How Freight Brokers Can Optimize Truckload Carrier Networks to Gain Resiliency in Volatile Markets

For freight brokers to build, maintain, and optimize a dense and effective truckload carrier network remains a complex and time-consuming task. Despite this, freight brokers are finding more innovative and practical ways to optimize their networks to better serve their shipper customers and to adapt to the increasingly volatile freight markets of today. Some reasonable and straightforward steps that improve truckload carrier networking and freight technology utilization start with identifying the problems with too much data and making the best use. 

The Problems Created With Data Proliferation

Having access to real-time data remains a critical component of market preparation. Likewise, brokers must understand how to use existing setups and relationships with carriers to their full potential. Data on its own becomes useless if it cannot be applied and utilized intelligently and beneficially. According to The Balance Small Business, handling the various technology and automation elements currently within the network is likely not a big deal for managers today. However, the finer details of keeping up with relevant technology and ensuring practical application and usage can become a stumbling block. Truckload carrier networking depends on innovative data applications from start to finish. Without it, there will always be issues with applying data and utilizing the available tools and resources within the marketplace. 

Optimized Truckload Carrier Networks Reduce Workload

Within the modern freight network, one of the greatest struggles remains managing network workloads. It’s an exciting but cautious process too. For those utilizing optimized truckload carrier and freight brokerage applications, many benefits await. For example, automated process and digital tools, dashboards, platforms, and services all help reduce workload strain in the carrier network. These computerized options also help improve overall function, communication, and assistance throughout the entire system. Reducing tension and workload pressure allows team members to be more focused on critical tasks and reduces human error instances. Whether the focus lies on day-to-day operations or responding to disruptions and pressing issues, managing an optimized network remains poised and ready to handle whatever comes down the line.

Additional Ways Brokers Can Improve Resiliency Within Volatile Markets

A certain degree of volatility exists in the truckload carrier market at all times. However, some events, trends, and processes can make several markets riskier for brokers.  Improving resiliency and adaptability remain attainable with the following steps:

• Integrate brokerage solutions that allow brokers to find, build, and optimize meaningful carrier density, like newtrul, to TMS platforms so sourcing carrier capacity is built into the process of executing the shipment. 
• Onboard new truckload carriers faster and avoid lengthy onboarding sessions.
• Reduce hours waiting for quotes, negotiating rates, and vetting carriers. This manual process results not only in wasted time, but also enables price gouging, dishonesty, and poor service. Resiliency today hinges on the speed of execution and service. 
• Transact faster with carriers and get the status of a “carrier-friendly” broker who uses technology to reduce friction. The less friction a carrier has in the process of getting a brokers’ customer’s freight, the more likely a tender is accepted.  Additionally, a broker builds meaningful capacity density by working with quality carriers whom themselves have implemented technology for efficiency gains.   
• Decrease freight spend by increasing business with assets that charge lower margins.
• Increase back-office efficiency and reduce losses and missed opportunities with automated tools that aid in digital freight matching. 

Truckload carrier networking represents a significant undertaking in the best of times. By implementing these simple concepts, brokers can improve overall performance and strengthen the network from start to finish.

Stay Strategic With Advanced Brokerage Software and Integration From newtrul

Within the modern marketplace, one thing remains clear—brokers do want to figure out how to utilize their existing and expanding carrier network better and maintain their strategic and competitive advantage. The issue remains that the majority fails to make the best use of the brokerage software and integration tools available to them. Maximizing truckload carrier networking makes it easier for brokers to make the most of the hundreds of thousands of carriers they are already working well alongside, especially when those partnerships are readily accessible across TMS platforms and more systems in the supply chain tech stack. A strong partnership with a software vendor experienced in the integration process can make a world of difference. Getting started with truckload carrier improvements is easy and can have a tremendous impact on the shipper-to-carrier relationship within the modern-day supply chain. Connect with newtrul to get started.