As we move through the year, we’re starting to notice some early signs that the freight market is shifting. Back in February, we mentioned this might happen, and now that it’s getting closer, we’re here to help you navigate these changes smoothly. While the shift isn’t fully here yet, it’s becoming clear that we’re in the early stages of moving from a shippers’ market to a carriers’ market.

For the last two years, shippers have benefited from low costs and plenty of available capacity, which has made it easier to reduce your carrier base without losing service quality. But as capacity starts to tighten, you might need to think about expanding your carrier network again.

Are You Properly Qualifying Your Brokers?

With the market shift on the horizon, now is the time to make sure you’re working with the right partners.

You need to go beyond collecting Authority, Insurance and W-9. Here are some other things to consider:

  • Monitor Financial Health: Check your broker’s credit and consider a Letter of Credit to safeguard against potential financial issues.
  • Check Their Reputation: Look at Google reviews and ask for references to confirm they’re a reliable partner.
  • Interview Them: Ask what sets them apart in terms of systems, reporting, and customer service to ensure a strong partnership.

Read the full guide to prepare for the changes ahead. Whether you’re handling heavy, oversized cargo or making sure goods arrive on time, this market shift could bring some changes to your operations.

If you’d like to chat about how we can help you stay ahead of these changes, feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you in finding the right partners to meet your needs while keeping things cost-effective.
Until next time,

Liz Wayne