I’ve had three people in the past week tell me that they think new brokers don’t know how to have conversations with carriers.
I like to think that can’t possibly be true, but I’m going to leave this here just in case…
Broker: Do you have any vans in Detroit tomorrow?
Carrier: No, not tomorrow.
Broker: Oh, do you guys get to Detroit?
Carrier: Yeah, a couple time a week.
Broker: Great. I get these Detroit to Louisville loads a couple times/week. Would those be a good fit for you?
Carrier: No…we’re usually trying to get our drivers back to Atlanta.
Broker: Ah, ok. These Detroit loads might not be a fit, but is there anywhere else you get to regularly where you need help getting back to Atlanta?
Carrier: Actually, we’re in Des Moines and Kansas City a couple times/week and always trying to find loads for those trucks.
Broker: Got it. Were those also vans?
Carrier: Yep. We run all vans.
Broker. Oh, ok. How many trucks do you guys have?
Carrier: 20
Broker: Great. I’ll reach out if we have anything that might be a fit for those KC or Des Moines trucks. Is there a good way to know when you have cap? Do you send out a truck list or anything?
Carrier: Best way is just call me the week before, but we do send out a daily list. I'll add you to it.
Broker: Perfect. My email is ___. What was your name, again?
Carrier: Bill
Broker: Thanks, Bill!
There’s obviously more you could/should ask (this is a LI post, after all), but that’s more or less how to have an initial convo with a carrier.
#freight #3pl #transportation
Human Resources at Sun Rich Foods Canada
3mogreat