We're doing a live podcast this Thursday with DAT to help show you the best ways to maximize your tools to increase your profits and carrier network. Make sure to join us on LinkedIn or YouTube this week, March 20th at 2pm EST. You can interact and ask questions if you watch live, otherwise it will be available for everyone as a recording just like our normal podcast. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7305645496692289537/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/4awDX7L5TDI Support Ou...
Mar 17, 2025•4 min
Benjamin and Stephen break down the many roles in freight brokerage, from freight agents to carrier sales reps, and the challenges of customer acquisition. They dive into market trends, tariffs, cargo theft, and cyber scams, highlighting the need for clearer job titles and stronger fraud enforcement. Plus, they discuss AI’s impact on logistics and the challenges of economic uncertainty in this high-stakes industry. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: TONU Fees & Cancellations – Is it reasonable to charge a 24-hour cancellation fee on shipments? (Sounds like a TONU question.) Trucking Cost Per Mile – What’s the industry average for a trucking company? Comparing $1.80 vs. $2.07 per mile. Freight Broker vs. Sales Jobs – How does being a freight broker compare to other sales roles? Career Moves in Logistics – After two years in freight brokerage, what’s next? What was you...
Mar 11, 2025•38 min
Ben and Dean break down recent US-Canada tariff changes, covering their impact on freight volumes, rates, and carrier challenges. Dean shares insights on operating costs, a possible freight recession, and long-term trade policy effects. They also discuss market volatility, strategies for navigating tough conditions, and the importance of strong partnerships. The episode wraps up with predictions for future trends and advice on staying adaptable in a shifting market. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSko...
Mar 05, 2025•56 min
Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Dispatching Trucks from Abroad – Challenges and considerations for carriers managing operations remotely. Carrier Perspective on Rates – The push for higher rates and the costs carriers must cover. Onboarding Challenges – What happens when a carrier isn’t set up late in the day? New Broker Mistakes – Common pitfalls when booking the first load and how to avoid them. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click He...
Mar 04, 2025•26 min
💰 Back Office Basics for Freight Brokers In this episode of Freight 360, Benjamin and Stephen break down the back-office fundamentals that keep a freight brokerage running smoothly. They get into the nitty-gritty of invoicing, payment processes, and the headaches that come with detention and accessorial fees. Cash flow is king in this business, so they talk about how to keep it moving, streamline operations, and avoid payment delays. They also dive into rescheduling fees, why solid communicatio...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Handling extra costs like lumper fees and detention fees – when to charge the shipper Calculating fuel surcharges – is it built into the rate or added later? Working with airlines and MRO repair facilities – thoughts on dedicated aviation freight Why do some brokers refuse to work with dispatch services? Dispatch services vs. family members – what’s the difference when representing a carrier? Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope -...
Feb 25, 2025•27 min
You may have heard of him or even seen his wild Tweets on X - we finally got to sit down with FreightBrokerGuy and his story is a wild one. Talk about finding a niche in the freight broker industry. This one is a fun one, and we've been waiting a long time to do it! Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Brok...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🚛 Handling Accidents on Your Loads – What to do when an accident happens involving one of your shipments. 🖥️ Essential Software for a New Brokerage – What’s worth the investment and where you can cut costs when launching your freight brokerage. 📄 Brokers & BOLs – Do customers expect brokers to generate their own Bills of Lading (BOLs)? Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: C...
Feb 20, 2025•19 min
🎙 Mastering Freight Rates & Market Trends Unlock the keys to freight success in this episode! We break down essential strategies for quoting, negotiating, and navigating market shifts in logistics. 🔹 Freight Rate Negotiations – Tips to master the art of pricing and securing the best deals. 🔹 Trucking Capacity & Market Trends – How to interpret heat maps and spot rate trends. 🔹 Economic Impacts – The effects of steel & aluminum tariffs on supply chains. 🔹 Supply Chain Disruptions...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 💰 Dispatcher Fees – How much should you pay per load or per week for tracking and tracing? 🎯 Lessons for New Brokers – The one piece of advice industry veterans wish they had when starting. 🚛 Broker vs. Carrier Load Dumping – Why brokers sometimes tell carriers to dump late-arriving produce and what to do about it. 📑 Customer Onboarding Timeline – How long should contracts, credit checks, and insurance verific...
Feb 11, 2025•23 min
🎙️ Freight, Trade & Touchdowns Freight Brokerage 101 – Learn how to quote a new shipper and secure your first load. Trade & Tariffs – The impact of trade wars, Mexican border policies, and USPS parcel suspensions. NFL & Laughs – Super Bowl hot takes, referee favoritism, and Ben’s daddy-daughter dance. LTL Changes – Updates on freight class shifts and how brokers can adapt. Sales Strategies – Cold calling tactics, trust-building, and securing long-term customers. Tune in for a mix of...
Feb 07, 2025•58 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Working as a Freight Broker as a Foreigner Low Rates Explained Freight Claims with a Co-Broker Arrangement Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Broker Basics Course: Click Here Join Our Facebook Group: Click Here Check out al...
Feb 04, 2025•18 min
We recently talked about prospecting and lead generation, but how do you follow up with a shipper? What do you say? When should you follow up? These are common questions and we're breaking this down in detail on this second episode in a series on freight broker prospecting. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended Products: Click Here Frei...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Freight Broker Taxes Building a Carrier Network Broker Transparency Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Broker Basics Course: Click Here Join Our Facebook Group: Click Here Check out all of our content online: Click Here...
Jan 28, 2025•18 min
🎙️ Master Freight Sales with Confidence Ready to exceed your shippers' expectations? In this episode of Freight360 , we share essential strategies to elevate your freight sales game. 🌟 What You’ll Learn: Smart Sales Strategies : Balance price, service, and quality while identifying ideal customers. Cold Calling Confidence : Overcome nerves, build trust, and close deals with ease. Actionable Insights : Leverage market data to enhance your sales approach. Gain the tools to connect authentically ...
Jan 24, 2025•51 min
As the AFC Championship looms, we’re asking the big questions: Can Josh Allen and the Bills finally topple the Mahomes-Kelce connection, or will the Chiefs' dynasty march on? We're bringing you every play, every stat, and every moment that matters from this epic clash of titans. 🏈 Ready to dive into the future of the league? Hit play, and let’s talk Bills, Chiefs, and everything in between. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analy...
Jan 22, 2025•21 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Understanding spot rates Cold calling strategies Credit approval for customers Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Broker Basics Course: Click Here Join Our Facebook Group: Click Here Check out all of our content online: Cli...
Jan 21, 2025•22 min
Mastering Tough Conversations Transform your communication skills with insights from economics, business, and freight. Explore the impact of cultural communication differences in business. Learn how economic trends shape the freight and logistics industry. Discover the power of honest conversations in building trust and stronger partnerships. Listen now to turn tough discussions into valuable connections! Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freig...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Starting Out: Wait 3-6 months with MC/US DOT before prospecting? ELD Tracking: DAT vs. Trucker Tools for brokers. Reefer Temps: Use to stand out from competition? Payment Issue s: Broker owes, 60 claims against bond—what to do? Lumper Fees : Why are carriers charged EFS check fees? Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first...
Jan 14, 2025•17 min
As we dive into 2025, it's essential to reset our habits and align strategies to navigate the changing freight market landscape successfully. This episode emphasizes the importance of adjusting routines, strengthening customer relationships, and developing proactive plans to handle market fluctuations. • Importance of resetting habits after the holidays • Strategies for kickstarting the freight business in 2025 • Navigating customer conversations to understand needs • Importance of establishing ...
Jan 10, 2025•57 min
Join Jeff Clementz, CEO of DAT, and Kary Jablonski, former CEO of Trucker Tools, as they share their journeys into the freight industry and the story behind DAT's acquisition of Trucker Tools. Learn how these platforms are driving efficiency, improving broker-carrier relationships, and addressing challenges like fraud prevention through innovation and data integration. We also explore the future of logistics technology, including advancements in reefer tracking and automation, highlighting the t...
Dec 23, 2024•58 min
Stephen Ruhe & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Becoming a Broker: W2 vs. agent for beginners? Tarping Issue: Who’s liable for untarped $10K damaged load? Reefer Trucks: Are 26’ reefer trucks worth it for LTL? Transparency: Why don’t brokers share shipment profits with carriers? Detention Fees: Raise fees to $250/hour after 2-hour delays. Low Rates: Why accept $350 loads from FL to Atlanta? Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity...
Dec 20, 2024•31 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Negotiating rates with motor carriers High volume, low margin freight for freight brokers Hiring agents, sub-agents, and employees for a freight brokerage Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Broker Basics Course: Click Here ...
Dec 17, 2024•22 min
Can AI-generated voices replace human interaction in freight? This episode dives into how tech advancements and market trends are reshaping freight brokerage, creating opportunities for growth. We share insights on the evolving demand for brokerage education and how small brokerages can thrive through strategic acquisitions and better resources. Plus, we explore freight sales strategies and the challenges of dual brokerage trucking models, all with a mix of humor and expertise. Support Our Spons...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: - Customers that won’t use brokers - Delivery Appointment Issues - Broker Margin Transparency - Power Only Load Outs Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Broker Basics Course: Click Here Join Our Facebook Group: Click Here Ch...
Dec 10, 2024•28 min
Dive into the evolution of freight brokerage, from the Motor Carrier Acts of 1935 and 1980 to the transparency mandates of CFR 371.3(c), reshaping the industry into a dynamic and competitive space. Discover how deregulation transformed brokers from salespeople into critical financial facilitators, similar to Uber’s disruption of the taxi industry. Explore challenges like accident-related driver terminations and appeals processes, alongside comparisons of regulatory landscapes across North Americ...
Dec 06, 2024•57 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Trailer load outs Tariff impact on freight and prices Backhaul pricing and load-to-truck ratio Operating with two authorities (asset & broker) Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Broker Basics Course: Click Here Join Our...
Dec 03, 2024•20 min
Our latest Freight 360 episode promises to unravel the complexities of the freight brokerage market. Get ready to explore the hot-button issue of rate transparency and the implications of CFR 371.3(c), a topic that has stirred much debate within the industry. What is it? Why was it created? Why is everyone talking about it now? We answer all of that and more! Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first yea...
Nov 29, 2024•59 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Tax lawyers for freight brokers Finding shippers and using shipper lists Sourcing open deck trailers Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended Products: Click Here Freight Broker Basics Course: Click Here Join Our Facebook Group: Click Here Check out all of o...
Nov 26, 2024•19 min
