The following is a guest post from Joe Cottone Jr., Customer Solutions Architect at DAT.
As a freight broker, your success hinges on the strength of your carrier network. Ensuring that you work with reliable, safe carriers is not only good business, it’s essential for maintaining your reputation and safeguarding your clients’ cargo. A strong carrier network isn’t just about numbers; it’s about quality, safety, and reliability. Invest time in vetting carriers, nurture relationships, and prioritize safety. Let’s dive into the key aspects of carrier vetting and best practices to create a secure network.
Get as much information as available
When evaluating carriers, start by tapping into publicly available data to understand who you’re talking to and what questions you ask:
- Check a carrier’s safety record, including their safety rating, inspection history, and any reported violations. Look for patterns of non-compliance or red flags through public domains housing that information.
- Search for carrier reviews on industry-specific forums or platforms. While individual reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, patterns across multiple reviews can provide valuable insights.
- Explore carriers’ social media profiles and websites. Pay attention to their communication style, professionalism, and any red flags (e.g., negative comments, lack of transparency).
Ask the right questions
When speaking with a new carrier, ask these crucial questions to make sure they’re a good partner. Consider:
- Driver count: How many drivers do they have? This gives you an idea of their capacity and flexibility.
- Tracking information: Do they provide real-time tracking information for shipments? Visibility is crucial for both you and your clients.
- Operating areas: Where do they typically operate? Ensure their coverage aligns with your client’s needs.
- Freight specialization: What kind of freight do they specialize in? Some carriers excel in specific niches (e.g., refrigerated, flatbed, LTL).
Look at DAT’s Directory
Surf DAT’s Directory and keep an eye out for the following:
- Data-driven insights: Safety records, and other relevant factors to assess risk. Consider factors like crash history, inspections, compliance, and known operating areas when available.
- Red flags: Look out for any initial red flags. These might indicate safety concerns or operational issues and should prompt you to look deeper into the carrier you’re evaluating.
The goal is to build and hold key relationships. Successful brokering relies upon relationship cultivation and management. Communicate regularly with your in-network carriers to better understand their needs, challenges, and goals.
Being responsive, transparent, and fair goes a long way in nurturing those relationships. Manage clear expectations, communicate with respect and reward the carriers who meet your standards.
Building trust takes time, but following these guidelines, your business will see results.
