How to Find the Best Flatbed Freight Broker

Finding a flatbed freight broker that works for you, as a shipper, is vital. It is essential to partner with a company that understands the type of freight being shipped and the processes that go into shipping that freight. This is especially the case with flatbed shipping. There are multiple trailer types and considerations that have to go into the shipping process.

When looking at a potential flatbed freight broker to partner with, it is important to consider their expertise, reliability, and ensure they are relation-focused. These three things are what lead to the best services for everyone involved in the shipping process.

Expertise

Expertise plays a significant role in all shipping but especially so in flatbed shipping. This is because with flatbed shipping there are many more additional factors to consider. Especially so when compared to something more streamlined, like a dry van shipment.

An experienced flatbed freight broker will make sure every question is answered before starting the process. This means knowing exactly what type of flatbed trailer will be needed, if tarps or covers will be needed, any loading and unloading specifications and so much more.

The main goal of partnering with a freight broker is to make shipping easier. Therefore, it would make sense to go with a company that has a proven track record with plenty of experience.

Reliability

Another key factor that the shipper needs to look for is reliability. This is specifically important due to the materials often shipped via flatbed; construction material and heavy equipment. These are things that can hold up the shipper’s operations or even bring them to a standstill.

Because of this, a reliable flatbed freight broker is going to follow through on their promises. They will also make sure the job gets done every time. They know the role they play and want to make sure you and your team are able to be the best you can.

Relation Focused

The third, and final, factor a flatbed freight broker needs is a focus on building relations. This means relations with their partnered shippers and their partnered carriers. As a shipper, it is important that your shipping partner is approachable, responsive, and there when you need them. This leads to a foundation of trust. The trust that once your freight is picked up it will arrive at the destination on time and in a good condition.

It is also important to inquire about the carrier relations of the flatbed freight broker you are thinking of partnering with. Flatbed trailers are a niche mode in the world of shipping and logistics. Because of this, it is important that they have relations established with trusted carriers.

3 Qualities of Succcess from a Flatbed Freight Broker

Finding the Best Flatbed Freight Broker Today

Reliability, relations, and experience. Those are the three key factors you need to look out for when building a partnership with a flatbed freight broker. So, how can you actually go out today and find these? The best way is to ask the right questions.

Finding someone with the right expertise should be the easiest to identify. Check how long they have been in business and ask what percentage of their shipments are flatbed. Also, ask for a breakdown of which flatbed trailer types they mostly ship.

For reliability, you’ll want to look at some of their past clients, maybe ask for some testimonials or KPI’s. Then, make sure they are following up on their promises early on. You don’t want to work with someone that isn’t reliable when trying to sell to you. Then, of course, you could always have them do a trial shipment or two before making a commitment.

And lastly, to find a flatbed freight broker focused on relation, you’ll have to identify how quickly they are answering your questions in the early stages of the relationship. Are they able to provide the answers to any questions that you have and quick to respond? Also, follow your gut, does the company seem like the right fit? Are these people you’d like to work with?

HTL Freight has nearly 40 years of experience in the shipping and logistics industry. We have a focus on flatbed shipping and aim to go above the call of duty. We work to ensure that our partner’s freight is delivered with care.

If you want to see if we are the right fit then feel free to reach out and contact us. Additionally, you can get started today by requesting a freight quote here.

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