoing dialogue and a partnership defined by communication and trust. Companies that implement these best practices will effectively maintain a positive and productive relationship with their freight broker that serves to ultimately improve profitability. 

 

The Berger difference

Berger Transport is a trusted partner to a variety of companies seeking a dependable and effective freight management firm. We work with you throughout the entire freight management process and we’re available 24/7 to support your shipment. Contact us today to learn more and receive a quote. 

5 Reasons Communication Is Important in the Freight Management Industry

Communication is the building block of any successful business, and is particularly important in the freight management industry. Below, we’ve outlined five reasons why freight managers should practice open and ongoing communication with their customers.

Continuous Improvement

In order to make adjustments and better serve customer needs, freight managers need to communicate. Listening to customers explain what worked and what didn’t will help managers make continuous improvements, aiming for exceptional customer service. If freight managers don’t listen or communicate well, they miss an opportunity to better serve their customers and may eliminate the possibility of return customers.

Problem Solving

Freight management companies exist to solve customer problems. Communication is the most important tool freight managers have for creating quality, custom freight solutions. After listening to a customer explain their transportation goals and scope of need, a good freight manager should communicate the different variables and options that are best suited to the particular customer.

An Industry Resource

Freight management companies are industry experts, and need to serve as resources for their customers. That means being available for questions or concerns, and proving quality solutions. Customers rely on freight managers to communicate solutions clearly, and in terms everyone will understand.

Grow Relationships

The freight management industry relies on relationships. And just like any relationship, communication is key for a positive, genuine experience. Maintaining open and ongoing communication with customers ensures they are receiving quality solutions, and feel they are in the hands of experts. Trust and help establish long and prosperous professional relationships.

Ideas + Solutions

Clear and consistent communication allows customers to share their ideas, and freight managers to provide custom solutions. The exchange of this information will help freight management companies grow, and will keep customers satisfied.

The Berger Way

Many competitors do not take into consideration the true desires of our customers: to be heard. Berger is not only hear to listen to your concerns, but address them thoroughly. Communication is vital for relationships like a crew on a ship: to be run properly, each member needs to be heard and accounted for. At Berger, we value communication and customer service above all else– that’s why we have a 24/7/365 doors open policy.

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