Freight Brokers Optimistic About Future Growth Despite Current Weakness
Despite current challenges in the trucking and transportation markets, a survey by Truckstop and Bloomberg Intelligence indicates that more than 60% of freight brokers and logistics professionals expect demand for their services to grow over the next six months. This optimism comes despite weaker demand, falling rates, and increased competition, with many believing that the market may be approaching a turnaround. Respondents also suggest that spot market rates may have hit bottom, and about 46% anticipate rate increases in the next three to six months. This positive sentiment follows an August Logistics Managers' Index report that showed industry conditions expanding after several months of decline, though the long-term trend remains uncertain.
United Parcel Service (UPS) is exploring options, including a potential sale, for its brokerage unit, Coyote Logistics.
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to review a case involving broker liability for accidents involving trucks booked by third-party logistics providers (3PL’s).
Despite current challenges in the trucking and transportation markets, a survey by Truckstop and Bloomberg Intelligence indicates that more than 60% of freight brokers and logistics professionals expect demand for their services to grow over the next six months.
Trucking advocates are raising concerns about double brokering schemes, where carriers accept a load but then secretly broker it to another carrier without the shipper's knowledge.
Each year, the freight transportation industry suffers losses ranging from $500 million to $1 billion due to freight fraud, double brokering, and shipment diversion.
Currently, the estimated losses from brokerage fraud are exceeding $800 million, affecting brokers, carriers, shippers, and consumers.
The “Modernization of Customs Broker Regulations under 87 FR 63267” and the “Elimination of Customs Broker District Permit Fee under 87 FR 63262” are the latest files to be published on the Federal Register by the U.S. Customs & Border Protection.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration posed 13 specific questions related to brokers, and 92 separate organizations answered.
The US Supreme Court has made controversial stances on Roe v. Wade and regarding California’s AB5 law, but a lesser known judgement sets a precedent for logistics liability.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration defines a “freight broker” one way, but the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is not a fan of that definition.
There are many challenges to be faced when creating a piece of transportation logistics business.
Hauling large quantities of freight over long distances does not come without its risk.
Shippers are having major difficulties securing the truck capacity needed to move their goods.
Convoy, a digital brokerage system, particularly appeals to owner-operators.
Flexport has launched The Convoy Platform, a technology solution aimed at providing small carriers with access to freight while offering real-time competitive rates, shipment visibility, and on-time performance to shippers and brokers.