Profits can vanish fast when brokers cut corners. Nate kicks things off with a wild National Guard story from inside New York prisons, then we dive into real-life brokerage disasters: a $50K trailer fail, insurance loopholes that killed claims, and a rejected tanker load no one wants to touch. If you’re in freight, these lessons could save your business.

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Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

• Does Your Business Name Matter? – Should you change “Transportation” to “Logistics” when you become a broker?
• Cold Calling 101 – How to approach shippers as a new broker and what your outreach should sound like.
• Finding Carriers When You’re New – Strategies to build carrier relationships, even when you lack a credit rating.

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🔹 DAT Features – Explore qualification settings, company profiles, and market insights.
📊 Leveraging Data Analytics – Use tools like Benchmark & LaneMakers to optimize operations.
📈 Navigating Market Shifts – Learn how seasonal changes impact capacity and pricing.
💰 Boosting Profitability – Improve decision-making with real-time carrier performance tracking.

🎧 Tune in now to stay ahead in the freight game!

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Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

• Prospecting as a New Broker – Key advice for getting started and landing shippers.
• Using the BOL for Leads – How to leverage Bills of Lading to start conversations.
• Building Carrier Trust – Overcoming factoring issues and earning credibility.

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We're doing a live podcast this Thursday with DAT to help show you the best ways to maximize your tools to increase your profits and carrier network. Make sure to join us on LinkedIn or YouTube this week, March 20th at 2pm EST. You can interact and ask questions if you watch live, otherwise it will be available for everyone as a recording just like our normal podcast.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7305645496692289537/about/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/4awDX7L5TDI

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Benjamin and Stephen break down the many roles in freight brokerage, from freight agents to carrier sales reps, and the challenges of customer acquisition. They dive into market trends, tariffs, cargo theft, and cyber scams, highlighting the need for clearer job titles and stronger fraud enforcement. Plus, they discuss AI’s impact on logistics and the challenges of economic uncertainty in this high-stakes industry.

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Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

• TONU Fees & Cancellations – Is it reasonable to charge a 24-hour cancellation fee on shipments? (Sounds like a TONU question.)
• Trucking Cost Per Mile – What’s the industry average for a trucking company? Comparing $1.80 vs. $2.07 per mile.
• Freight Broker vs. Sales Jobs – How does being a freight broker compare to other sales roles?
• Career Moves in Logistics – After two years in freight brokerage, what’s next? What was your next job after brokering? Is there a path in logistics beyond traditional brokerage?

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Ben and Dean break down recent US-Canada tariff changes, covering their impact on freight volumes, rates, and carrier challenges. Dean shares insights on operating costs, a possible freight recession, and long-term trade policy effects. They also discuss market volatility, strategies for navigating tough conditions, and the importance of strong partnerships. The episode wraps up with predictions for future trends and advice on staying adaptable in a shifting market.

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Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

Dispatching Trucks from Abroad – Challenges and considerations for carriers managing operations remotely.
Carrier Perspective on Rates – The push for higher rates and the costs carriers must cover.
Onboarding Challenges – What happens when a carrier isn’t set up late in the day?
New Broker Mistakes – Common pitfalls when booking the first load and how to avoid them.

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💰 Back Office Basics for Freight Brokers

In this episode of Freight 360, Benjamin and Stephen break down the back-office fundamentals that keep a freight brokerage running smoothly. They get into the nitty-gritty of invoicing, payment processes, and the headaches that come with detention and accessorial fees. Cash flow is king in this business, so they talk about how to keep it moving, streamline operations, and avoid payment delays.

They also dive into rescheduling fees, why solid communication is a game-changer in logistics, and how a good TMS can make or break efficiency. Mastering back-office ops isn’t just paperwork—it’s the key to running a profitable freight brokerage.

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