SPOTLIGHT ON THE US FREIGHT BROKER INDUSTRY
next several years . A 24 percent increase in tonnage is not something that will be easily accommodated , especially since the driver shortage won ’ t be resolved any time soon .
So how will carriers respond , and what are the implications for freight brokers ? A likely scenario is that carriers will increase rates , and they may choose to work only with selected shippers . A resourceful broker , however , can turn this to their advantage . High rates can mean higher profits – even if margins are reduced slightly , the increased demand will compensate for it and translate into a higher overall profit .
As for carriers becoming more selective , this would reinforce the need for freight brokers in the eyes of shippers , as they will find it increasingly difficult to secure transportation without outside help .
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