How Do Freight Brokers Find Shippers

Are you looking to learn how to find freight shippers? You can always try online load boards to find loads and get started. Generally speaking, these jobs are usually not the top-dollar ones and are hit-or-miss. Most of the loads are posted by other brokers looking for an available truck. The main ingredient that you need for a stable yet successful business is long-term clients, aka shippers.

Make sure you have a good logo and a good website, as the companies will go to your website in the first place. Here are some of the proven ways to find new shippers.

1. Ask for referrals

Do you know your best leads are most likely to come from your existing customers! If your existing customers like your service, they will become great references for you. Always ask for referrals! Make sure you consider giving a bonus to your existing customers for referrals.

1. Warm calling

We all know that it is no fun for freight broker agents at all to take your mobile and make cold calls to your potential customers. However, you can increase the odds of success by making warm calls instead of cold calls. You can consider purchasing a database of manufacturers and distributors you want to target. Make sure the database includes company details such as types of products they ship, number of employees, revenue, etc.

1. Check credit sheets for references

Another best source for online freight brokers for finding potential customers is credit references. Make sure you look at who companies list when they fill out their credit apps.

1. Check your competitors and their customers

When reaching out to your prospects, most will tell you that they already work with a broker and do not need your services. Make sure you do not hang up because you will miss a very good opportunity. At this point, the best yet effective tactic is to offer them a "free, no-obligation audit" to see if you can beat their current rates and to see if you could be on their list as a backup. It is your duty to explain that you would like to be there in case something comes up where they need more assistance or should something "go South" with the other service.

1. Direct mail

The last yet most effective strategy is direct mail, which can be an efficient way to reach out to a large number of targeted businesses. You can buy a database of shippers that fit your profile, and then select the companies you would like to target. You can design a postcard or write a letter and possibly include a promotional offer. Direct mailing strategy is typically a very long game, so do not expect an immediate response. Each mail should have a different offer or message. If you are sending a letter, make sure you do not send one more than twice a year. The idea behind the direct mailing strategy is to be the one they think of when they come across a need for your service.

This post was all about the discussion related to how to find freight shippers. We hope you liked this post. Make sure you watch this section for more such posts.

I am passionate about entrepreneurship, startups and the web in general. I worked in several web agencies and I am now an independent web marketing consultant. Fax Cover Sheet Template