what is a freight broker

A freight broker is an intermediary between a shipper and a freight service provider. They facilitate communication between the shipper and the carrier, making sure the handoff goes smoothly between carriers and shippers, and that freight arrives safely, on time. Freight brokers can specialize in certain types of freight, such as equipment hauling on lowboys, oversize, bulk tanker, auto, or other types of freight transportation. Freight brokers are experts at freight and have the experience and connections to optimize your supply chain, finding easy wins that slash your costs—passing the savings on to you. They can help shippers cut costs, move freight fast, and remove the demands of traffic management and carrier sourcing from its operations. Freight brokers are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must be granted authority as verifiable via the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance database. They provide assistance to motor carriers by filling their trucks and providing assistance along the route to help the truck driver deliver the order on time. Freight brokers also provide great financial service to truckers, providing fuel advances to help with cash flow and offering quick payment plans. The business of brokering freight is all about relationships, and the shipper relies on the brokerage’s network of carriers to move their shipment.