Freight 360

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

• "What insurance coverage does a freight broker actually need—Contingent Cargo, General Liability, or both?"
• "Two friends had loads stolen due to email hacks—how can brokers prevent this type of fraud?"
• "Should brokers call a driver before booking, or is email confirmation enough?"

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We’re celebrating 300 episodes by sharing the most valuable lessons we’ve learned in building a successful freight brokerage. From finding your niche and qualifying leads to building strong carrier relationships and tracking profit—not just revenue—this episode is packed with time-tested strategies. Whether you're new or seasoned, these fundamentals will help you grow smarter and stronger in any market.

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Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

• 📦 Recommended freight broker software tools to manage rate confirmations, BOLs, PODs, and invoices.
• 🚚 Strategies for pricing and moving LTL (Less-than-Truckload) shipments.
• 🥔 What to do when shippers underpay: Can brokers ask for more money without damaging relationships?

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Military logistics is one of the most complex and overlooked areas in transportation. In this episode, we break down how moving freight for the Department of Defense really works—from navigating organizations like SDDC, to managing tight timelines, limited carrier capacity, and high-stakes coordination. You'll also hear firsthand stories and relationship-building tips that can help brokers succeed in this specialized niche.

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Stephen Ruhe & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

• 🚆 Export & Domestic Rail Freight - How can brokers source both export and domestic rail freight?
• 🍁 Moving Hay from Canada to the U.S. - If you’re brokering freight like hay from Canada to the U.S., can you handle customs clearance yourself—or do you need to involve a customs broker or freight forwarder?
• ❌ Carrier Cancels After Booking – Now ...

Benjamin and Stephen dive into how technology is changing freight brokerage in this episode of Freight 360:

• Using TMS and automation to boost efficiency
• Helping small brokerages adopt and improve tech
• Avoiding the hype and making sure systems actually work

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DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year!
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Stephen Ruhe & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

• ✅ Insurance and surety bond requirements for starting a freight brokerage in Florida
• 📦 How brokers find loads and the role of load boards vs. direct shippers
• 🚫 Handling the "we only work with asset-based carriers" objection

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DAT Freight &a...

🎧 This Freight 360 episode explores winning brokerage strategies, industry risks, and economic shifts.

-Securing more freight through strong communication and customer value
-FMCSA identity verification changes and rising fraud concerns
-Tariffs, safety budget cuts, and their economic impact
-Tech, AI, and personal productivity tips for brokers

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Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

• 📦 Are load boards enough? — Can brokers actually find spot market loads directly on load boards, or do they first need to secure customers independently and then post the freight?
• 📞 Cold call math — Out of 80 outbound calls, how many typically answer on the first try? And how many return the call later?
• 🔁 From sales to ops — Has anyone successful...

In this episode of Freight 360, we’re joined by Ken Adamo, Chief of Analytics at DAT, and Marcus Womack, CEO and Co-founder of Outgo, to break down the current freight market and DAT’s recent acquisition of Outgo. We discuss how this move enhances payment speed, transparency, and financial control for carriers. Topics include challenges like capacity constraints and high operating costs, plus how Outgo’s tech simplifies back-office...

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

• Freight Broker Certificate Courses
• Canceling a Freight Brokerage Start-Up
• Covering Step Deck Loads
• AI for Freight Brokers

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Recommended ...

In this episode of Freight 360, we cover key issues in freight and trucking—from 4% of truckers being unlicensed to low freight volumes and economic pressures. They break down double brokering vs. interlining, highlight fraud and safety risks, and explore challenges in trailer rentals, bids, and project management

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DAT Freight & Analy...

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

MC Authority Delay? New brokerage struggling on DAT — is 1.5 years to gain traction
legit?
Broker Contracts Help Lawyer vs. templates — what’s best for new logistics
brokerages?
Insurance Needed Hard time raising liability to $2M? Here's where to look.

Cameron Pechia: Cameron@AllLinesInsure.com

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This episode exposes real cases of internal fraud at freight brokerages—from agents moving loads under fake approvals to inflating commissions and abandoning contracts. Learn how to protect your business with better system controls, document checks, and shared account access. Plus, hear how China’s tariff cuts could shake up freight volumes—and who’s liable when customers don’t pay.

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In this second segment of 2 part episode, attorney and law professor Matthew Leffler joins the hosts to unpack key legal issues in trucking. They cover non-compete agreements, broker transparency, driver safety, shipper-broker contracts, and recent cases like Werner and Wabash. Leffler shares insights on legal risks, evolving regulations, and how automation could reshape the industry—emphasizing the need for education, clear contra...

In this first segment of 2 part episode, attorney and law professor Matthew Leffler joins the hosts to unpack key legal issues in trucking. They cover non-compete agreements, broker transparency, driver safety, shipper-broker contracts, and recent cases like Werner and Wabash. Leffler shares insights on legal risks, evolving regulations, and how automation could reshape the industry—emphasizing the need for education, clear contrac...

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

🔍 Why brokers request carrier inspections

🧑‍💼 Is Landstar a good choice for agents?

📦 Best load boards for freight brokers

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Poor email habits can cost you customers. In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of professional email communication for freight brokers and why it matters more than you think.

🔹 Write clear, purpose-driven messages
🔹 Use subject lines and recipient lists effectively
🔹 Repackage sloppy carrier emails before forwarding
🔹 Always follow up calls with confirmation emails
🔹 Avoid costly miscommunic...

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss:

• Is there a platform where brokers can bid on available freight shipments?
• What should I do if someone is fraudulently using my MC number to book loads?
• I'm getting started as a broker, but people say I can't compete with the big guys—any advice?
• Responding to claims that brokers are "parasites" and the root cause of low ...