For carriers and brokers who want to succeed in the logistics industry, finding freight shippers is very important. It facilitates business growth in a highly competitive market.
By establishing strong relationships with freight shippers, carriers and brokers can enjoy a steady stream of business and increased profitability. Understanding the specific needs of shippers, including shipment size, delivery timelines, and special requirements, helps tailor services that foster these long-term partnerships.
But before you can create these connections, you need to know where to find shippers in the first place. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, maximize profits, or streamline your operations, building your network is key.
This is what One Freight Broker is going to cover here today. Where do you start? How do you identify the right partners? Let’s take a closer look at the strategies carriers and brokers can use to find reliable freight shippers.
Understanding Freight Shipping
Before we dive into specific strategies, we need to get an understanding of the role shippers play in the transportation industry. Shippers are the individuals, companies, and organizations that have goods that need to be moved from one place to another.
Goods can range from raw materials to finished products and are typically moved by land, sea, or air. Their transportation is facilitated by carriers who have the capacity to move them. Overall, freight shipping is the backbone of global trade.
For freight carriers and brokers, the goal is to connect shippers with the right transportation solutions.
Types of Freight Shippers
Shippers can be manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, or even e-commerce businesses. Learning about the different types of shippers can help carriers and brokers identify potential customers more effectively:
Manufacturers
Manufacturers are companies that produce goods, ranging from raw materials to finished products. They often require freight services to transport their goods from production facilities to warehouses, distributors, or directly to customers. Carriers working with manufacturers should understand production schedules and specific handling needs for various types of products.
Wholesalers and Distributors
Wholesalers and distributors act as intermediaries between manufacturers and retailers. They typically deal with large volumes of goods, requiring freight services to deliver products in bulk to retail stores or other businesses. They value reliability and cost-effective transportation to maintain stock levels across various locations.
E-commerce Businesses
E-commerce businesses mainly sell their products online. This is why they need efficient freight solutions for fast and reliable deliveries to consumers. As these companies often deal with small, individual shipments to customers, their freight needs may involve both domestic and international shipping, with a strong focus on speed and customer satisfaction.
Retailers
Retailers are businesses that sell goods directly to consumers, either through physical stores or online platforms. They also rely on freight services to restock their shelves or fulfill online orders, requiring a mix of freight options, including last-mile delivery. They often prioritize timely delivery and a smooth supply chain.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers
Finally, 3PL providers are companies that offer outsourced logistics services, including freight transportation, warehousing, and inventory management. They act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, managing the movement of goods for businesses. 3PL providers focus on optimizing supply chain operations and may require freight solutions for various industries and shipment types.
The Role of Carriers and Brokers
As we mentioned earlier, carriers are the trucking companies or transportation service providers who are responsible for physically transporting the goods. They own or lease vehicles like trucks, ships, or planes, and they ensure that freight is moved from point A to point B. Carriers typically provide various services, including:
- Full Truckload (FTL)
- Less-than-Truckload (LTL)
- Intermodal shipping
- Specialized equipment, like refrigerated trucks or flatbeds
Regardless of the mode of transportation, carriers are responsible for the safety, timely delivery, and proper handling of the freight during transport.
Brokers, on the other hand, act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers. Their role is to match the right carrier to the right shipment, based on factors like size, destination, and delivery time. While they do not own the transportation vehicles themselves, they can leverage their industry knowledge and networks to connect shippers with appropriate carriers.
Freight brokers also handle paperwork, coordinate the logistics, and handle issues that may arise during the shipping process. Many brokers also provide additional services such as route optimization, tracking, and compliance with regulations.
By providing these services, they help streamline the entire shipping process, making it easier for businesses to focus on their core operations without having to worry about the complexities of logistics themselves.
Effective Ways to Find Freight Shippers
When it comes to finding shippers, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Here, One Freight Broker has listed some of the most effective ways carriers and brokers can find shippers to work with.
Leverage Freight Load Boards
Load boards are some of the most reliable resources for finding shippers and keeping a steady flow of business. These online platforms allow carriers and brokers to find available loads posted by shippers themselves. Popular load boards include:
- DAT Load Board: One of the largest and most trusted load boards.
- TruckStop: Another well-established load board with a vast network of shippers.
- Convoy: A digital freight network that helps connect shippers with carriers directly.
By regularly monitoring these boards, you can identify new shippers, track available loads, and build relationships with companies in need of transportation.
Build a Strong Online Presence
Aside from load boards, there are many ways to use the internet to your advantage. For example, having a professional website and active social media profiles can help you reach shippers who are searching for freight solutions online.
Create a Professional Website
A professional website serves as your online business card and a hub for all your services. Make sure your website is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and clearly outlines your offerings, including contact details and testimonials. This is usually one of the first things potential clients will see, so make sure your website helps make a great first impression.
Social Media Engagement
Everyone is on social media, including freight shippers. Use these platforms to regularly post updates about your services, share success stories, and interact with your audience. Social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram can help you establish credibility, increase visibility, and directly connect with shippers looking for freight solutions.
Content Marketing
Content marketing, such as blogs, videos, or infographics, can position your brand as an authority in the freight industry. Share valuable information on shipping trends, tips for better logistics management, or news about regulations. This type of content not only attracts potential customers but also encourages ongoing engagement with your audience.
Network at Industry Events
Not all strategies are done online. In order to meet shippers, you can do so face-to-face through industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events. Some popular events include:
- The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Conference: A great place for brokers to meet shippers and other industry professionals.
- The American Trucking Associations (ATA) Management Conference & Exhibition: A gathering of trucking professionals and shippers.
- The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) EDGE Conference: A major event for logistics and supply chain professionals.
Networking events allow for direct communication, which is even better for building trust and credibility. Make sure you come prepared with business cards, elevator pitches, and a clear understanding of the services you offer.
Partner with Freight Forwarders
If you are a carrier, you can also work with freight forwarders. Forwarders are experts in organizing the movement of goods, making them valuable partners.
By collaborating with freight forwarders, businesses can tap into their extensive network of carriers, streamline logistics, and reduce the time spent on finding suitable shippers. Like brokers, they also offer the advantage of handling customs, documentation, and other complexities of shipping, ensuring that goods reach their destination efficiently and in compliance with regulations.
Use Digital Freight Matching Services
Aside from load boards, digital freight matching platforms are also great for finding shippers quickly and easily. These online marketplaces are becoming increasingly popular because they connect shippers with carriers based on specific needs like cargo type, destination, and timing.
Shippers can post their freight requirements, and the system automatically matches them with available carriers who meet the criteria. The ease of use, transparency, and speed make these services ideal for companies looking to streamline their shipping processes and reduce the time spent on manual outreach.
Direct Outreach and Cold Calling
Don’t underestimate the power of cold calling. Sending emails to potential shippers, such as transportation companies or local carriers, allows businesses to establish personal connections and negotiate terms that fit their needs. Though time-consuming, this approach can potentially uncover hidden gems in the shipping industry.
Referrals and Word of Mouth
Networking is an essential aspect of running a freight brokerage business. In fact, referrals and word of mouth remain powerful tools for finding shippers. By leveraging your network of industry contacts, companies can receive recommendations for reliable and trustworthy partners. This is one of the best ways to find loads before your competitors do.
Building Relationships with Shippers
Once you’ve found freight shippers, it’s essential to build long-term relationships. It’s not enough to work with them once and then never again. If you want your business to succeed and even thrive in this competitive industry, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Communication is Key
Clear and consistent communication is essential in building trust and transparency with shippers. Keep them informed about shipment status, potential delays, and any other important updates. Respond to inquiries promptly and make sure to listen to their needs.
Offer Competitive Rates
Not only does offering competitive rates help attract shippers, it also helps retain them. While price shouldn’t be the only focus, providing value through fair, market-appropriate pricing can help position your service as both affordable and reliable, ensuring long-term partnerships with clients. In this industry, most shippers are looking for budget-friendly—yet efficient—options.
Offer Reliable Service
Reliability builds loyalty. By consistently delivering shipments on time and in excellent condition, you gain the trust of your clients. Shippers depend on your ability to meet deadlines, so maintaining a strong track record of dependable service can set you apart from competitors and strengthen your business relationships.
Solve Problems Quickly
In the logistics world, issues can arise unexpectedly. The ability to address and resolve problems swiftly is crucial. Whether it’s a delayed shipment, damaged goods, or any other issue, being proactive, offering solutions, and showing a commitment to fixing the problem will show shippers you are a reliable partner who values their business.
Work with One Freight Broker
Finding shippers may require a bit of time and effort, but it’s a crucial part of growing a successful carrier or broker business. By following the tips provided here by One Freight Broker, you can secure loads more reliably and even start building strong, long-lasting relationships with shippers. In order to succeed in this business, you need to secure a steady stream of loads—and building your network is a great way to do this.
At the end of the day, if you want your clients to stick around, you need to keep providing excellent service, clear and reliable communication, and solutions that meet their unique needs.
If you are in need of reliable freight transportation services, go for One Freight Broker. We are now the go-to broker for shippers everywhere, and it’s all thanks to our unique strategy. Our inclusive approach allows our clients to reduce their dependence on intermediaries.
By allowing shippers to establish direct, beneficial, and enduring connections with carriers, we help reduce shipping costs for them. In fact, since our founding in 2013, we’ve significantly enhanced the profitability of asset fleets and passed on high-volume discounts to our customers, amounting to tens of millions in savings.
We leverage our vast network to link our clients with dependable trucking allies. Our wide range of services also ensures that we can cater to diverse shipping requirements, from LTL to FTL, domestic to international, and expedited shipping.
With over two decades of experience, One Freight Broker brings unparalleled knowledge of the freight industry, staying ahead of trends and regulatory changes to serve you better.
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.
