Have you ever worked in an environment where the competition was cutthroat and it seemed like everyone was out to get you? In this kind of workplace, staying motivated, getting things done, and feeling good about your work is hard. You may feel like your ability to succeed is constrained by all the negativity and pressure.
In contrast, the most fulfilling and productive work environments are supportive, encouraging, and collaborative. Even jobs that require a high level of independence and friendly competition can benefit from collaboration and teamwork. The work of freight brokers is no exception. Freight brokers are excellent problem solvers, visionary planners, and strong independent thinkers. On top of all of those honorable qualities, freight brokers excel at collaboration. As key participants in the supply chain, freight brokers collaborate with other freight logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, and countless other parties involved in the movement of goods.
The best freight brokerage companies know that maintaining a collaborative team environment is one of the keys to success. A collaborative team environment is beneficial to the company overall, individual brokers, shippers, carriers, the supply chain, and even the environment.
This article takes a close look at a number of reasons why a collaborative team environment is important for freight brokerage companies.
1. Reduce Movement of Empty Trucks
The movement of empty trucks is never ideal. It’s in inadequate use of resources that can needlessly contribute to pollution, highway congestion, and supply chain issues. When freight brokers collaborate with one another, it is much easier to optimize the use of trucks and other assets. Freight brokers are uniquely positioned to help carriers fill loads and keep the supply chain moving along smoothly.
2. Share Innovative Solutions to Complex Logistics Problems
A major portion of a freight broker’s work is to mitigate and manage freight logistics issues for their shippers. This is a challenging task that continues to grow in complexity, particularly in the current state of the supply chain. When freight brokers work together, they can bounce ideas off one another and utilize each other as a resource. This form of collaboration improves everyone’s bottom line.
3. Increase Resiliency to Market Changes
Between the pandemic, global conflicts, natural disasters, shifting demands, and many other factors, the global marketplace is constantly changing. In order to stay up to date with the latest developments and utilize the most effective strategies, freight brokers need to collaborate with one another. Each freight broker has unique industry insight to share. The exchange of information is key to resiliency.
4. Expand Geographic Coverage
Often freight brokers will choose to specialize in shipping specific types of freight, specialize in shipping within specific geographic areas, or both. This focus allows freight brokers to develop strong connections with carriers in a given area and really optimize the use of specific lanes. While specialization is necessary and offers many benefits, it also means that freight brokers will not be able to meet the needs of many potential clients. When freight brokers work in a collaborative team environment, they can work together to develop a referral system and ensure all of their client needs are met. If a single freight broker does not ship on the lanes a client needs for a load, the freight broker does not have to send the business to another company. They can keep the business in-house by connecting the shipper with a broker in the company who operates on the required lanes.
5. Keep Rates up to Date
Freight brokers’ rates are dependent upon supply and demand calculations. They must factor in the ratio between the number of trucks and loads in a geographic area or lane and also account for additional market trends. The rates need to cover expenses and turn a profit, while still remaining competitive. If a freight broker is working in their own bubble, it is difficult to know the most up-to-date information. Working in a collaborative team environment allows freight brokers to provide the best deals to their shippers and turn the most advantageous profits.
First Star Logistics Freight Brokerage Careers
First Star Logistics is a unique asset-based global freight brokerage company. We have over 60 years of experience and we are one of the fastest growing logistics providers. We are looking to expand our brokerage department by hiring enthusiastic individuals who want a fast-paced career in the logistics industry. We empower you to succeed by allowing you to create your goals, networks, and make your own money. As a partner, you’ll work with our dedicated management team, whose main goal is to offer complete back-end support across multiple departments, allowing you to focus on one thing- growing your business. To join the First Star Logistics Team, apply today.
