Double Brokering Avoidance – Tips from an expert

Double Brokering by definition is when the original intermediary that has been tendered a shipment turns and tenders the shipment to a trucking company that they think is going to haul the load on their equipment. Without knowledge of the original provider or the customer they in turn tender that shipment to another trucking company who will ultimately move the load. Transparency is the key component here, because it is the lack of transparency that makes it double brokering versus co brokering. It is estimated that approximately $100 million dollars a year of the estimated $700 billion trucking industry is subject to Double Brokering. Communication This is pretty straight forward in the brokering world, but I strongly believe an open line of communication is the key to preventing double brokering issues. A strong line of communication and a good relationship with the carrier you contracted the load with is extremely important. A couple ways to prevent double brokering is by sending that extra email to the carrier about correct driver information or asking for the BOL after they get loaded. Also communication with the customers and or shipping locations about who is checking in and delivering the freight is another length you can go to prevent potential double brokering. Investigate the Carrier Carrier compliance websites such as Carrier411 and Truckstop.com are two examples of websites where you can vet the carrier and see a quick background on any specific carrier. You can look at some key factors such as insurance (do they have the right levels?), freight guard reports (any unethical practices reported?), and time they have been in service...