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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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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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
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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Lumpers, Dispatchers, & More Q&A | Final Mile 82
27:24
27:24
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27:24Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Handling extra costs like lumper fees and detention fees – when to charge the shipper Calculating fuel surcharges – is it built into the rate or added later? Working with airlines and MRO repair facilities – thoughts on dedicated aviation freight Why do some brokers refuse to work w…
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We Met FreightBrokerGuy! | Episode 282
1:04:14
1:04:14
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1:04:14You may have heard of him or even seen his wild Tweets on X - we finally got to sit down with FreightBrokerGuy and his story is a wild one. Talk about finding a niche in the freight broker industry. This one is a fun one, and we've been waiting a long time to do it! Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here D…
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Freight Accidents, Broker Tools, & More Q&A | Final Mile 81
18:38
18:38
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18:38Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🚛 Handling Accidents on Your Loads – What to do when an accident happens involving one of your shipments. 🖥️ Essential Software for a New Brokerage – What’s worth the investment and where you can cut costs when launching your freight brokerage. 📄 Brokers & BOLs – Do cust…
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How Freight Brokers Quote New Shippers | Episode 281
1:03:15
1:03:15
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1:03:15🎙 Mastering Freight Rates & Market Trends Unlock the keys to freight success in this episode! We break down essential strategies for quoting, negotiating, and navigating market shifts in logistics. 🔹 Freight Rate Negotiations – Tips to master the art of pricing and securing the best deals. 🔹 Trucking Capacity & Market Trends – How to interpret heat…
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Dispatcher Pay, New Broker Tips, & Produce Claims | Final Mile 80
22:52
22:52
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22:52Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 💰 Dispatcher Fees – How much should you pay per load or per week for tracking and tracing? 🎯 Lessons for New Brokers – The one piece of advice industry veterans wish they had when starting. 🚛 Broker vs. Carrier Load Dumping – Why brokers sometimes tell carriers to dump l…
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How to Move Your First Load With a New Customer | Episode 280
57:58
57:58
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57:58🎙️ Freight, Trade & Touchdowns Freight Brokerage 101 – Learn how to quote a new shipper and secure your first load. Trade & Tariffs – The impact of trade wars, Mexican border policies, and USPS parcel suspensions. NFL & Laughs – Super Bowl hot takes, referee favoritism, and Ben’s daddy-daughter dance. LTL Changes – Updates on freight class shifts a…
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Low Rates, Claims, & More Q&A | Final Mile 79
18:09
18:09
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18:09Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Working as a Freight Broker as a Foreigner Low Rates Explained Freight Claims with a Co-Broker Arrangement Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carri…
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Sales Pipeline Management & Follow Up | Episode 279
1:05:19
1:05:19
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1:05:19We recently talked about prospecting and lead generation, but how do you follow up with a shipper? What do you say? When should you follow up? These are common questions and we're breaking this down in detail on this second episode in a series on freight broker prospecting. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Clic…
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Taxes, Carrier Partnerships, and Broker Transparency | Final Mile 78
18:12
18:12
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18:12Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Freight Broker Taxes Building a Carrier Network Broker Transparency Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended Products: C…
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🎙️ Master Freight Sales with Confidence Ready to exceed your shippers' expectations? In this episode of Freight360, we share essential strategies to elevate your freight sales game. 🌟 What You’ll Learn: Smart Sales Strategies: Balance price, service, and quality while identifying ideal customers. Cold Calling Confidence: Overcome nerves, build trus…
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Bonus Episode: Chiefs vs. Bills Preview (with Trey Griggs)
21:21
21:21
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21:21As the AFC Championship looms, we’re asking the big questions: Can Josh Allen and the Bills finally topple the Mahomes-Kelce connection, or will the Chiefs' dynasty march on? We're bringing you every play, every stat, and every moment that matters from this epic clash of titans. 🏈 Ready to dive into the future of the league? Hit play, and let’s tal…
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Cold Calling Strategies & More Q&A | Final Mile 77
21:41
21:41
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21:41Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Understanding spot rates Cold calling strategies Credit approval for customers Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended …
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Mastering Difficult Conversations and Broker Communication | Episode 277
59:36
59:36
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59:36Mastering Tough Conversations Transform your communication skills with insights from economics, business, and freight. Explore the impact of cultural communication differences in business. Learn how economic trends shape the freight and logistics industry. Discover the power of honest conversations in building trust and stronger partnerships. Liste…
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New Brokers, ELD Tracking, Lumper Fees & More | Final Mile 76
16:31
16:31
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16:31Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Starting Out: Wait 3-6 months with MC/US DOT before prospecting? ELD Tracking: DAT vs. Trucker Tools for brokers. Reefer Temps: Use to stand out from competition? Payment Issues: Broker owes, 60 claims against bond—what to do? Lumper Fees: Why are carriers charged EFS ch…
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Level Up Your Freight Brokerage in 2025 | Episode 276
57:18
57:18
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57:18As we dive into 2025, it's essential to reset our habits and align strategies to navigate the changing freight market landscape successfully. This episode emphasizes the importance of adjusting routines, strengthening customer relationships, and developing proactive plans to handle market fluctuations. • Importance of resetting habits after the hol…
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DAT Buys Trucker Tools (with Jeff Clementz & Kary Jablonski) | Episode 275
58:01
58:01
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58:01Join Jeff Clementz, CEO of DAT, and Kary Jablonski, former CEO of Trucker Tools, as they share their journeys into the freight industry and the story behind DAT's acquisition of Trucker Tools. Learn how these platforms are driving efficiency, improving broker-carrier relationships, and addressing challenges like fraud prevention through innovation …
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Becoming a Broker, Detention Fees, and Broker Transparency | Final Mile 75
30:56
30:56
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30:56Stephen Ruhe & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Becoming a Broker: W2 vs. agent for beginners? Tarping Issue: Who’s liable for untarped $10K damaged load? Reefer Trucks: Are 26’ reefer trucks worth it for LTL? Transparency: Why don’t brokers share shipment profits with carriers? Detention Fees: Raise fees to $250/ho…
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Negotiating, Low Margin Freight, and Commissions | Final Mile 74
22:26
22:26
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22:26Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Negotiating rates with motor carriers High volume, low margin freight for freight brokers Hiring agents, sub-agents, and employees for a freight brokerage Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% …
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Small Brokerage Growth vs Carriers | Episode 274
1:05:18
1:05:18
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1:05:18Can AI-generated voices replace human interaction in freight? This episode dives into how tech advancements and market trends are reshaping freight brokerage, creating opportunities for growth. We share insights on the evolving demand for brokerage education and how small brokerages can thrive through strategic acquisitions and better resources. Pl…
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Layover Fees, Transparency Debate, and More Q&A | Final Mile 73
27:33
27:33
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27:33Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: - Customers that won’t use brokers - Delivery Appointment Issues - Broker Margin Transparency - Power Only Load Outs Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Broke…
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Freight Broker Evolution - From 1935 to 1980 and Beyond | Episode 273
57:15
57:15
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57:15Dive into the evolution of freight brokerage, from the Motor Carrier Acts of 1935 and 1980 to the transparency mandates of CFR 371.3(c), reshaping the industry into a dynamic and competitive space. Discover how deregulation transformed brokers from salespeople into critical financial facilitators, similar to Uber’s disruption of the taxi industry. …
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Backhauls, Tariffs, and More Q&A | Final Mile 72
20:00
20:00
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20:00Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Trailer load outs Tariff impact on freight and prices Backhaul pricing and load-to-truck ratio Operating with two authorities (asset & broker) Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your fir…
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The Truth Behind Rate Transparency | Episode 272
58:34
58:34
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58:34Our latest Freight 360 episode promises to unravel the complexities of the freight brokerage market. Get ready to explore the hot-button issue of rate transparency and the implications of CFR 371.3(c), a topic that has stirred much debate within the industry. What is it? Why was it created? Why is everyone talking about it now? We answer all of tha…
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Taxes and Legal Challenges in Freight Brokerage | Final Mile 71
18:41
18:41
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18:41Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Tax lawyers for freight brokers Finding shippers and using shipper lists Sourcing open deck trailers Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: C…
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From CIA to Changing the Freight World (Ryan Joyce of GenLogs) | Episode 271
1:03:41
1:03:41
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1:03:41Meet Ryan Joyce of GenLogs, a former CIA operative revolutionizing freight with intelligence-driven strategies. In this episode, we dive into his innovative approach to combating fraud, optimizing logistics, and deploying cutting-edge roadside sensors to give brokers and shippers actionable insights into carrier operations. GenLogs is making waves …
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Navigating Market Trends and Carrier Assessments in Freight Brokerage | Final Mile 70
17:40
17:40
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17:40Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: How to track the freight broker market trends Background checks for freight broker new hires The impact of the age of a motor carrier authority Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your fi…
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Agent Model Risks (with Matt Perkins) | Episode 270
59:49
59:49
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59:49Matt Perkins from BTB Logistics returns for a no-holds-barred look at the freight brokerage industry, diving into the agent model’s risks. We also talk about recent news in the freight space and what the future could hold. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your fi…
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Blancing Dual Authorities and More Q&A | Final Mile 69
19:08
19:08
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19:08Nate Cross & Stephen Ruhe answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Freight broker surety bond Integrating your brokerage and carrier companies Pricing fuel for reefer loads Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carrie…
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Learning New Commodities and Equipment | Episode 269
53:13
53:13
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53:13Learn to anticipate seasonal demands and expand your book of business with strategies for engaging new commodities and adapting to industry changes. We’ll explore the power of first principles thinking, inspired by Elon Musk, to tackle logistics challenges with a fresh perspective. Plus, discover how thoughtful questioning and continuous learning c…
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Handling Heated Conversations and Q&A | Final Mile 68
27:53
27:53
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27:53Nate Cross & Stephen Ruhe answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: LTL pricing Handing heated conversations with carriers Funding a freight brokerage Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommen…
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Halloween Freight Broker Horror Stories | Episode 268
46:26
46:26
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46:26Prepare for a spine-tingling Halloween special as we uncover eerie tales from the freight world, like a driver who turned an excavator into his personal playground and the unexpected shocks that make brokers’ nerves jangle. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your f…
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