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How to Use a Freight Broker

A freight broker’s job is to arrange the transportation of your shipment. Brokers don’t actually have their own trucks and drivers. Instead, they assign carrier companies within their networks to service shipments at booked prices, while striving to meet the time frames requested. 

After booking a shipment with a freight broker, it’s important that both parties connect to confirm details. You should receive an email or phone call directly from the broker. Once details are confirmed, your broker can get to work reaching out to carrier companies in an attempt to secure the transport of your shipment. Find both freight brokers and forwarders on uShip. 

Freight Broker Expectations

It’s important to note that shipment time frames provided by brokers are estimates only. This means that although they will take the proper steps to ensure your shipment is picked up within the time frame indicated on a bid, it’s possible they’ll need additional time to assign the shipment to a carrier. Please communicate directly with your freight broker for up-to-date information regarding the status of your shipment.

Freight Brokers Vs. Freight Forwarders

Similar to brokers, freight forwarders arrange transportation for shipping customers as well. The difference is that freight forwarders work with various exporters and importers and have the ability to store cargo, negotiate freight rates, and arrange distribution.