Ever wondered how a freight broker navigates the choppy waters of rate negotiation and relationship building? Buckle up as we take you through the ins and outs of freight brokerage, starting with the bedrock principles that every professional, rookie or veteran, should know. Embark on a journey with us as we recount tales from the trenches, including a personal story of an Airbnb mishap that's as much about adaptability as it is about logistics. This episode isn't just theory; it's packed with r...
Mar 29, 2024•57 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Working with New Carriers Brokering Freight in Canada Duplicate Load Board Posts Fees on Carrier Advances Sylectus Load Board Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! to get AscendTMS FREE FOR 90 DAYS! Recommended Produc...
Mar 26, 2024•20 min
Unlock the secrets of the produce industry with expert Jeff Lair from Blue Book Services as we slice into the utility of their "Know Your Commodity" tool. This episode is bursting with industry knowledge, from the competitive world of freight brokerage to the perennial charm of asparagus. Whether you're a veteran in the logistics game or new to the fragrant fields of fresh produce, our conversation is packed with fresh perspectives and juicy details that will keep you engaged and informed. Feel ...
Mar 22, 2024•51 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Team Settings in Freight Brokering General Freight Claims How Freight Broker Surety Bond Works Freight Broker Websites Blind Shipments Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! to get AscendTMS FREE FOR 90 DAYS! Recommend...
Mar 19, 2024•20 min
Join us as we talk with Mike Fullam and Ed Mangino, the founders of Quikskope, a revolutionary tool for freight brokers to prevent fraud and cargo theft. With years of experiences as freight brokers, they understand the problem with knowing how to verify a carrier's identity at shipment pickups and deliveries. This tool is a game changer. Email Quikskope at info@quikskope.com Quikskope Demo Quikskope Website Quikskope LinkedIn Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: How Credit Impacts a Freight Broker’s Relationship with Carriers How to Sell a Freight Brokerage Shippers Liability to Pay Freight Invoices Do You Need Contingent Cargo Insurance? How Freight Brokers Find Prospect Shippers Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTM...
Mar 12, 2024•27 min
Dive into the dynamic world of the freight industry with our latest insights on market trends, legislative changes, and a tribute to the heroics on the road, including a semi-truck driver's dramatic rescue. We cover everything from mastering sales techniques and navigating market fluctuations to enhancing communication skills for successful freight sales. Join us to sharpen your skills and stay ahead in the fast-evolving logistics landscape. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Cl...
Mar 08, 2024•58 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: TMS & CRM Integration Why Double Brokering Happens How Many Leads Does a Pipeline Need? Account Manager Commissions Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! to get AscendTMS FREE FOR 90 DAYS! Recommended Products: Cl...
Mar 05, 2024•25 min
In our latest episode, Thilo Huellmann , the Co-founder of Levity, shares how automation is revolutionizing the freight industry, from automating mundane email management to enhancing efficiency with advanced data extraction and real-time inbox integration. This innovation not only allows freight brokers to concentrate on building stronger relationships but also transforms customer emails into accurate quotes rapidly, thanks to integrations with DAT and Greenscreens APIs. As we explore Levity's ...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Paying Trucks After a Double Broker Sourcing Dump Trucks Market Shifts US/Mexico Freight Outsourced Cold Calling Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! to get AscendTMS FREE FOR 90 DAYS! Recommended Products: Click Her...
Feb 27, 2024•23 min
Ever wondered how to build a freight brokering empire with a side of hot chicken? Join me and my fellow broker Ben as we blend anecdotes, strategies, and a bit of sports talk to reveal the secrets of winning clients and mastering sales, all spiced up with local culture from Nashville to Florida. We'll dive into the art of turning lukewarm leads into loyal customers, share the magic behind effective cold calls, and explore the seasonal swings of the shipping industry. Tune in for a light-hearted ...
Feb 23, 2024•54 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Detention Pay Part-time Brokering Load Board Comparisons Commission Plans Outsourced Cold Calling Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! to get AscendTMS FREE FOR 90 DAYS! Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Broke...
Feb 20, 2024•24 min
Freight claims are a pain in the butt. Period. The reality is that they are part of freight brokering so we're taking this episode to talk about the claims process and how to best manage it. We tell some stories and finish off with tip to prevent claims. Enjoy! Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! ...
Feb 16, 2024•51 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Getting consistent loads Non-competes USPS loads Freight broker training Carriers with old trucks Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! to get AscendTMS FREE FOR 90 DAYS! Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Broke...
Feb 13, 2024•29 min
Project freight can be a complex niche in the freight brokering industry. In this episode, we're sharing our stories and advise when it comes to quoting and managing projects for your customers. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! to get AscendTMS FREE FOR 90 DAYS! Recommended Products: Click Here...
Feb 09, 2024•52 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Carrier Cancels on a Load Deducting Money from a Carrier Verifying Carrier Identity Getting Bored in Brokerage Damages at Delivery Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! to get AscendTMS FREE FOR 90 DAYS! Recommended P...
Feb 06, 2024•28 min
Nate lost a bet and wears a Chiefs jersey, we talk about the UPS and Coyote problems, and most importantly we crack open the nut of LTL as it pertains to freight brokers. In this episode, you'll learn the basics of LTL, how it compares to full truckload, how it's priced, and how those pallets actually get from origin to destination. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & ...
Feb 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Burner MCs Highway vs Carrier 411 Produce Claims HazMat Loads 1099 Taxes Customer TMS Platforms Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! to get AscendTMS FREE FOR 90 DAYS! Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Broker ...
Jan 30, 2024•25 min
In this episode, we dive into the world of freight brokerage, blending insights and personal stories to equip you with essential industry tools, including strategies for successful lane pricing and negotiations. We explore the factors influencing freight rates and capacity, using analogies and situational awareness to navigate the complexities of the spot market and the art of negotiating truck rates. Beyond just business tactics, we emphasize the importance of passion, relationship-building, an...
Jan 26, 2024•57 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: When to start prospecting How to sell in the spot market Requirements for a sprinter van company Prospecting freight forwarders Factoring company requirements Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! to get AscendTMS FRE...
Jan 23, 2024•29 min
This episode offers an exhilarating mix of NFL highlights and freight market strategies, beginning with the Buffalo Bills' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and setting high stakes for the Bills vs. Chiefs game. We then dive into how winter weather impacts the logistics industry, from adapting to icy roads and delays to dealing with regional challenges in transportation. We wrap up with insights on how natural disasters affect the trucking industry, offering strategies for freight brokers to ...
Jan 19, 2024•49 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Dealing with double brokers as a freight broker Dealing with double brokers as a motor carrier How many calls does it take to get a customer? Freight broker employment benefits What to do when carriers want more money and customers want to pay less Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Car...
Jan 16, 2024•29 min
On this episode, we're talking carrier vetting. How do freight brokers research carriers to determine the best carriers to use? What should you look for, and what tools can you use to do the job? We'll break it all down on this episode! Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight360! to get AscendTMS FREE FOR...
Jan 12, 2024•56 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: What insurance do freight brokers need? How do freight brokers quote lanes? Should I quit being a freight broker? How much does a freight broker bond cost? How much can a freight broker agent make in the first month? Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Cli...
Jan 09, 2024•22 min
In this episode of Freight 360, we start 2024 with Ken Adamo, Chief of Analytics at DAT Freight and Analytics, discussing freight rates and the complexities of broker margins. Ken provides valuable insights into the analytics of trucking operations, highlighting the importance of overarching data in understanding broker margins. We also explore shipper strategies and their impact on carrier relations and industry recovery. Be sure to follow Ken on social! LinkedIn: click here X (aka Twitter): @t...
Jan 05, 2024•58 min
Prepare to navigate the murky waters of logistics with us, as industry expert Ben pulls back the curtain on the notorious practice of double brokering. Ben, armed with ten years of experience, distinguishes the fine line between co-brokering and double brokering, unraveling the legal and ethical safeguards that can protect your business. We’ll also tackle the nuanced world of carrier invoicing, where the rules are written in the federal register but the drama unfolds in real-world scenarios. Whe...
Jan 02, 2024•27 min
As the year winds down, we're taking a moment to reflect on the twists and turns of the freight industry, and let's not forget, the thrill of football season. From the Buffalo Bills' playoff hopes to the future of Bill Belichick with the Patriots, we've got the sports scoop that will keep your adrenaline pumping. But it's not all touchdowns and field goals; we also delve into how the warm holiday weather has been shaking up logistics, and why nurturing customer relations is key to sailing smooth...
Dec 29, 2023•51 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Selling warehousing Withholding pickup numbers from drivers Holiday freight volumes Working with freight forwarders Cold call preparation Freight broker agent commissions Support Our Sponsors: Bluebook Services DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers DAT Express - Brokers Truckers Edge - Carriers Lean Solutions Group Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Bro...
Dec 26, 2023•26 min
With all of the debate on social media about freight broker margins, we’re breaking it all down in detail on this week’s episode. We talk about the myths and the truths surrounding freight broker margins as well as what we personally experience. 0:00 Intro 3:12 Sports & News 8:30 Main Episode Support Our Sponsors: Bluebook Services DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers DAT Express - Brokers Truckers Edge - Carriers Lean Solutions Group ...
Dec 22, 2023•1 hr
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: How to start a cold call What to do if a load is stolen How to find out of a load is double brokered Our thoughts on the TQL “raid” by FMCSA Support Our Sponsors: Bluebook Services DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers DAT Express - Brokers Truckers Edge - Carriers Lean Solutions Group Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Broker Basics Course: Sign Up Her...
Dec 19, 2023•29 min
