How do you go about getting Brokers for Cargo Van
- Thread starter aunited72
- Start date
paullud
Veteran Expediter
If you're not sure about the answer to this question and are just getting started as it appears you are likely getting ready to make a big mistake. You need to get leased onto a bigger company then learn the ropes there first.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using EO Forums mobile app
Sent from my SCH-I535 using EO Forums mobile app
Murraycroexp
Veteran Expediter
IMO, one can't just go get brokers any easier than just to "go get customers". Trust me. It takes time and lots of face time on sales & service calls.
I worked with brokers for over 9 years at another carrier as an ops mgr, which was my leg up, but if I had not I would have been 99% relying on customer freight that I sold.
Sure, you can Google "freight brokers" and make phone calls and even swap packets with them and get set up.
But then gaining access to their loads can be a different story.
It's not impossible. Just not the path one should start with.
Research carriers.
Find out who the 4-5 favorite ones are out there and why they are favored.
Then start researching each carriers o/o contracts. They're all different.
Fees. Requirements. Responsibilities. Technologies. Expectations. Strengths. Etc.
It will be well worth the effort.
I worked with brokers for over 9 years at another carrier as an ops mgr, which was my leg up, but if I had not I would have been 99% relying on customer freight that I sold.
Sure, you can Google "freight brokers" and make phone calls and even swap packets with them and get set up.
But then gaining access to their loads can be a different story.
It's not impossible. Just not the path one should start with.
Research carriers.
Find out who the 4-5 favorite ones are out there and why they are favored.
Then start researching each carriers o/o contracts. They're all different.
Fees. Requirements. Responsibilities. Technologies. Expectations. Strengths. Etc.
It will be well worth the effort.
Murraycroexp
Veteran Expediter
Common trait or many people. Just band math for those that sell a product or service.
Murraycroexp
Veteran Expediter
Common trait or many people. Just bad math for those that sell a product or service.
Its wordy but I suggest you read it. Ive give this first hand experience, non sugar coated answer to all newbies.
Expediting is trucking.
If you're married and want to stay that way I recommend you not get into trucking. Really, its not for everyone. Unfortunately trucking in general is a very cut throat business and there is no excuse for it, but it is. Also, if you want to make money you need to be away from your family. The trucking business is notorious for destroying families even when you are totally faithful to your other half and not to mention the large some of money out and little in.
If you really want to give it a try. Here is what I recommend..
3) Wait until spring before going out on your own, right now it is the slow season. At best, you will be bankrupt by mid January.
4) BEFORE buying a van Look into running with a local delivery company to find out if you have what it takes to do this work shippers, receivers, and drivers are all different animals. You will have time to learn how this business works without having a $ 10,000.00 + investment in a suitable van. Also some local carriers like having a driver or Owner operator on that does not mind being out overnight as the carrier can secure more work.
If its a good fit and you want to get into expediting make sure you have at least three months worth of personal and business expenses in savings. Include everything you need to keep your home and family going, as well as your on the road expenses because you will have to cut your teeth with who ever you work for and this takes time. It will take at least three months to get established with a broker / carrier and their dispatchers. The last thing you want is to be broke, on the road, have a breakdown, or a carrier skip out on paying you.
Decide on a territory you want to run and stick to it. I choose to stay within 500 miles or 11 driving hours of home. Yes, I loose work opportunities, but if I need to be home in a hurry its doable. My family will come first. BTW, That's not a request.
In reality, I make the same if not better money running local / regional as I made running O.T.R. and I sleep in my own bed pretty much every night.
Then there is the decision of authority. Run under someone else's or your own, insurance, how much to charge for rates, and more.
Feel free to PM me if you have questions.
Just remember, I will tell you like it is.
Bob Wolf
Murraycroexp
Veteran Expediter
hey now I was in Band!
LOL!! I was too!!
VTurri
Seasoned Expediter
zorry
Veteran Expediter
Because everyone is always telling him to beat it ?
VTurri
Seasoned Expediter
Look at his sig pic
That's a drummer if I have ever seen one.
I use to play in bands in my youth, its kinda a funny thing to say in the garage band circle. I don't know what it is but it seems like the drummer is the misfit of the group.
I just so happen to play drums myself. Also a bass player too.