How to find shippers?

Discussion in 'Freight Broker Forum' started by BayAreaBroker, Apr 23, 2015.

  1. BayAreaBroker

    BayAreaBroker Bobtail Member

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    Apr 23, 2015
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    Hi,
    I've recently started my own brokerage and I just got bonded. How would I go about finding shippers and good shippers at that? I ran into a few websites on the internet but they are charging me $500 for a list of shippers... Should I just go for that or is that a better way of finding them?
     
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  3. chilly_willy

    chilly_willy Bobtail Member

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    Apr 16, 2015
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    DAT is by far the best in my opinion.
     
  4. BayAreaBroker

    BayAreaBroker Bobtail Member

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    Apr 23, 2015
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    Ok I wasn't sure if that website included shippers, I just knew they had updated rates for freight. Thanks, chilly_willy!
     
  5. ReeferOhio

    ReeferOhio Medium Load Member

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    Nov 29, 2010
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    You're a broker and don't know how to find customers....? Pick up a phone!
     
  6. BayAreaBroker

    BayAreaBroker Bobtail Member

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    Apr 23, 2015
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    I've literally just entered this business. Wouldn't it be better to visit the shippers at their actual location instead?
     
  7. damutt

    damutt Road Train Member

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    May 6, 2013
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    that is going to be a lot of shippers. from a first had exp you can have one company(bobs steel) with 6 different locations and get 6 different levels of service. so tho phone is going to be the best bet
     
  8. BayAreaBroker

    BayAreaBroker Bobtail Member

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    Apr 23, 2015
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    So is it completely useless to go to the actual location? And how well do flyers or other promotional items work in building a relationship w/ them?
     
  9. damutt

    damutt Road Train Member

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    May 6, 2013
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    that i cant tell ya, im just a driver. not sure were you are based(not like it matters) unless you want to spend thousands of dollars on plane ride to all the shippers in the us, your going to have to call. they will give ya a try(well your driver) and go from ther
     
  10. BayAreaBroker

    BayAreaBroker Bobtail Member

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    Apr 23, 2015
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    Ok, thanks for your input. I live in the Bay Area (NorCal) so I imagine I won't have to drive too far to find shippers.
     
  11. damutt

    damutt Road Train Member

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    May 6, 2013
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    wont be very succesfull if you only sty in CA
     
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