Getting Setup With Brokers And Carrier Packets

As a Trucking Company, about 90% of all the loads that you are going to be running will be given to you by Freight Brokers, and as I've said before: "You'll Get More Business If You Make It Easy For People To Do Business With You." So, I wanted to go over the process of Carriers filling out New Carrier Setup Packets With Brokers.

Before the Trucking Company/Carrier can run their first load with a Broker, they will need to get set up with that Broker by filling out their Setup Packet, otherwise referred to as a New Carrier Setup Packet. This is a simple packet about 4 pages long that you will need to fill out and send back to the Broker. This document will have blanks for your to fill in your Contact info, MC#, Email, Phone, Etc., all basic information that the Broker needs to have on file to be able to add you to their system, and to be able to pay you once the load is delivered. Plus, this Setup Packet will include contingencies like you are agreeing to not double Broker this load, yada yada, essentially confirming that you’re going to be responsible for the load while it's in your possession. Also, the Broker will need a copy of your W9 and your certificate of insurance (COI), and a copy of your notice of assignment (NOA).

That's all a Setup Pack is. But, back to what I was saying... You'll Get More Business If You Make It Easy For People To Do Business With You. You'll need to fill out this Setup Packet as quickly as possible and send it back to the Broker ASAP so they can A.) Add you to their system, and B.) Email you the Rate Con so you can see the address for pickup and start driving that way. If you take too long to fill out the packet (the Broker will give you 15-20 minutes) they will cover the load with a different Carrier. So, what I have found is that you'll be able to get a Startup Packet filled out faster if you use a software program like DocuSign or Adobe Sign to fill in the blanks on that Setup Packet ASAP and get it sent back to the Broker as fast a possible. These programs have a 30-day free trial and cost less than $100 a year. I highly recommend you subscribe to one of them to help you with your operation. Or, if you're using a Dispatcher, they can fill out these Setup Packets on your behalf, so you won't have to subscribe to these services. 

At the end of the day, you want to get these packets filled out ASAP so you can get set up and so the Broker can send you the load. I recommend you do your research and find a Dispatcher or a service that will work best for your operation.