If you have freight that needs to be shipped from one location to another, you may be looking to hire a freight broker. A freight broker works with many shippers and transporting companies. When these companies have extra space on their truck, they turn to brokers to help them fill up this space along their route. The broker works as a go-between between you and the company, helping you to get your items shipped and helping them to fill their trucks. This results in the transporter having a full load and helps you, the person shipping goods, get a fair rate.

If you are looking to hire a freight broker, there are certain questions you should ask before making your final selection. Here are three questions to ask a freight broker you are considering working with. 

How Do You Select the Freight Carriers You Work With? 

One of the questions you should always ask a freight broker is how they select the carriers they work with. Will they work with any company who has space or do they only work with certain companies? If they only work with certain companies, how do they screen those companies to ensure they are licensed, insured, and have the skills needed to properly transport your belongings? This question is important as the freight carrier is ultimately responsible for picking up your goods, delivering them on time and ensuring they make it in one piece. 

How Long Have You Been in Business? 

Always ask a freight broker how long they have been in business. While everyone has to start somewhere, you should be hesitant to do business with a company that has not been around long. If they disappear, your money or goods may disappear along with them. Try to find a freight brokerage company who has been in business for some time and has a proven track record for handling freight. 

Will You Provide References? 

Anytime you are looking to work with a freight broker, ask for references. Then be sure to follow-up with the references. Ask the references if their items arrived on time and in good condition, if they were charged more and if the freight carrier and broker were easy to work with. If the references state that they were charged more than the estimate, that the freight arrived late or that the carrier or broker was hard to work with, you may want to find another broker to work with. 

Do You Give Written Quotes? 

The last question to ask if whether a freight broker will provide you with a written quote and if that quote is a binding quote. This helps to ensure you are not charged more than the quoted price. If the broker will not put the price in writing or back it up with a binding guarantee, you may want to look for one who will. 

Not every freight brokerage company is the same. Knowing what questions to ask will help you find the company that is ideal in your situation. Contact companies like First Star Logistics to get started.