- New Authority Assistance: Offering specialized services to help new carriers secure their first loads and establish the necessary broker relationships.
- Load Sourcing and Booking:
- Continuously searching and locating profitable freight using major load boards (DAT, Truckstop, etc.) and direct relationships with brokers and shippers.
- Matching loads to the carrier's specific equipment (Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed, Box Truck, etc.), preferred lanes, and driver schedules (e.g., home time).
- Rate Negotiation:
- Aggressively negotiating with brokers and shippers to secure the highest possible rate per mile for the carrier.
- Advocating for the carrier to secure additional fees, such as detention pay, layover pay, and truck order not used (TONU).
- Route Planning and Optimization:
- Planning efficient, legal routes that minimize deadhead (empty miles) and maximize revenue miles.
- Checking routes for potential issues like road closures, weather, construction, and low-bridge clearances.
- Document Handling:
- Completing all necessary paperwork, including:
- Sending and securing Rate Confirmations (RCs).
- Filling out Carrier Packets to get the carrier set up with new brokers/shippers.
- Managing Proof of Delivery (POD) documentation.
- Communication Hub:
- Acting as the main point of contact between the driver, the broker, and the shipper/receiver.
- Scheduling and confirming pickup and delivery appointments.
Administrative & Value-Added Services
1. Financial & Payment Services
- Invoicing and Billing: Creating and submitting the final invoices and all required paperwork to the broker/shipper or the carrier's factoring company immediately after delivery.
- Factoring Assistance: Providing information or coordinating directly with the carrier's chosen factoring company to ensure timely submission and processing of invoices for quick payment.
- Broker Credit Checks: Running credit checks on new brokers or shippers before booking a load to minimize the risk of non-payment.
2. Operational Support
- 24/7 Support: Providing around-the-clock availability for the driver to handle unexpected issues (e.g., breakdown, accident, significant delay, or urgent route change).
- Real-Time Tracking: Monitoring the driver's progress (often via ELD/GPS) and providing proactive updates to the customer, minimizing calls to the driver.
- Compliance Monitoring: Monitoring the driver's Hours of Service (HOS) availability to ensure that all loads are assigned legally and prevent violations.
- Troubleshooting & Problem Solving: Resolving issues that arise on the road, such as a truck breakdown (by locating roadside assistance) or unexpected facility delays.
3. Business Growth and Consulting
- Dedicated Dispatcher: Assigning a single point of contact who understands the carrier's specific preferences, financial goals, and equipment.
- Lanes and Market Analysis: Analyzing market trends and rates to help the carrier develop consistent, profitable lanes instead of simply finding one-off loads.