What Do Freight Broker Companies Do?

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There are a lot of players in the trucking industry, including truck drivers, shippers, agents, and many others. For many of these players, freight broker companies offer a lot of benefits. But what exactly do freight brokers do? 

Freight brokers, also called logistics companies, are essential for business owners who need to move goods from one place to another. 

Still, the role of freight brokers is sometimes misunderstood. Many people think that freight brokers simply find trucks. In reality, the freight brokerage business is a lot more complicated than that. 

Ready to learn more about what a logistics company does? Then here's what you need to know about freight brokers.


The Basics

During the freight moving process, the shipper, who has the freight, hires a carrier, who owns trucks. Without the help of a freight broker, the shipper pays the carrier, and the carrier delivers the goods. 

A freight broker acts as an intermediary between those two companies. While freight brokers don't generally own their own trucks, they make the connections that other businesses need to get their freight where it needs to go.

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Virtually any company that ships or delivers goods can use a freight broker. Some companies rely very heavily on the services that freight brokers provide. 

One example is the food and beverage industry. Freight broker services have become essential for the food supply chain. Grocery stores and food producers count on the logistics industry for their freight management needs. 

Other industries that use freight brokers include: 

  • automotive 

  • technology 

  • paper goods 

  • metals 

  • plastics 

  • lawn and garden

Duties of a Freight Broker

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The best freight brokers go above and beyond for their clients. While a freight brokerage company connects shippers and carriers, the day-to-day services and internal processes are far more intensive. 

For example, a freight brokerage company will pay close attention to shipping method needs. Many shippers need specific distribution services. Maybe their goods come with legal compliance concerns. Maybe they ship bulk loads or refrigerated goods. 

Meanwhile, carriers want to match their specific service options to the right loads. If a carrier specializes in less than truckload services, for instance, then it will need clients who ship smaller loads. 

The freight industry can get complicated, but a good freight and logistics company can work out all the details, making supply chain management a lot simpler for everyone involved. 

Instead of spending hours or even days finding the right carriers, shippers can choose a freight brokerage company with a huge network of vetted carriers. 

Other duties of freight broker companies include: 

  • paying attention to freight rates 

  • facilitating smooth communication 

  • maintaining an organized supply chain 

  • working with vetted carriers 

  • ensuring top service quality 

  • maintaining a detailed qualification process

Simplify Your Supply Chain With a Freight Brokerage Company

Of course, not every freight brokerage company provides the same results. Finding the right freight broker can make all the difference in the world for your shipping process. 

If you need a freight broker that puts people first, insists on quality, and stays committed to helping clients thrive, contact Pearce Worldwide Logistics today.