How Do I Find a Broker I Can Trust?

This is a great question—and it’s fundamental to business. Last year, I read a book by Stephen M. R. Covey titled The Speed of Trust, which dives deep into this principle. Trust is essential, whether in business, with your family, or in any other relationship. So, how do you find freight brokers you can trust?

One of the first things we did when founding BulkLoads was to implement a rating system. At the time, other load boards didn’t offer this, but with the rise of the “Amazon effect,” where consumers constantly check ratings, we felt it was crucial to provide transparency and build trust within the BulkLoads platform. The goal was to allow companies to rate each other, keeping interactions on BulkLoads fair and honest.

Now, I know the system isn’t perfect, and I welcome your feedback, but the intention was always to foster trust. And trust me when I say, it has worked—sometimes at the expense of companies leaving the platform. But when those companies depart after being rated poorly, you have to ask: were they trustworthy to begin with?

In today’s digital age, companies, brokers, and shippers alike can no longer hide. Recently, I visited a large shipping company with virtually no online presence. Sure, they had a website that hadn’t been updated in over ten years, but I couldn’t find them anywhere else—not even on LinkedIn. This is a red flag. Your customers are researching you online in every possible way, and if they can’t find you, it can raise trust barriers.

To answer the question of how to find a trustworthy broker, the first step is to check the ratings on BulkLoads. These ratings are given by other companies who have interacted with and rated their experiences. Step two is to research them online—read reviews, ask questions in forums or social media groups, and dig into their presence.

At our sister company, Smart Freight Funding, we offer an approved shipper and broker list, using credit reports from services like Ansonia and Cortera. This tool is available to companies using Smart Freight Funding, and it provides insight into a broker’s financial standing.

Lastly, always ask the broker for credit references. When you haul for them, you’re essentially extending credit by fronting the costs of your equipment, fuel, and drivers. You deserve to see their credit worthiness before you commit.

Remember, trust is earned, and doing your homework is the best way to protect your business. If you ever have questions about a company you’re thinking of working with, our 24/7 support team at BulkLoads is always here to help.