Transportation brokers and you

rrUCH HAS been written and IUlsaid about the emergence of the transportation broker since the 1980 Motor Carrier Act. While this information may be educational in a general sense, it doesn't address the question of should a building materials shipperuse a broker, and,if so. how to select one.

Nailing it down to the strictest definition, a broker's primary function is to match shippers with carriers. In a broader sense, they are like a one stop shopping center-they should provide a shipper with all his transportation needs. A broker, unlike a carrier, has the ability to shop for the shipper, obtaining competitive rates, reliable service and proper equipment.

The building materials industry has many products which require special transportation expertise in equipment and handling. The expertise needed is constantly changing. One reason for the change is development of new and improved products and another is fluctuation in pricing from one manufacturer to the next. Both of these create shifts in points of origin, often involving geographical changes.

As each unique situation arises the shipper is potentially faced with researching a new carrier. To further complicate the issue, the carriers today offer a maze of pricing programs.

A good broker can do the shopping for you as these changes arise, as well as negotiate with the carrier to come up with a fair and understandable rate. There is no doubt that utilizing a good broker's services can save time and money. The dilemma isn't whether or not to use a broker. but how to find a good one.

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