In this episode of Freight 360, we’re joined by Ken Adamo , Chief of Analytics at DAT, and Marcus Womack , CEO and Co-founder of Outgo, to break down the current freight market and DAT’s recent acquisition of Outgo. We discuss how this move enhances payment speed, transparency, and financial control for carriers. Topics include challenges like capacity constraints and high operating costs, plus how Outgo’s tech simplifies back-office operations and factoring. We also explore fraud prevention, th...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Freight Broker Certificate Courses Canceling a Freight Brokerage Start-Up Covering Step Deck Loads AI for Freight Brokers 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: ...
May 27, 2025•37 min
In this episode of Freight 360, we cover key issues in freight and trucking—from 4% of truckers being unlicensed to low freight volumes and economic pressures. They break down double brokering vs. interlining, highlight fraud and safety risks, and explore challenges in trailer rentals, bids, and project management 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 Her...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: MC Authority Delay? New brokerage struggling on DAT — is 1.5 years to gain traction legit? Broker Contracts Help Lawyer vs. templates — what’s best for new logistics brokerages? Insurance Needed Hard time raising liability to $2M? Here's where to look. Cameron Pechia: Cameron@AllLinesInsure.com Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - G...
May 20, 2025•20 min
This episode exposes real cases of internal fraud at freight brokerages—from agents moving loads under fake approvals to inflating commissions and abandoning contracts. Learn how to protect your business with better system controls, document checks, and shared account access. Plus, hear how China’s tariff cuts could shake up freight volumes—and who’s liable when customers don’t pay. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Ge...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this second segment of 2 part episode, attorney and law professor Matthew Leffler joins the hosts to unpack key legal issues in trucking. They cover non-compete agreements, broker transparency, driver safety, shipper-broker contracts, and recent cases like Werner and Wabash. Leffler shares insights on legal risks, evolving regulations, and how automation could reshape the industry—emphasizing the need for education, clear contracts, and better documentation. Armchair Attorney Matt Leffler Lin...
May 13, 2025•42 min
In this first segment of 2 part episode, attorney and law professor Matthew Leffler joins the hosts to unpack key legal issues in trucking. They cover non-compete agreements, broker transparency, driver safety, shipper-broker contracts, and recent cases like Werner and Wabash. Leffler shares insights on legal risks, evolving regulations, and how automation could reshape the industry—emphasizing the need for education, clear contracts, and better documentation. Armchair Attorney Matt Leffler Link...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🔍 Why brokers request carrier inspections 🧑💼 Is Landstar a good choice for agents? 📦 Best load boards for freight brokers 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 Produ...
May 06, 2025•19 min
Poor email habits can cost you customers. In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of professional email communication for freight brokers and why it matters more than you think. 🔹 Write clear, purpose-driven messages 🔹 Use subject lines and recipient lists effectively 🔹 Repackage sloppy carrier emails before forwarding 🔹 Always follow up calls with confirmation emails 🔹 Avoid costly miscommunication and protect your business Listen now and sharpen one of your most overlooked tools i...
May 02, 2025•59 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Is there a platform where brokers can bid on available freight shipments? What should I do if someone is fraudulently using my MC number to book loads? I'm getting started as a broker, but people say I can't compete with the big guys—any advice? Responding to claims that brokers are "parasites" and the root cause of low rates in the industry. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: C...
Apr 29, 2025•17 min
When it comes to vetting motor carriers, each freight broker has their own preferences on what to look for and what to avoid. In this episode, we're opening the hood on our own personal rule sets that we use when selecting motor carriers. 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 F...
Apr 25, 2025•48 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Should I be using an official quote form when sending pricing to a customer? Is it realistic to earn $1 million a year as a cradle-to-grave rep handling mostly LTL with 25% commission? When managing LTL and FTL with FedEx and UPS, should I explore alternative shipping options beyond current contracts? Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Ge...
Apr 22, 2025•23 min
In this episode of Freight 360, the hosts break down freight brokering basics with a focus on carrier selection and fraud prevention. They cover how the current economy affects the industry, share a global outlook, and dive into a real case of identity theft. Key takeaways include best practices for vetting carriers, staying ahead of fraud tactics, and the value of training and education in spotting red flags. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT ...
Apr 18, 2025•50 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: What's the biggest challenge brokers face when it comes to shipping freight? How to find bulk carriers and handle washout requirements. GPS tracking issues: Why isn't it pinging every 30 minutes like it should? 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 Her...
Apr 15, 2025•18 min
Ever wonder why some freight brokerages thrive while others constantly struggle with cash flow problems? The answer lies in mastering the fundamentals that many brokers overlook. In this eye-opening episode, we explore the critical but often neglected basics that make or break your brokerage operation. We share real stories of brokerages that generated impressive revenue on paper but collapsed when they couldn't collect payments because of poor documentation practices. You'll discover why verbal...
Apr 11, 2025•58 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🔍 How to find the right companies to prospect — and who to contact once you do ⛽️ How to calculate fuel surcharge when quoting a customer 🙈 What blind shipments are and why shippers use them 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 R...
Apr 08, 2025•19 min
🚚 In this episode, we cover: ⏱ What accessorial charges are (detention, layovers, TONU, lumpers & more) 📄 How to document charges and avoid disputes 📉 Real-world examples of how mishandling accessorials hurts profits and relationships 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...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 📞 What does “100 calls per day” really mean—total dials or the number of companies contacted? 🚫 Is there a way to get more customers without cold calling? What can a new broker do after struggling with outreach? 💸 When does a shipper typically pay a new brokerage, and how do you cover the carrier payment before you get paid? 🚛 Why would a truck driver change the MC number and company name on the side of their ...
Apr 01, 2025•25 min
Profits can vanish fast when brokers cut corners. Nate kicks things off with a wild National Guard story from inside New York prisons, then we dive into real-life brokerage disasters: a $50K trailer fail, insurance loopholes that killed claims, and a rejected tanker load no one wants to touch. If you’re in freight, these lessons could save your business. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DA...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Does Your Business Name Matter? – Should you change “Transportation” to “Logistics” when you become a broker? Cold Calling 101 – How to approach shippers as a new broker and what your outreach should sound like. Finding Carriers When You’re New – Strategies to build carrier relationships, even when you lack a credit rating. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freig...
Mar 25, 2025•21 min
Get 10% off a Year of DAT: Click Here 🔹 DAT Features – Explore qualification settings, company profiles, and market insights. 📊 Leveraging Data Analytics – Use tools like Benchmark & LaneMakers to optimize operations. 📈 Navigating Market Shifts – Learn how seasonal changes impact capacity and pricing. 💰 Boosting Profitability – Improve decision-making with real-time carrier performance tracking. 🎧 Tune in now to stay ahead in the freight game! Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Fre...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Prospecting as a New Broker – Key advice for getting started and landing shippers. Using the BOL for Leads – How to leverage Bills of Lading to start conversations. Building Carrier Trust – Overcoming factoring issues and earning credibility. 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 ...
Mar 18, 2025•20 min
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 One - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here AscendTMS: Click Here Use promo code RA-freight...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 4 min
