Brokers: which ones work with new carriers?

Most of them. Probably 95%.
Get yourself a load board subscription when you get your authority fired up. Do not worry about all the "you need 6 months in business" or you need this or that it is very rare. Especially right now, everyone is looking for trucks. It won't last forever, never does, so if you're already in the stages of activating authority get cracking at it you will be fine.

 

5 years ago, I worked for a new entrant. The only broker that wouldn't talk to me was an outfit called "Corporate Traffic", and that was because we only had 2 trucks, and they would only deal with carriers with 10+ trucks. Nobody ever played the 'not enough time in business' card.

 

CH Robinson but never haul cheap for them, if you do, they will think that you are cheap forever. They say 700 you say 1200. They say 2400 you say 3800. Oh maybe I am overdoing now, but the pattern should be clear. Same with animals by the name of Coyotes.

 

Hub Group and Pepsi Logistics are two more of the larger brokerages that will work with you.

I’m going on my second week under my own authority and was turned down twice for being “too new.” No big deal, just make another phone call or two.

Don’t get discouraged and make sure to stick to your numbers, don’t settle for a low rate. There’s plenty of loads out there.

 

I think TQL needed 60 days active.

They called me on my posted truck when I was at Day 60. 121 mile "had to get there" load for $750. Have not been able to work a load with them since then but I appreciate their calling to check on me several times/ day.

CH Robinson needs you to do their packet then wait half a week to get approved. Their loads are hit or miss.

I've had three smaller companies ask me for three-five references before I could pull their loads.

Aside from that, as long as your scores look good, you're good to start negotiating with 98% of companies.

Oh... there was one company that I did not qualify for bc they required an additional insurance coverage that no one else needed. I can't remember the details but my insurance agent said they are one of .002% of companies that require it.

It wasn't worth it.

 

@Doing_flatbed_nc what was that "additional coverage" your agent nixed?

 

It was a type of liability that he described as "covering someone who gets hurt by walking into your truck."

I can't remember the name but no has asked for it but one mega broker whose name I can't recall.

 

The 1MM general liability?

 

I have 1m liability...