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Shipping Broker

Mar 01, 2024

Tried the rest? Try the best!

Are you tired of dealing with unreliable shipping brokers who don't prioritize your business needs? Look no further – at Translogistics (TLI), we understand the frustrations that come with managing freight. That's why we have been here since 1994, supporting your shipping experience and provide you with the reliability and transparency and URGENCY you deserve.

Just like our esteemed client from a manufacturing company in Colorado who discovered us through a simple Google search for "LTL broker," you too can benefit from our top-notch services. We pride ourselves on being the #1 result on Google for a reason – our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart from the rest of shipping brokers.

Shipping Brokerage Benefits

So, what sets TLI apart from other shipping brokers? Our freight brokerage services are what makes us the best solution for shippers. Here's what our valued client had to say about their previous experiences:

1. Consistent and Competitive Rates: Say goodbye to unexpected rate hikes and hidden fees. At TLI, we offer competitive freight rates that remain consistent, ensuring that you get the best value for your shipping needs.

2. Personalized Customer Care: Tired of being treated like just another number? Our dedicated team at TLI prioritizes your business and ensures that you receive prompt responses to your urgent inquiries. No more waiting days for a callback – we're here for you every step of the way.

3. Enhanced Communication: Communication is key in the world of shipping, and we understand the importance of staying connected. With TLI, you'll experience clear and transparent communication channels, ensuring that you're always in the loop regarding your shipments.

4. Advanced Tracking and Visibility: Gain peace of mind knowing that your shipments are always within reach. Our state-of-the-art TMS system provides you with tracking options, giving you full visibility into the status of your freight from pickup to delivery.

5. Expert Support and Guidance: Don't let reclassifications and incorrect NMFCs derail your shipping process. Your dream-team of transportation experts at TLI are here to provide you with support and guidance you need to navigate any challenges that may arise, ensuring smooth sailing every step of the way. We do not want to just move a shipment, we want to establish a relationship with you, and give you tremendous value on every shipment, every time.

Whether you're shipping 4-6 LTLs per week or thousands of shipments a month, TLI is here to meet your needs. From mom-and-pop shipping shops to publicly traded mega companies, our comprehensive shipping solutions cater to businesses of all sizes.

Ready to experience the TLI difference? Join the ranks of satisfied customers who trust us with their shipping needs. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your personalized onboarding session. At TLI, we don't just care about your business – we're committed to helping it thrive.

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What is a Shipping Broker?

Shipping brokers act as the link between shippers and carriers, ensuring seamless coordination of freight allocation. Shipping broker's primary goal is to perfectly match transportation needs with carrier capabilities through advanced TMS rating engines, alleviating the burden of logistics from the shoulders of shippers.

By partnering with a shipping broker, you gain access to a plethora of benefits including discounted freight rates, expert handling of documentation and bill of lading creation, shipment tracking, pickup and delivery arrangements, as well as additional services such as cargo claims and freight bill audits. While shipping brokers may not own physical transportation assets, their extensive industry contacts, carrier relationships, and cutting-edge TMS technology enable them to orchestrate efficient, timely, and cost-effective shipments on your behalf.

Shipping Brokerage

As a bonded and DOT-licensed agency, TLI has been a trusted name in the brokerage industry since 1994, embodying values of trust, loyalty, and integrity. Our clientele spans various sectors including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and distributors, facilitating the transportation of raw materials, finished products, and perishable cargo.

Shipping brokers play a crucial role in optimizing the supply chain, making it more streamlined, efficient, and reliable for shippers. With TLI by your side, you can rest assured that your shipments are in capable hands. Experience the difference with TLI – let us serve you, and together, we'll ship success!

What is a 3PL Brokerage?

Leading shippers elevate their competitive position with our cutting-edge freight broker software, a robust TMS system designed to hold carriers to the highest standards of transparency. Our TMS platform empowers you to effortlessly compare carrier rates, enabling you to make informed decisions and select the most cost-effective option for every shipment. Beyond simplifying logistics, TLI's freight brokerage platform serves as a dynamic hub of supply chain analytics, providing invaluable insights to enhance operational efficiency. Seize control of your supply chain like never before – effortlessly compare, analyze freight spend, and choose carriers to optimize cost management and ensure reliability. With our system, you wield the power to enhance efficiency while tightly managing logistics expenses, maximizing savings without sacrificing quality.

Shipping Brokerage Services

Key responsibilities of shipping brokers include:

Rate negotiation: Identifying carriers that offer the best rates and services for each shipment.
Shipment coordination: Booking shipments on behalf of the shipper.
Paperwork and documentation: Preparing necessary paperwork such as terms and conditions, bill of lading (BOL), and shipping labels, and sending them to the shipper.
Shipment tracking: Monitoring the status of shipments.
Problem resolution: Addressing any issues that arise during the shipping process, such as lost or damaged shipments.
Compliance management: Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards.
Marketing research: Conducting research to stay informed about market trends and developments.
Relationship building/networking: Cultivating relationships with carriers and shippers to enhance business opportunities.
Insurance and risk management: Managing insurance policies and mitigating risks associated with shipments.
Technology utilization: Leveraging technology, such as transportation management systems (TMS), to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Cost analysis and reporting: Analyzing shipping costs and providing reports to clients.
Market expansion: Identifying opportunities for business growth and expansion.
Customer service: Providing support and assistance to clients throughout the shipping process.
Carrier sourcing: TLI launches RFPs for large shipping related projects, or large transportation spends that would entail carrier contracts tailored around your shipping profile.

Shipping Brokerage Integration

By integrating your ERP with our TMS system, you open the door to unparalleled efficiency, enabling smooth data exchange between your core operations and logistics management. Enter a unified supply chain environment where the insights from your ERP seamlessly merge with the real-time visibility provided by our TMS, empowering intelligent decision-making and enhancing operational flow.

Bid farewell to isolated shipping data—our TMS to ERP integration guarantees a synchronized supply chain workflow, optimizing logistics resource allocation and boosting productivity across the board. Take your business performance to new heights by merging your ERP with our TMS, creating a powerful synergy that amplifies efficiency and fuels success.

Shipping Brokerage FAQ:

Third-party logistics (3PL) brokerages play a vital role for shippers aiming to consolidate their transportation expenses effectively. Teaming up with a certified shipping brokerage grants shippers access to an extensive carrier network, robust negotiation capabilities, and specialized expertise in leveraging TMS technology to optimize routes and transportation modes. This consolidation effort not only enhances operational efficiency but also delivers significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and broader access to various transportation solutions, thus maximizing the value of the shipper's investment.

When should I utilize a shipping broker?

If the thought of negotiating with carriers, planning routes, tracking freight, dealing with lost or damaged shipments, reclassification, and reweigh bills fills you with dread, then teaming up with a freight broker could be the perfect solution for you! Shipping brokers leverage their expertise to enhance delivery times, prevent damages, and boost overall supply chain efficiency, offering invaluable assistance in improving your shipping processes.

Cost is often a primary concern for shippers, and by utilizing the services of a freight broker, you can significantly reduce your expenses. Leveraging their experience, discounts, and industry connections allows you to stay within your budget and enjoy substantial savings. Moreover, capacity issues can be a headache, particularly for shippers handling large volumes of freight within tight deadlines. Freight brokers excel in managing capacity logistics, providing invaluable support, especially for seasonal businesses.

Time is another critical aspect where freight brokers shine. By collaborating with carriers, they optimize routes and eliminate costly delays, ensuring timely deliveries. Additionally, freight broker services are equipped with procedures to minimize cargo damage, further enhancing the reliability of your shipments. With freight brokers on your side, you can streamline your logistics operations and focus on growing your business with confidence.
Do freight brokers save money?

A reputable broker such as Translogistics (TLI), with its inception dating back to 1994, nurtures strong ties with a reliable network of carrier companies. Unlike carriers that may not have the bandwidth to address the individual needs of occasional or one-time shippers, a shipping broker steps in to provide tailored services. By consistently leveraging its network (TLI manages several hundred shipments daily), a transportation broker secures significantly discounted freight rates from carriers within its network.

These discounts are passed on to customers, enabling shippers to fulfill their freight shipping requirements while enjoying substantial cost savings of up to 95% compared to booking directly with carriers. For shippers sending fewer than 5,000 shipments per month, utilizing a broker proves to be a highly cost-efficient approach. Price negotiations heavily rely on relationships, industry knowledge, and expertise. With TLI's extensive carrier network, we meticulously sift through numerous carriers to identify the ideal match for your shipment at the most competitive rates available.

The diverse array of carrier options enhances the likelihood of finding the most cost-effective solution. Moreover, freight brokers often leverage advanced technologies to pinpoint opportunities for consolidating shipments, optimizing truckload capacity, and generating savings for all parties involved.

Freight brokers are seasoned logistics professionals proficient in maximizing efficiency, ultimately saving both time and money for their clients. Their expertise extends beyond logistics to ensure shipment compliance, thereby averting delays and costly penalties. Entrusting your freight logistics to a reputable broker like Translogistics affords you the freedom to focus on your core business. Indeed, time is money, and TLI consistently delivers exceptional value every step of the way.
Can a transportation broker also be a 3PL?

Absolutely! Transportation brokers can indeed function as 3PLs, but despite some overlap, there are distinct differences in the services they offer. Freight brokers primarily focus on facilitating transportation between shippers and carriers, handling tasks such as load booking, tracking, and documentation. On the other hand, 3PLs provide a broader spectrum of services beyond standard freight brokerage.

At TLI, we cater to both ends of the spectrum, offering 3PL services tailored for large enterprises and freight brokerage solutions for smaller shippers. In addition to transportation logistics, 3PLs also offer warehousing, freight bill audits, and cargo claims services. In certain cases, logistics brokers may integrate 3PL services with their own offerings to provide comprehensive logistics solutions.

TLI stands out as both a freight broker and a 3PL, providing a holistic approach to logistics management. As a 3PL, we can effectively serve as the shipping department for our clients, offering strategic guidance and tactics to optimize their logistics operations and achieve significant time and cost savings. Whether through broker services or comprehensive logistics strategies, TLI is dedicated to delivering value and efficiency to our clients at every turn.

Quality Shipping Brokerage

Select Translogistics (TLI) as your trusted shipping broker partner, boasting over three decades of unparalleled expertise in the industry. Our team consists of seasoned professionals who are devoted to exceeding your expectations. More than just a 3PL provider, we stand out as the finest shipping brokerage, equipped to handle any mode of transportation effortlessly and with an unbeatable attitude. With a 30-year legacy of excellence and a steadfast dedication to delivering top-tier brokerage services, teaming up with TLI guarantees that your logistics challenges are addressed with extensive experience, proficiency, and an unwavering commitment to your success.

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TLI Insights

For the latest insights, tips and commentary surrounding the logistics industry, look no further. Shippers will find thoughts from the award-winning team at Translogistics covering everything related to your transportation processes and plans. If you have a question we are readily available at insidesales@tli.email