Freight Brokers

Find top-tier resources for freight brokers. Navigate FMCSA requirements, grow your business, and ensure compliance with ease.

February 2, 2024
February 2, 2024
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Understanding the Differences Between Freight Brokers vs Forwarders

In today’s logistics landscape, choosing or maintaining the correct operating authority is critical for regulatory compliance and business growth. While the terms are frequently used interchangeably by outsiders, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains strict legal, financial, and operational distinctions between a freight broker and a freight forwarder. Failing to understand these differences can lead to unauthorized brokering penalties, double-brokering vulnerabilities, or catastrophic insurance coverage gaps. As seasoned providers of transportation surety bonds, our objective is to shed light on these crucial roles, aiding your navigation through the complexities of shipping and transportation. We will also briefly touch upon the role of transportation surety bonds, a key element in ensuring the reliability and accountability of these transportation professionals. What Is a Freight Broker? A freight broker acts strictly as an intermediary or matchmaker in the logistics supply chain. Their primary responsibility is to connect shippers who have freight […]
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December 13, 2022
December 13, 2022
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Distinguishing Brokers or Bonafide Agents

Going into 2023, dispatchers will have more guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration about whether they could or should refer to themselves as brokers or bona fide agents. This topic and these definitions have been murky over the last few years, which is why the agency has tried to clarify matters as well as seek public comment from members of the industry about what they think. Interim Guidance Published in the Federal Register In late November, the FMCSA published interim guidance in the Federal Register which fills in some, but not all, of the current gray areas related to broker-bonding and similar regulations in the industry. Additional guidance is expected next year, based on feedback from the November updates. The agency has been collecting comments throughout 2022 and will continue to accept them until Jan. 17th. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts The involvement from the agency on this […]
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December 30, 2020
December 30, 2020
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The Basics of Planning Still Apply During a Pandemic

The end of one year and the start of the next is always a good time to take stock of where you’re at. It’s particularly important coming out of the year that we’ve just been through and in preparing for economic uncertainty that still may be ahead. That’s as true for businesses in any sector – including the rapidly-evolving transportation industry – as it is for people. Perhaps it’s time to elevate your company’s planning for 2021 with a little bit of the old and a little bit of the new when it comes to goal-setting. In the eyes of many, planning has only become more important in recent years. That’s partly because so many industries are changing so quickly and not enough of the companies within certain industries are keeping their eyes on the early adopters and change agents. There’s no better year for your company to pay some […]
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August 3, 2020
August 3, 2020
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Getting Transportation Insurance for Freight Brokers

The One Stop Shop at PFA continues to expand with easier ways to obtain quotes and more insurance offerings. Freight Broker Insurance Coverage Whether you are a new Freight Broker in need of insurance coverage to protect your brokerage or a current client needing additional coverage to satisfy new requirements on your expanding operations, you can now access the PFA insurance application on our website. This application helps guide you through the information needed for the special freight broker coverage lines of Contingent Cargo, Contingent Auto Liability, General Liability, and Professional Liability (aka: Errors & Omissions). PFA Truck Insurance We are also pleased to announce that due to overwhelming demand, PFA has expanded into offering truck insurance! We have a program that is favorable to smaller and newer carrier operations and is currently available in seven states (AL, AZ, GA, IL, NC, SC, TX). While we await additional states to […]
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March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020
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Ensuring Your Success – Spotlight on Shipper’s Interest

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. And there’s no question that the going is tough as Americans in all sectors and from all walks of life join together in the national and global fight against COVID-19. Network of Critical Shipments Despite the extreme adversity, today is an opportune time to be part of the network of critical shipments that are needed in our nation. This may mean you are suddenly facing new shippers, possibly higher cargo limits, commodities that are not common to you, and possibly a growing number of new motor carriers to deliver for you. Shipper’s Interest Cargo In the midst of all of this, we suggest that Shipper’s Interest cargo can help you with some peace of mind. Since the coverage limit is determined per load, you don’t have concerns of the trucker having adequate limits and acceptable deductibles. Shippers Interest is a quality […]
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March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020
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Your Expert Navigators – Supply Chain Best Practices during COVID-19 Pandemic

According to SensiGuard, these times merit special measures for Freight Brokers, Freight Forwarders, Motor Carriers and others in the transportation industry: In-demand items (sanitizers, soaps, facemasks, pantry staples) should receive increased security protocols. These items will be targeted more aggressively during the pandemic. Allow additional time to search for parking. Do not leave cargo unattended, even for a brief period. Instruct drivers to inspect trailers and seals prior to initiating route and at all stops, to ensure curtains/doors have not been penetrated. Confirm receiver availability and hours of operation as they may have changed. Be prepared for notification mid-route that a receiving facility will be closed and be prepared to locate alternate destinations. If your organization has not done so already, conduct desktop assessments of your warehousing options and your provider’s security levels at any alternate sites. Example: Have your Logistics Service Providers (LSPs), provide feedback to you now on […]
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December 5, 2019
December 5, 2019
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Making Yourself More Marketable to Shippers

Recognizing that your customers are what ultimately drive your business, one of the key questions for many Freight Brokers is “how can you make yourself more marketable to Shippers?” The basics of self-marketing 101 in the transportation industry include Cargo protection, General Liability protection and Auto protection. How about ensuring that you have a supplementary indemnity in place (at least $25K)? It’s worth considering. These small investments can yield significant increased opportunities. Insurance Grows Revenue Most people believe insurance is about protection. And at its very core, it certainly is. Yet, have you considered how it can grow your revenues? We have seen insurance coverage increase revenues by making Freight Brokerages more marketable to Shippers, as just one example. Shipper’s Interest Cargo Time and time again, it seems to come back to the basics of 1. Cargo protection 2. CGL protection 3. Auto Protection. We see contractual demands. We see […]
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May 23, 2016
May 23, 2016
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What’s New for PFA Brokers?

Latest PFA Protects Updates Autopay Now Available Pacific Financial Association now has autopay! Let us make things easier for you, our valued brokers, to make your BMC-85 trust fund payment. If you are not already signed up for autopay, please contact your account manager and receive $50 off of your next payment when you sign-up for this convenient service. We also now accept American Express in addition to VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and checks. Factoring Receivables We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and finding ways to help you as a broker, be as successful as possible. If you are having cash flow issues due to slow-paying shippers, there are solutions! Your dedicated PFA account manager will provide you with information and an excellent referral source to help you focus on sales and growing your business. DOD Performance Bonds Many of you have inquired about DOD Performance Bonds and we […]
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