Technological interconnectivity has recently fueled a sharp rise in demand for transportation brokerage services. With so many options to choose from, it might be tempting to go with the most economical option available. But before making a hasty and costly decision, here are a few tips to help inform your decision. Keep reading to help insure a safe and successful brokerage experience for everyone involved.
Do They Have Proper Insurance?
Just like real estate and insurance brokers, transportation brokers must be insured in order to practice. Unfortunately, many don’t have the insurance needed. Maybe they are trying to avoid high bond rates. Perhaps their credit score isn’t high enough to secure a viable premium. Whatever the case is, it’s important to know that your broker is secured so you and your shipment are always protected.
Is There Any Fraudulent History?
This is a big one. If a broker offers rates that seem too good to be true, they probably are. It’s important to research a broker’s payment history to determine, for example, if they have backed out of any past agreements. Double-brokering is also an illegal practice that you should be aware of. A major load can be the difference in someone’s livelihood; the temptation to act in the broker’s best interest, not the client’s, will always be present. Be wary of fraudulent brokerage activity.
Is Your Broker Who They Say They Are?
Make brokerage decisions based on reputation and facts, not price. Remember that the RMIS certification marketplace is your best friend. RMIS offers the strongest source for brokerage credibility, which includes monitoring IP addresses, improving brokerage visibility across the organization, and enabling faster, informed decision-making. GW Transportation uses this monitoring system regularly, and RMIS recently stopped GW from using a fraudulent carrier by detecting an IP address known for fraudulent activity. Instilling good practices with the help of quality software increases security and assurance for everyone involved in managing freight transportation.
Brokerage You Can Trust
At GW, we have built our reputation on credibility. We maintain this credibility by thoroughly verifying the credibility of those we work with, and building longstanding partnerships with those who share our trust. We believe in transparency and communication throughout each step of the brokerage process. So before you jump at that bargain quote, consider the source and do your due diligence. Good practices will keep you up and running for the long haul.
For more information or questions about which service may be best for you, don’t hesitate to contact us at (877) 260-1595. We look forward to hearing from you!