These days, many shippers face the decision to use digital freight matching technology, partner with a freight broker, or coordinate shipping in-house. For some companies, hiring an expert to handle everything that is not a core business activity is rather simple. For others, the factors in the decision are less clear. With over 60 years of experience in the freight and logistics industry and a commitment to providing effective and easy freight logistics experiences, we want to share our perspectives and insights. In this guide, we highlight the key benefits of working with a freight broker.
Professional Expertise
Freight brokers understand the industry, are equipped to answer questions, can provide solutions, and can follow directions when systems are already in place. By working with a freight broker, you can expand the knowledge base your company has access to because freight brokers are constantly up to date with changing market conditions, trends, rates, special requirements, and more.
Relationships
Freight brokers are responsible for building an extensive network of trusted carriers and shippers. They know who is accountable and who can provide the exact services your job requires. Working with a freight broker gives you immediate access to the best carriers in the business.
Negotiating Power
Freight brokers are expert negotiators. They know how to work with people to ensure all stakeholder needs are fulfilled. They also know the freight industry backward and forward, and use their relationships and expertise to get you the best deal. The best freight brokers use their negotiating power to secure the best price without sacrificing quality for cost.
Agility
Many factors can impact a shipment once a carrier picks it up. An experienced freight broker brings agility to solving complex problems on the go and can anticipate issues before they arise. This agility comes with experience in the industry, finely honed skills, and a solid and extensive network of connections. By working with a freight broker, any logistic challenges with your shipment are handled with creativity and strong problem-solving skills, as freight brokers can achieve solutions that would otherwise be unimaginable or unknown.
Convenience
A substantial amount of work goes into coordinating and managing shipments. The associated tasks and responsibilities are often at least one full-time job. When a shipper works to handle freight logistics in-house, all the work may take resources away from the core business activities. Handling logistics in-house is not the most efficient approach. Working with a freight brokerage takes all the hassle out of the equation and infuses unparalleled efficiency into the logistics aspects of your business. Freight brokers also provide the added conveniences of online tracking options and thorough and proactive communication. Plus, the freight broker is looking out for your company and your goods, so you only need to consider your core business activities.
Costs Savings
In business, it’s all about the bottom line. Partnering with an experienced broker can save you time, make business easier, and cut costs in a few ways. First and foremost, freight brokers stay up to date with market fluctuations, so they are always knowledgeable about the best possible price for a shipment. For industry outsiders, knowing the best price for a shipment is a tall task. Freight brokers also have insight into how much wiggle room each carrier in their network has in terms of price. They can help you find the perfect match regarding skills, availability, timeline, and price. Ultimately, a successful freight brokerage relationship is built upon a foundation of trust, communication, and transparency. The broker can talk you through all the options and help you find the best, most cost-efficient solution for your business.
Oversight
Customer satisfaction is everything. Every freight brokerage business relies upon maintaining a solid reputation by satisfying customers and consistently reaching high standards. Thus, quality control is essential to doing business. Between the extensive network of professional relationships, the advanced logistics tools, and finely honed expertise, freight brokers have comprehensive visibility and oversight over the shipping process to ensure success each and every time.
Find a Freight Broker with First Star Logistics
We are a global logistics provider with a unique asset-based approach. Our core business is arranging and securing space for your freight’s transport between states and countries using common carriers such as trucks, railroads, and ocean liners. Our clients benefit from a comprehensive North American network and global reach, along with time and cost-saving technology that delivers quality results. Our team of logistics account executives, brokerage agents, trucking agents, and experienced drivers are here to ensure you achieve success.
To learn more, contact First Star Logistics today!
