The Good the Bad and the Ugly

Discussion in 'Freight Broker Forum' started by TheGoodBroker, Aug 24, 2016.

  1. TheGoodBroker

    TheGoodBroker Bobtail Member

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    Aug 24, 2016
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    I currently work as a carrier representative "broker" and I have been browsing the forums here for quite a while. I really love learning from everyone's experiences, and use this knowledge to gain a better understanding of the market and what rates my drivers need and what I can get for them, I am a good broker, my drivers swear I am, and I love what I do, if we don't eat together we both starve. I am genuinely friends with all my drivers and care about their businesses, families, and personal lives. So why so many brokers seem to toss drivers by the wayside and treat the LIFEBLOOD of their business like crap is beyond me! The stories I have read in here make me far more than disappointed but genuinely angry. I want to ask what makes a broker good to you? what do you value? and do you ever build loyalties between your businesses?

    TLDR: How can I be a better broker......."don't say $5 a mile"

    I wont disclaim who I work for.....unless your really nice
     
    bayoustate Thanks this.
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  3. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    Detroit, MI
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    Everybody knows how much it costs to run a truck. A good broker in my opinion is the one who offers an acceptable rate even in slow times. We know its slow, but if you keep pushing that $1 mile freight, I will remember your company and won't even bother to call you when its busy.
    Be nice on the phone, don't lie about PU and DL times, try to know the correct weight, take care of my truck if detention happens, dont cancel last minute if you get a cheaper truck. That's about it
     
  4. bzinger

    bzinger Road Train Member

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    omaha , ne
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    You couldn't have put that better dune !!
     
    scottlav46 Thanks this.
  5. Rex012

    Rex012 Light Load Member

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    Apr 12, 2014
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    You got any intermodal loads? Lmfao
     
  6. rcelmo

    rcelmo Medium Load Member

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    Good Broker.....there is no such thing...... some are worse than others, but
    none are any good.......the brokers are doing more to absolutely ruin the
    trucking industry than any other entity; including the Gubment......

    I have that out of my system so here goes
    --- don't lie about loads
    ----don't lie about how long it takes to get loaded
    ----don't lie about how long it will take to get unloaded
    ----don't lie about how much it weighs
    ----don't lie about whether it needs tarped or not
    ----don't lie about how many miles
    ----don't lie about how long it takes to get paid
    ----don't lie about anything



    The cold hard fact is most brokers are even more crooked than politicians
    are. Don't feel bad; dispatchers are just as bad, so are driver recruiters, so are
    most company owners. Cheer up; you have plenty of company.

    In short, treat drivers like you would want to be treated........


    In case you haven't figured out, I absolutely despise brokers. I have
    been lied to and taken advantage of hundreds of times. I used to pull
    a reefer trailer.
     
    scottlav46 and TheGoodBroker Thank this.
  7. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    A good broker is one who understands my lanes and what I do. They have freight that is on my lanes. They never ask me if I'm interested in going to Maine or Cally. They know better.

    They take it in stride when I quote high. I do the exact same when they quote low. Neither of us ever pontificate to the other about that one way or another. We either come to an agreement or not.

    I don't really care if they ask about my family. I'm not really interested in theirs either. It's business.

    I do a good job and they know it. I will go to them looking for a back haul before I book one from anyone else. They have earned that through the good business they have passed my way. They always get first shot at that.

    It's simple really. Have some basic understanding of my business as I will of yours. Things have to mesh there or it will never be any repeat business.
     
    TheGoodBroker, jess-juju and bzinger Thank this.
  8. Old school 362

    Old school 362 Medium Load Member

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    Mar 6, 2016
    Pensacola Fl
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    Do you broker for van or flatbed?
     
  9. Scuba Steve

    Scuba Steve Light Load Member

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    Chicago IL
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    When I get to the shipper, everything you said over the phone better be the same, trucking is all about relationships and trust, what most people don't understand, I give you props for asking us truckers how you can do a great job at being a broker, shows me right off the bat that your most likely a decent person and probably already a good broker since you care enough to ask how you can be even better.
     
  10. Old school 362

    Old school 362 Medium Load Member

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    Mar 6, 2016
    Pensacola Fl
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    let's be honest what is your cut to haul a load.
     
  11. jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

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    Dec 1, 2009
    hastings, Fl
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    Just be truthful and up front on all the info you have. Be able to put yourself in my shoes, and consider my needs.
     
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