The world of logistics and supply chain management is incredibly complex, but the relationship between freight shippers and carriers keeps everything efficient. For shippers, the challenge often lies in finding reliable, cost-effective, and service-oriented carriers who can handle the demands of their freight.
For carriers, their main concern is finding a consistent stream of business. This is where freight brokers come in. Their role as intermediaries involves connecting shippers with the transportation service providers who can handle their freight.
But in this article, One Freight Broker will focus on discussing the relationship between shippers and carriers: how shippers typically find carriers and how they can improve their connections within the industry. Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Freight Shipper?
Before we talk about the connection between shippers and carriers, we need to understand what these terms mean. A freight shipper is a person or business responsible for initiating the transportation of goods.
In the freight industry, the shipper is the party that owns or controls the products being transported and arranges for them to be delivered to a buyer or distribution center. Shippers may be manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, or any business that needs to move goods from one location to another.
Shippers may work directly with carriers or use third-party logistics providers (3PLs) or freight brokers to handle the shipping process. In essence, they are the ones who set everything in motion.
What is a Freight Carrier?
On the other hand, a freight carrier is the company or individual that physically transports goods from point A to point B. They are the ones who operate the vehicles—such as trucks, trains, ships, or planes—and make sure freight reaches its destination on time and in good condition. They are responsible for ensuring that cargo is picked up, handled, and delivered according to the terms agreed upon with the shipper or broker.
Carriers are licensed and insured to handle freight, and they provide the manpower, equipment, and expertise needed to move cargo safely and efficiently.
There are different types of carriers, including common carriers who offer services to the public, and contract carriers who serve specific clients under negotiated agreements. They can range from large trucking companies with nationwide fleets to independent owner-operators running single trucks. Regardless of their type, freight carriers are essential to logistics operations. At the end of the day. They are the backbone of the transportation system, physically moving goods that keep commerce running.
Whether you’re a small business owner trying to get your products to market or a large manufacturer with complex shipping needs, finding the right carrier can significantly impact your operations and bottom line. This is why it’s important to understand the relationship between these two parties.
How Freight Shippers Look for Carriers
Shippers looking for carriers don’t just randomly select a name from a list. They go through several steps to ensure they find the right fit. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
Define Freight Requirements
Before choosing a carrier, shippers first define their exact freight needs. They consider the type of cargo, the shipment size, the weight, and all the required equipment. That’s how they find a suitable carrier that can handle everything while following their delivery timeline. If there are special handling requirements like temperature control or hazardous materials, shippers consider those too. It is important to find carriers who are properly equipped and experienced to handle their specific freight.
Search Through Carrier Networks
Most shippers who are already established within their respective industries already have a network of trusted carriers that they have worked with in the past. They may begin their search by reaching out to these known contacts because they are already familiar with them and know they are reliable. This reduces the risk of service disruptions.
In larger companies, these networks are often managed through transportation management systems (TMS) that help streamline the process.
Use Load Boards
When their network doesn’t offer the solution they are looking for, shippers turn to load boards to post their available freight. These are online platforms where shippers and carriers can connect in real time.
Here, shippers can list details regarding the shipment and receive bids or inquiries from interested carriers. Some load boards offer features like rate comparisons, carrier ratings, and tracking tools to help make better matches.
Partner With Freight Brokers
When in doubt, shippers can always work with professional intermediaries known as freight brokers or logistics brokers. If they want help navigating the market or managing logistics, they can rely on the expertise of these brokers. Brokers are also helpful for those who do not have an established network of carriers.
Freight brokers have all the connections shippers need to find the best carrier for the job. This option is especially useful for businesses with complex shipping needs or do not have the time to maintain carrier relationships on their own.
Work with One Freight Broker
Finding the right carriers is one of the most important tasks for any freight shipper. With the rise of technology and expanded access to logistics resources, shippers today have more tools than ever to identify, vet, and partner with reliable transportation providers.
But it’s not just about tools—it’s about relationships. Whether you’re working with a freight broker, posting to a load board, or building a direct network of carriers, it’s essential to work on partnerships based on transparency, trust, and mutual benefit.
For those who are in need of reliable freight transportation services, One Freight Broker is the go-to choice for shippers everywhere. Our unique and inclusive approach allows clients to establish direct, beneficial, and enduring connections with reliable shipping partners.
Since our founding in 2013, we have significantly reduced shipping costs for our clients, amounting to tens of millions in savings, by linking them with dependable trucking partners. We have also enhanced the profitability of asset fleets by reducing their dependence on intermediaries.
One Freight Broker is also known for its wide range of services, covering everything from LTL to FTL, domestic to international, and even expedited shipping options. We make sure to help you find the perfect fit for your needs, regardless of your shipping requirements.
Leveraging our vast network of carriers, we negotiate favorable rates, passing on high-volume discounts to our customers. Additionally, we offer tech-driven solutions. Our user-friendly online platform and TMS streamline the shipping process, from obtaining quotes to tracking shipments in real-time, offering transparency and efficiency.
When you partner with One Freight Broker, you gain access to a vast network of carriers, competitive rates, and a team of experts dedicated to optimizing your shipping process. Whether you’re shipping domestically or require assistance with more complex logistics, we’re here to ensure your freight reaches its destination efficiently and cost-effectively.
Contact Us Today
Ready to simplify your shipping experience? Contact One Freight Broker to discover how our expertise can benefit your business, ensuring your cargo is in safe hands every step of the way.
For more information on how we can assist your business, visit our website at 1fr8.broker.
