There is a problem today with freight operations: a disconnect between shippers and carriers because the moves are managed by freight brokers. But there is a solution, a way to facilitate direct collaboration between shippers and carriers and build better operations without freight broker interference.
The solution is an anti-broker.
What Freight Brokers Don’t Want You to Know
Old-school freight brokers want shippers to think they’re indispensable. Shippers are led to believe:
- Freight can’t move without a broker.
- Freight brokers are the only way to contract with carriers.
- Freight brokers aren’t gouging them with hidden fees.
But carriers and shippers can work together effectively to ensure that goods are transported safely and efficiently — without broker intervention. ShipScience said this “involves clear communication and coordination between the two parties, as well as adherence to industry regulations and safety standards. Additionally, carriers and shippers must stay up-to-date with advances in technology and transportation methods in order to remain competitive in the industry.”
Today, there is a way for shippers and carriers to achieve communication, coordination, and compliance goals through direct collaboration via a platform designed to develop those relationships and build better operations.
The Right Carrier Is Obtainable
There is a way to find the right carrier — a tested carrier — for your freight without relying on a freight broker.
ShipScience said shippers should take a prospective carrier’s reputation and track record into consideration. “You want to work with a company that has a history of delivering cargo on time and in good condition,” it said. “You can research a carrier or shipper’s reputation by reading online reviews and checking their safety record with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).”
Shippers can also find the right carrier for their freight by “test driving” that transportation provider.
Test Drive Brings Carriers and Shippers Together
At Test Drive, our platform allows shippers to test carrier performance moving shipments under our authority. We operate with a fixed margin, utilizing advanced technology for optimal matching and facilitating seamless transitions to direct contracts.
We empower shippers to build direct, profitable, and long-term relationships with carriers. We help hundreds of shippers move thousands of loads every month — and help them save time and money by connecting them with reliable, vetted trucking partners.
Those shippers and carriers are singing Test Drive’s praises.
“Test Drive is a no-brainer for us,” a shipping manager from Philadelphia said in a client testimonial, adding that the platform helps his company “locate carriers rather than preventing us to do so as most brokers do through back solicitation clauses. Test Drive just makes so much sense if it’s important to grow relationships with asset-based carriers.”
On the carrier side, a fleet manager from Atlanta said the truckload provider was “struggling to find good, direct business without a sales force and found ourselves hauling more and more broker freight. We approached Test Drive to help change that — and six months later, we are doing direct business with multiple new customers and growing contracted business by the week.”
Test the Test Drive difference for yourself.