What do brokers ask shippers?

brokers don't discuss quotes with carriers. brokers set the price, either the carrier accepts or not.

it's not common for a truck to actually know what the shipper actually paid the brokers

 

That all depends on the shipper. Some want to dictate what the rates will be, others will send out mass emails to brokers/carriers and whoever can cover it at the cheapest price gets it, if it is time sensitive then whoever can cover it first gets it.

Maybe when the deck is stacked in the brokers favor, but when its not.....game on!

Case in point, last week Friday I got a broker load with a nice rate on it going into a very good area for me. Got to the shipper and loaded the machine (legal dimensions) guy comes running out of the office and says to wait a minute before putting the neck back on the trailer. I go inside to see what the deal is, he says that they had a customer call and wants to rent the machine for two weeks, so now it is not going where it was supposed to go. He said that since it was already on my trailer that I could move it the 87 miles to his customer if I wanted. Keep in mind that this is 87 miles further west into no mans land. I didn't really want to do it, would have rather just bounced home. So we gave him a quote of $2200 to move it, he took it, he had no choice if he wanted to keep his customer happy.

 

I usually tell them:
The lane (obviously)
The dates/times
The commodity
The weight
The Equipment

Sometimes I'll get back:
What is the packaging?
Pallet count (this usually comes back if they find a carrier with a 48')
Do they need to scale offsite (get this from CHR sometimes)

I find the brokers usually don't ask too many questions, I have to provide them with the details. After we've decided on a rate (done a few different ways), I send over an instruction letter. My instruction letter makes everything abundantly clear, explaining the terms of the shipment, the equipment needed, addresses/directions, a "what to do" when they get to the receiver, and of course, the rate. It also offers me some protection in the event they do not follow my instructions and it ends up costing them.

If I'm working with a new broker, I'll ask for their packet, much like they do for carriers. It should include insurance, their DOT number, and a tax ID. I usually only work with established brokers... No reason for me to go to a new and small broker.

Most of the brokers I've worked with have insurance to $100k, and beyond that they ask you consult with them first before giving them the load. I think that's pretty typical. I rarely ship over that, so I haven't really had too much experience there.

 

If I'm scheduling a load with one broker I'll send them my instruction letter complete with pickup numbers from the beginning.

If I've got a load out with a couple different brokers, I just give them cities and commodity, but hold back the addresses/phone numbers/pickup numbers. Once someone finds a truck, I'll check their rate, decide to book them, and send them my instruction letter with all the rest of the info. This could be a reason why brokers don't always have information about loads.

I've had cases where a broker calls the shipper directly and arranges to pick up the load without my knowledge. Then they call me and say I'm sending a truck over for $1500 or whatever. Hello!! This is my freight and I'm paying the invoice here!! It puts me in a tough spot because if I don't like his rate (or his unethical behavior!!!) and he does truly have a truck on it's way, I'd be cancelling not only on the broker but also the carrier. And god knows they won't get a TONU, which isn't fair to them.

I think if you asked shippers these questions, they would appreciate it. A good way to do it might be "are there any special instructions for this load?" You don't want to sound like an interrogator. I've worked with some brokers that talk a mile a minute and can't slow down and LISTEN to the instructions.
On that same token, I think giving carriers the answers to these questions would be helpful. I would also imagine that having some driving experience will be good when talking to carriers, because you know some of that world too. I like working with brokers that have some driving experience, because I feel like they better bridge the gap between shipper and carrier (whether they do or not, I don't know!).

 

First post here BoyWonder. There are a lot of non-experienced brokers/agents out there so it's nice to see you taking this approach. This would tell me that you are already in the top 25% of brokers before you move your first load. Just my 2 cents.
Quoting questions to ask and moving questions to ask differ:
For ex. someone mentioned they as a shipper give Pick: City,St, or zip to Del: City, St, or zip the weight, commodity, type of trailer needed and when it needs to be picked/delivered. This is a typical quote request I receive on a regular for just quotes:

Good morning everyone. I have a load that needs to pick up either this afternoon ortomorrow – 35,000 lbs. OTR only.


Pick up: Yonkers, NY Del to: Brevard, NC



Bid only if you have the equipment available. Bid open until 1pm eastern time. Can pick up as late as 2:30 pm this afternoon.

This was a load blast to anyone willing to listen and I don't have time nor do I attempt to devalue myself or the drivers. Take care of your customers, take care of your drivers (they are your customers and partners, never forget that) You build a trusting relationship with a good driver keep them running and find them freight

If you win the load then you get all the details of the load before you send a ratecon to a driver or trucking company. For the drivers try to keep it as low maintenance as possible. They pick/they drop their done and making money. not getting them all the info will cause not only shipping delays but the layover fees/detention etc that have to be paid are nothing compared to a driver having a gravy load after dropping on time and taking their mandated time powered down.

Anyway just some tips. Gl to you