Flatbed brokers’ success relies on delivering reliable and efficient transportation solutions for clients’ loads. However, maintaining a trusted network of carriers, negotiating competitive rates, and ensuring regulatory compliance can take time and effort. Partnering with IFT Safeway can help you navigate these challenges and offer significant advantages for your business.
Breaking Into the Brokerage Business: The Versatility of Flatbeds
Many seasoned flatbed truck drivers leverage their extensive industry experience and connections to transition into flatbed brokerage, establishing their own companies and utilizing their knowledge and relationships to thrive in flatbed broker roles.
Flatbed trailers are one of the most common methods of transport. In 2022, trucks played a pivotal role, hauling approximately 65% of American freight, with flatbeds and dry vans being the predominant trailer types. As the trucking industry continues to evolve, it is projected to experience a remarkable 50% growth over the next 25 years. This surge in demand will inevitably lead to an increased reliance on freight trailers, solidifying the crucial role of flatbed trucks in facilitating the movement of goods across the nation.
The flatbed broker business finds itself at the intersection of this dynamic industry. As the demand for flatbed transportation services continues to rise, brokers will play a crucial role in connecting shippers with reliable flatbed carriers.
Benefits of Flatbed Brokers Collaborating with IFT
With more than 50 years of experience in the freight broker business, IFT specializes in flatbed and dry van freight brokerage. Here are several reasons why flatbed brokers choose to partner with IFT Safeway.
Access to an Expansive Carrier Network
At IFT Safeway, we have cultivated strong relationships with a vast network of vetted and reliable flatbed carriers nationwide. With over 500,000 carriers in our database, our extensive carrier pool ensures we can quickly secure the appropriate equipment and resources for most flatbed shipments. By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to this valuable network, enabling you to offer your clients a wide range of transportation options.
As a smaller business, IFT is more agile. Onboarding a new carrier with IFT takes minutes, not days or even weeks. This saves flatbed brokers time and money. Plus, IFT can help broker agents with quick turnarounds on other requests, including credit startups. It’s just one more advantage of working with a family-run business that puts broker agents first.
Competitive Pricing and Cost Savings for Flatbed Brokers
IFT Safeway can secure highly competitive rates for flatbed transportation services by leveraging our industry expertise and negotiating power. As our partner, you’ll benefit from these cost-effective solutions, allowing you to provide your clients with competitive pricing while maintaining profit margins.
IFT also has quick turnarounds on commission payments. While the industry average is at least 30 days, IFT typically issues payment in 15 days. And while other brokerages set commission splits regardless of the volume of business a flatbed broker brings in, IFT entertains commission splits as high as 70/30 for agents bringing a higher volume of business.
Streamlined Logistics and Communication
Coordinating flatbed shipments can be complex and time-consuming, involving intricate logistics and multiple parties. To help simplify this process, IFT uses Transport Pro’s Transportation Management System (TMS). While other systems were developed for carrier agents, this easy-to-use system was built with broker agents in mind. Plus, you’ll have a dedicated team handling all the details, from securing the appropriate equipment and permits to tracking shipments every step of the way. Our transparent communication and single point of contact ensure a seamless experience for you and your clients.
By partnering with IFT Safeway, all of our independent freight broker agents can leverage our expertise, resources, and industry connections to enhance their service offerings, increase efficiency, and ultimately drive growth for their business. Contact us today to explore the benefits of becoming an IFT Safeway partner and take your flatbed brokerage operations to new heights.