The Art of Building a Carrier Network

In the fast-paced world of logistics, the strength of your carrier network can be the deciding factor between success and failure. A well-built and continuously utilized network not only ensures reliability but also drives efficiency and growth for 3PLs and brokerages alike. Read more about the benefits here.

The Challenge of Building the Right Network

Finding capacity is challenging enough, but identifying the right carriers that complement your network is even more daunting. The best brokerages go beyond just finding available trucks; they leverage both explicit and implicit capacity signals to construct a network that scales with them into the future.

Beyond the Load Board

Load boards like DAT, Truckstop, and 123 Loadboard are obvious starting points. They offer a wealth of equipment listings, providing quick coverage for urgent needs. However, relying solely on these platforms can be a gamble. There’s no guarantee that a carrier found today will provide consistent, quality service in the future.

Leveraging Implicit Capacity Signals

Understanding a carrier’s active lane history can be a game-changer. It offers insights into their lane preferences, helping you identify carriers that are a perfect fit for your network. Tools like Highway and Carrier Source offer detailed historical data, such as observed lanes, that are invaluable when it comes to bidding freight.

Demographic and Safety Considerations

Demographic data is another layer of insight that shouldn’t be overlooked. With the majority of carriers operating five trucks or less, it’s highly likely they’re running lanes close to home. Prioritizing carriers headquartered near shipper facilities can lead to more convenient and reliable partnerships.

Safety and performance data should always be part of your vetting process. Ensuring that a carrier doesn’t have a concerning track record of violations is crucial before integrating them into your network.

Making Sense of It All

While most brokerages are aware of these tools and many are using them, the real challenge lies in making sense of the vast amount of data available. Balancing the explicit capacity from load boards with the implicit capacity insights requires a system that can synthesize this information effectively.

The largest brokers have developed their systems to manage this complexity, but now, with NextBoard, brokerages of all sizes can do the same. NextBoard synthesizes carrier information, allowing you to select the right carrier not just for a single load, but to build a robust and scalable network that supports your growth long-term.

Engaging with Carriers: Building Relationships Beyond the First Load

Once you've identified a carrier to add to your network, the real work begins. It may start with just one load, but building a long-term relationship with the carrier is crucial for both parties' success.

Start by understanding where the carrier operates. Knowing their base of operations gives you insight into their regular routes and preferences. This helps you align your offers with their strengths, increasing the likelihood of successful, repeat engagements.

Next, take the time to learn their preferred lanes. Every carrier has routes they prefer, whether for operational efficiency, driver satisfaction, or other reasons. By matching their preferred lanes with your freight needs, you create a win-win situation that fosters loyalty and reliability.

Finally, paint a picture of how you’ll grow together. Carriers want to see that working with your brokerage is more than just a one-off transaction. Share your vision for how their role in your network can expand over time, whether through increased load volume, more consistent lanes, or access to new opportunities. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the relationship but also positions your network to scale more effectively.

Building these relationships is key to creating a network that doesn’t just meet today’s needs but evolves with your business over time.