It's the Freight360 podcast from Freight Broker Sales tips to Sports Talk. This podcast is all about helping you grow as a Freight Broker with your hosts, Nate Cross and Benjamin Kowalski. New episodes every Friday and our Q&A series "The Final Mile" every Tuesday. Join us as we dive into the freight industry to provide you with the latest in Freight Broker education and industry news. If you have a question you would like answered on our show visit the website below or leave a comment where ...
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In this podcast, I explain what a freight broker is and their vital role in the transportation industry. I discuss the importance of proper freight broker training, which helps individuals understand industry regulations, negotiations, and logistics management. I also highlight the various career opportunities available in this field and how it can lead to financial independence. Additionally, I cover the potential salary range for freight brokers, which varies based on experience and worklo ...
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Talk Freight with Craig Bliss, CTB --- Craig Bliss is the creator of Facebook’s largest networking group for freight broker/logistics professionals “FREIGHT BROKERS & TRUCK DRIVERS” Craig helps people become successful by providing a better understanding of what each side looks for to maximize potential & MAKE MORE MONEY!
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Preparing Your Freight Brokerage for Succession | Episode 307
1:00:04
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1:00:04Learn how to turn your freight brokerage into a business that thrives without you. We’ll cover the first hires you should make, how to protect and transfer customer relationships, and the smart way to structure your business for maximum value. Whether you’re selling soon or years from now, these strategies will set you up for long-term success. Sup…
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Survival in a Changing Market | Final Mile 106
18:19
18:19
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18:19Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🚛 Is demand for freight brokers declining, and are small brokers still relevant? ❄️ Tips for finding carriers for 2–3 pallet frozen LTL loads. 🛣️ How to transition from owner-operator to freight broker. 💸 What to do if you misquote a load and face a potential loss. Suppo…
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DAT's Convoy Acquisition: Transforming Freight Automation | Episode 306
52:02
52:02
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52:02DAT’s acquisition of Convoy’s tech platform marks a major leap in freight innovation—pairing the largest load board with cutting-edge automation. Bill Driegert, EVP at DAT and co-founder of Uber Freight, explains how the platform streamlines carrier procurement, automates up to 98% of loads, and slashes brokerage costs. With DAT’s full ecosystem—lo…
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Growing Your Book of Business & Hostage Loads | Final Mile 105
20:52
20:52
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20:52Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🚛 Customer keeps asking for quotes but never books — what to do? 📈 How to find new shippers and grow beyond one customer. 🚨 Carrier holding freight hostage — who do you report it to? Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Fr…
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How to Manage Your Brokerage's Profits in Market Cycles | Episode 305
59:56
59:56
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59:56How can freight brokerages stay profitable in the toughest market in modern history? In this episode, we break down real strategies—like cross-training staff and maintaining a growth mindset—that help companies survive downturns and stay competitive when margins shrink. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click He…
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Bids and RFPs for Freight Brokers | Final Mile 104
19:52
19:52
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19:52Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 💰 Walmart Bid: New broker asks if bidding 94.75% of Walmart’s RPM is a smart strategy. 🤬 Broker Backlash: Trucker calls brokers “legal scammers” and slams their role in the industry. 🎁 Gifts & Content: Best/worst customer gifts and best/worst social media posts for leads…
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AI Revolutionizing Freight | Episode 304
1:02:38
1:02:38
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1:02:38AI isn’t the future—it’s already transforming freight. In this episode, we chat with Thilo from Levity AI about how tools like ChatGPT and Levity are automating quoting, tracking, and sales insights to boost broker productivity and eliminate soul-crushing tasks. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT F…
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Broker vs Dispatcher & More | Final Mile 103
16:40
16:40
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16:40Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Broker vs Dispatcher: We break down the differences between a freight broker and a dispatcher, and whether one person can legally and effectively perform both roles. Fraudulent Carrier Scenario: A listener shares a case where a broker paid a fraudulent carrier and now re…
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Protecting Your Customer's Shipments | Episode 303
59:18
59:18
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59:18Today’s freight thieves are no longer just hijackers—they're hackers, posing as carriers by infiltrating email accounts and exploiting weak verification processes. In this episode, we break down a real theft case where criminals redirected a shipment using a hacked carrier profile, exposing the failure of standard vetting methods. We reveal how the…
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Market Shifts and Innovation with QuikSkope | Episode 302
55:21
55:21
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55:21In this episode, Ben Kowalski and Mike Fullam break down current freight market challenges, including tariffs and shifting consumer habits. They also discuss the new version of QuiksSkope, a tool designed to combat freight fraud and improve accountability in the transportation industry. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here…
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Expedite Loads, CWT vs Linehaul Rates | Final Mile 101
19:45
19:45
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19:45Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Expedite freight for aerospace industry Flat rates vs. CWT – how to switch Quoting linehaul-only rates without fuel Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Broker…
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Why Most Freight Sales Reps Fail | Episode 301
57:18
57:18
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57:18Why do 95% of new sales reps wash out in their first year? This episode uncovers the mindset shifts, psychological hurdles, and authentic communication strategies that separate top freight brokers from those who struggle. Whether you're building a sales team or trying to thrive in the industry yourself, you'll get actionable insights to transform y…
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Securing Your Freight: Insurance, Theft Prevention, and Broker Best Practices | Final Mile 100
15:37
15:37
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15:37Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: "What insurance coverage does a freight broker actually need—Contingent Cargo, General Liability, or both?" "Two friends had loads stolen due to email hacks—how can brokers prevent this type of fraud?" "Should brokers call a driver before booking, or is email confirmatio…
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Our Best Freight Brokerage Advice | Episode 300
55:24
55:24
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55:24We’re celebrating 300 episodes by sharing the most valuable lessons we’ve learned in building a successful freight brokerage. From finding your niche and qualifying leads to building strong carrier relationships and tracking profit—not just revenue—this episode is packed with time-tested strategies. Whether you're new or seasoned, these fundamental…
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Software, LTL, & Low Rates | Final Mile 99
21:13
21:13
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21:13Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 📦 Recommended freight broker software tools to manage rate confirmations, BOLs, PODs, and invoices. 🚚 Strategies for pricing and moving LTL (Less-than-Truckload) shipments. 🥔 What to do when shippers underpay: Can brokers ask for more money without damaging relationships…
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Military logistics is one of the most complex and overlooked areas in transportation. In this episode, we break down how moving freight for the Department of Defense really works—from navigating organizations like SDDC, to managing tight timelines, limited carrier capacity, and high-stakes coordination. You'll also hear firsthand stories and relati…
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Export Rail, Cross-Border Hay, and Load Cancellations | Final Mile 98
16:26
16:26
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16:26Stephen Ruhe & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🚆 Export & Domestic Rail Freight - How can brokers source both export and domestic rail freight? 🍁 Moving Hay from Canada to the U.S. - If you’re brokering freight like hay from Canada to the U.S., can you handle customs clearance yourself—or do you need to involve a c…
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Tech in Freight Brokerage | Episode 298
1:02:53
1:02:53
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1:02:53Benjamin and Stephen dive into how technology is changing freight brokerage in this episode of Freight 360: Using TMS and automation to boost efficiency Helping small brokerages adopt and improve tech Avoiding the hype and making sure systems actually work Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight…
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Insurance, Sourcing Freight, and Objections | Final Mile 97
23:02
23:02
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23:02Stephen Ruhe & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: ✅ Insurance and surety bond requirements for starting a freight brokerage in Florida 📦 How brokers find loads and the role of load boards vs. direct shippers 🚫 Handling the "we only work with asset-based carriers" objection Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free …
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The Art of Customer Relationship Building | Episode 297
54:07
54:07
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54:07🎧 This Freight 360 episode explores winning brokerage strategies, industry risks, and economic shifts. -Securing more freight through strong communication and customer value -FMCSA identity verification changes and rising fraud concerns -Tariffs, safety budget cuts, and their economic impact -Tech, AI, and personal productivity tips for brokers Sup…
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Working the Spot Market, Cold Calling Success, and Career Transitions in Logistics | Final Mile 96
20:58
20:58
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20:58Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 📦 Are load boards enough? — Can brokers actually find spot market loads directly on load boards, or do they first need to secure customers independently and then post the freight? 📞 Cold call math — Out of 80 outbound calls, how many typically answer on the first try? An…
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The Future of Freight Payments: Outgo and DAT | Episode 296
1:09:38
1:09:38
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1:09:38In this episode of Freight 360, we’re joined by Ken Adamo, Chief of Analytics at DAT, and Marcus Womack, CEO and Co-founder of Outgo, to break down the current freight market and DAT’s recent acquisition of Outgo. We discuss how this move enhances payment speed, transparency, and financial control for carriers. Topics include challenges like capaci…
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Training, Automation, & More | Final Mile 95
36:38
36:38
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36:38Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Freight Broker Certificate Courses Canceling a Freight Brokerage Start-Up Covering Step Deck Loads AI for Freight Brokers Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - …
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Renegotiating Failed Bids | Episode 295
1:01:56
1:01:56
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1:01:56In this episode of Freight 360, we cover key issues in freight and trucking—from 4% of truckers being unlicensed to low freight volumes and economic pressures. They break down double brokering vs. interlining, highlight fraud and safety risks, and explore challenges in trailer rentals, bids, and project management Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - …
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DAT Rating, Insurance, and Contracts | Final Mile 94
20:23
20:23
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20:23Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: MC Authority Delay? New brokerage struggling on DAT — is 1.5 years to gain traction legit? Broker Contracts Help Lawyer vs. templates — what’s best for new logistics brokerages? Insurance Needed Hard time raising liability to $2M? Here's where to look. Cameron Pechia…
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Credit Policies for Freight Brokers | Episode 294
1:08:23
1:08:23
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1:08:23This episode exposes real cases of internal fraud at freight brokerages—from agents moving loads under fake approvals to inflating commissions and abandoning contracts. Learn how to protect your business with better system controls, document checks, and shared account access. Plus, hear how China’s tariff cuts could shake up freight volumes—and who…
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Transportation Law with Matt Leffler Part 2 | Episode 293
42:28
42:28
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42:28In this second segment of 2 part episode, attorney and law professor Matthew Leffler joins the hosts to unpack key legal issues in trucking. They cover non-compete agreements, broker transparency, driver safety, shipper-broker contracts, and recent cases like Werner and Wabash. Leffler shares insights on legal risks, evolving regulations, and how a…
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Transportation Law with Matt Leffler Part 1 | Episode 293
1:05:34
1:05:34
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1:05:34In this first segment of 2 part episode, attorney and law professor Matthew Leffler joins the hosts to unpack key legal issues in trucking. They cover non-compete agreements, broker transparency, driver safety, shipper-broker contracts, and recent cases like Werner and Wabash. Leffler shares insights on legal risks, evolving regulations, and how au…
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Inspections, Landstar, & Top Load Boards Explained | Final Mile 92
19:20
19:20
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19:20Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🔍 Why brokers request carrier inspections 🧑💼 Is Landstar a good choice for agents? 📦 Best load boards for freight brokers Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power -…
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Email Essentials for Freight Brokers | Episode 292
58:58
58:58
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58:58Poor email habits can cost you customers. In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of professional email communication for freight brokers and why it matters more than you think. 🔹 Write clear, purpose-driven messages 🔹 Use subject lines and recipient lists effectively 🔹 Repackage sloppy carrier emails before forwarding 🔹 Always follow up ca…
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Are Brokers Parasites? & More Q&A | Final Mile 91
17:25
17:25
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17:25Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Is there a platform where brokers can bid on available freight shipments? What should I do if someone is fraudulently using my MC number to book loads? I'm getting started as a broker, but people say I can't compete with the big guys—any advice? Responding to claims that…
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When it comes to vetting motor carriers, each freight broker has their own preferences on what to look for and what to avoid. In this episode, we're opening the hood on our own personal rule sets that we use when selecting motor carriers. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get…
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How to Make $1M Per Year as a Freight Broker | Final Mile 90
22:56
22:56
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22:56Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Should I be using an official quote form when sending pricing to a customer? Is it realistic to earn $1 million a year as a cradle-to-grave rep handling mostly LTL with 25% commission? When managing LTL and FTL with FedEx and UPS, should I explore alternative shipping op…
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In this episode of Freight 360, the hosts break down freight brokering basics with a focus on carrier selection and fraud prevention. They cover how the current economy affects the industry, share a global outlook, and dive into a real case of identity theft. Key takeaways include best practices for vetting carriers, staying ahead of fraud tactics,…
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Bulk Loads, GPS Tracking, & More Q&A | Final Mile 89
18:16
18:16
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18:16Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: What's the biggest challenge brokers face when it comes to shipping freight? How to find bulk carriers and handle washout requirements. GPS tracking issues: Why isn't it pinging every 30 minutes like it should? Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click He…
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Freight Broker Essentials: The Basics | Episode 289
58:02
58:02
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58:02Ever wonder why some freight brokerages thrive while others constantly struggle with cash flow problems? The answer lies in mastering the fundamentals that many brokers overlook. In this eye-opening episode, we explore the critical but often neglected basics that make or break your brokerage operation. We share real stories of brokerages that gener…
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Prospecting, Fuel Surcharges & Blind Loads | Final Mile 88
19:16
19:16
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19:16Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🔍 How to find the right companies to prospect — and who to contact once you do ⛽️ How to calculate fuel surcharge when quoting a customer 🙈 What blind shipments are and why shippers use them Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Her…
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Common Accessorial Charges | Episode 288
1:03:33
1:03:33
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1:03:33🚚 In this episode, we cover: ⏱ What accessorial charges are (detention, layovers, TONU, lumpers & more) 📄 How to document charges and avoid disputes 📉 Real-world examples of how mishandling accessorials hurts profits and relationships Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10%…
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Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 📞 What does “100 calls per day” really mean—total dials or the number of companies contacted? 🚫 Is there a way to get more customers without cold calling? What can a new broker do after struggling with outreach? 💸 When does a shipper typically pay a new brokerage, and ho…
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The Hidden Risks of Running a Freight Brokerage | Episode 287
1:03:47
1:03:47
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1:03:47Profits 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 bus…
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Breaking Into Freight Brokerage: Essential Q&A for Success | Final Mile 86
21:19
21:19
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21:19Nate 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 carr…
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n this podcast, I explain what a freight broker is and their vital role in the transportation industry. I discuss the importance of proper freight broker training, which helps individuals understand industry regulations, negotiations, and logistics management. I also highlight the various career opportunities available in this field and how it can …
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Freight 360 Live: Maximizing DAT Tools for Brokers | Episode 286
1:07:04
1:07:04
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1:07:04Get 10% off a Year of DAT: Click Here 🔹 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-mak…
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Getting New Customers & More Q&A | Final Mile 85
20:12
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20:12Ben & 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. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a …
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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…
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Breaking Down the Freight Broker Role | Episode 285
1:01:09
1:01:09
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1:01:09Benjamin 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 …
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TONUs, Freight Rates, & More Q&A | Final Mile 84
38:28
38:28
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38:28Ben & 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 be…
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Trump Tariffs & Cross-Border Freight (with Dean Croke of DAT) | Episode 284
56:05
56:05
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56:05Ben 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 par…
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New Freight Broker Mistakes & More Q&A | Final Mile 83
25:41
25:41
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25:41Ben & 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…
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Back Office Fundamentals in Freight Brokerage | Episode 283
1:01:35
1:01:35
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1:01:35💰 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 …
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