ICJ Logistics LLC

America's trucking industry is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. In fact, nearly every good consumed in the U.S. is put on a truck at some point. As a result, the trucking industry hauled 72.2% of all freight transported in the United States in 2021, equating to 10.93 billion tons. The trucking industry was a $875.5 billion industry in that same year, representing 80.8% of the nation’s freight bill.

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(800) 406-1910

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[email protected]

1. How long they have been in business?

In my experience, it is not uncommon to find fly-by-night brokers, who end up being just a guy and his computer in his basement. It is important to the success of your trucking business to find established, reliable, and trustworthy shippers and brokers as your money lies in their hands.

2. What is their reputation? How have they treated other owner-operators?

Google and other search engines are your friends. It only takes a few minutes to complete a broad search for the company or person to find out if anyone has given them negative reviews and why.

3. What are their expectations? How often do you have to check in?

Maintaining expectations is the key to having a good relationship with your shippers and brokers. And you must have a good relationship if you wish to keep hauling loads for them.

4. How do you submit your paperwork for payment? Do they require original copies?

It is always better to be prepared and ensure you are doing everything possible to get paid in a timely manner. To ensure you are doing what you need to receive prompt payment, asking in advance about how you need to submit your paperwork and what is needed can put you a step ahead.

5. How long do they normally take to pay? What are their payment terms?

Your cash flow is dependent on how long it takes your brokers and shippers to pay you. Why leave it up to chance when you can use others' past experiences to help predict the future? You may be wondering how you could do that; luckily the answer is fairly simple. By conducting a credit check on your potential shipper or broker, you will get a glimpse at their payment history to see how long they take to pay and what payments they have outstanding.

Give us a call
(800) 406-1910

Send us an email
[email protected]