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May 24, 2023 by Logistics

How to make sure your Freight Broker is “SECURE”!!!

What is a Freight Broker ?

They are someone who arranges transportation for another company (Shippers) using someone else’s transportation assets (Carriers). The Broker can be thought of as a “matchmaker” between Carriers with transportation assets and Shippers with freight. Typically, Shipper’s contract with Brokers to handle the shipment of all or a portion of their freight. Some Brokers act as a backstop for Shippers. When Shippers can’t get enough capacity from their regular carriers, they utilize Brokers for the excess moves. Brokers find carriers, arrange the details of the loads, pay the carriers, and invoice the Shippers. Although there is a lot more to it than just that, you probably get the idea. Brokers are middlemen. They don’t own anything, either freight or carrier assets, they just marry the two and charge a fee for doing so.

Why do Shippers use Brokers?

There are a couple of reasons:

The Brokers usually have access to a more extensive network of carriers than the Shipper. This network is a single point of access for multiple freight options and modes. It also allows the Broker to negotiate lower rates due to the overall volume of business they provide the carriers and shippers they do business with.

Brokers have technology, like a Transportation Management System, that allows them to save a lot of time (and trouble) in finding the right carrier, at the right time, with the right equipment, at the right price, and then executing the loads efficiently.

The Brokerage can improve your Supply Chain’s performance and avoid potential execution problems by utilizing their superior relationships and expertise in dealing with carriers’ operations.

Flexibility is another key advantage. They can help you expand as needed without tying up as much capital while minimizing your risk to changing market conditions. The depth of their bench can help you improve your supply chain and cost regardless of market conditions.

If utilizing a Broker makes sense for your company, how do you make sure that you get a good one and not a bad one?

Ensure they have the necessary licenses and accreditations. Brokers are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry a (minimum) freight broker bond. This stifles fraud in the trucking industry and guarantees carriers get their invoices paid. Also see if the Broker is a member of TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association), which works to improve the industry and its education and standards. TIA tests and provides certification to Brokers. See if your prospective Broker is TIA certified.

Make sure they meet your communication needs. You want Brokers to be responsive at all times. They should provide regular updates on your shipments. Any issues should be made transparent and dealt with effectively.

The contracts and costs should be easy to understand. Services must be clearly defined. All add-ons associated with the load must be disclosed upfront. This includes fees such as fuel, detention, and demurrage.

Some “red flags” to watch for with Freight Brokers

Is the broker difficult to reach or unresponsive to your calls or emails? This may indicate that they’re unreliable and don’t have the capacity to take on new work.

Is the broker vague about their charges. If so, you may get hit with hidden costs on your invoice. Make sure you understand all the costs involved with moving your goods.

Does the broker work with only a few carriers. If so, you may not get good rates. The smaller the carrier pool, the less the competition.

Is the broker financially stable? Do they have adequate insurance coverage. If not, this could be a significant risk to your load. Check their  D-U-N-S Number. Also request to see a Certificate of Insurance (COI), which provides details about their insurance policy.

Make sure that the broker doesn’t have a “conditional safety rating”.  This would mean the broker/carrier, or their truck driver, has had multiple violations and is not following regulations. Make sure the broker complies with all relevant regulations and standards and that the carriers they use have an excellent safety rating before booking your shipment.

Here are the key traits to look for in your Freight Brokerage:

  • Trustworthy
  • Flexible
  • Customer-Oriented
  • Proactive

Here are some key questions to ask a prospective Broker:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • How do you source your carriers?
  • How does your carrier on-boarding work?
  • Once you find a good carrier, how do you keep them?
  • What is the average tenure of your team members?

Hopefully, you are now better prepared to successfully hire a Freight Broker if you need one. Good Brokers can be extremely helpful in managing your Supply Chain. Riverside Logistics Services has been helping Shippers manage their Supply Chains for over 25 years. We are a member of the TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association) and actively participate to improve the quality of the Brokerage community.

We have a very thorough carrier on-boarding process and go to great lengths to make sure that our carrier community is extensive enough to meet all the needs of our clients. We welcome any opportunity to discuss your Supply Chain and can be reached at 804-474-7700 ext. Option 4.

Filed Under: Transportation News, Uncategorized Tagged With: Brokers, Certificate of Insurance, Freight Broker, Liceenses and Accreditations, Richmond, Riverside Logistics, Shippers, Third-Party Logistics Company (3PL), VA, Virginia, Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Ports

April 22, 2019 by Logistics

2019 Looks Bright for The Ports of Virginia and Riverside Logistics!

The “State of the Port 2019” presented by John F. Reinhart, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority at the recent meeting of the Virginia Maritime Central Chapter was an exciting update. Below is a quick overview and a link to the update. This was an excellent presentation of the growth of the ports in Virginia and the positive effects on our economy.

Here are a few takeaways for RMT (Richmond Marine Terminals):

  • FY-2016 – 16,347 containers moved on the barge.
  • FY- 2019- Projection of 34,229 will be moving on the barge.  More than doubled from 3 years ago.
  • This will mean 34,229 trucks will be taken off the highway.
  • Second Barge is in Service for Daily Sailings
  • Container Staging drop lot will be completed by August of 2019. ( reduce potential for on-port demurrage)
  • 37 businesses announced they were locating or expanding their businesses in VA.

Link to the full presentation:

https://www.portofvirginia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2019_State_of_The_Port_of_Virginia.pdf

Filed Under: News & Events Tagged With: 3pl, East Coast, John F. Reinhart, Richmond, Richmond Marine Terminal, Riverside Logistics, State of the Port 2019, Third Party Logistics, Virginia, Virginia Maritime Central Chapter, Virginia Port Authority, Warehouses near the Norfolk Port, Warehouses near the Port of Richmond

April 8, 2015 by Logistics

Riverside Logistics Participates In the Inaugural RVA LogistXGames

Riverside Logistics joined seven other teams from the region’s top logistics firms to compete in the 2015 RVA LogistXGames. The friendly but fierce competition included events similar to those performed daily in the logistics work environment…but with fun twists. Events included the Pallet Puzzle Sprint, Pallet Jack Relay, Pick/Pack Hurdle and Box Put. Teamwork, talent, efficiency and speed were all essential components for success.

Sponsored by CBREI/Richmond, the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) and the Virginia Port Authority, the event is designed to showcase the talents of employees in this business sector, as well as emphasize the importance of logistics and distribution to the region. The proceeds, which surpassed $10,000.00, will support workforce development programs available through the Community College Workforce Alliance.

Michael Kenny, Director of Warehouse Operations at Riverside Logistics, organized the Riverside team and was pleased with their results. At the conclusion of the event Michael stated, “This was the first time we participated in such an event. It gave our guys an opportunity to show off some of their many skills. We didn’t win but according to one of the founders of the program, our speed and teamwork on the obstacle course led to one of the fastest completion times he had ever seen! It was great fun and the team is looking forward to participating again next year.”

Filed Under: News & Events Tagged With: Commuity College Workforce, Michael Kenny, Richmond, Riverside Logistics, RVA LogistXGames, Virginia, Virginia Port Authority

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