Today many companies must deal with high LTL shipping costs. It can be hard to find cost-effective shipping when you have to ship a partial truck load, and freight companies must make special routing plans for these loads. Finding a good LTL provider is not easy because the cheapest services last year may be the most expensive services this year. If you would like cheaper or more efficient LTL transportation, consider the benefits that a trusted freight brokerage has to offer.
What Do Freight Brokers Do?
A freight broker is there to manage all or part of your shipping needs. They contact carriers on your behalf to find the best rates and services. Trusted brokers have excellent reputations in the shipping industry and working relationships with some of the best freight companies. They can compare rates among many services to get you the lowest costs.
How Brokers Help You Cut Shipping Costs
Freight charges (especially LTL transportation) can vary a great deal from company to company and can change without notice. Your broker stays on top of these things to make sure your costs are affordable. A broker can sometimes get bulk shipping discounts because his company does high volume business with some carriers, and you can take advantage of these low rates. In fact, most small to medium size companies would not normally qualify for these discounts.
Shipping Management
When you choose a reputable brokerage, they help you with freight management. For example, you only have to call your broker and tell him you need LTL transportation services. He takes this information and contacts the lowest cost carrier to make shipping arrangements. Your broker tracks the shipment to make sure it gets to its destination on time and if problems develop he is there to help. This service not only saves money, but it also prevents headaches too.
