Hopefully, you’ve caught our first article in this series, Finding a Broker Known for Its Industry Best Agent Program. We continue our Agent Back-to-School Checklist series here, which covers the key points you should look for when seeking a Parent Broker Focused on Agents. Here are five recommendations for your checklist.
1 — Broker Focused on Removing Obstacles
A competent Freight Broker needs to bring experience, expertise, and strength to every challenge. That means stepping up to help remove obstacles and address challenges their Agents face. D&L works hard to find a “yes” answer to every challenge. The only exception in working with Freight Agents is that we say “no” to long-term contracts, non-compete and non-solicit clauses, red tape, games, and gimmicks.
2 — Broker Focused on Agent Support
Running a small, if not single-person, Freight Agency requires strong support from a Parent Broker. That should include round-the-clock phone support, lightning-quick response times, and a back office filled with expertise and resources, from carrier support to accounts payable/receivable and readily available top management insight and problem-solving. D&L has all that and dedicated carrier, LTL, claims dispute, and back-office teams. You can always count on 24/7, 365 support with responses in less than 60 seconds. That frees you to serve your customers rather than tending to administrative duties that can eat up valuable time.
3 — Broker Focused on Financial Stability
Working with a Parent Broker who is concerned about making their next payment is far too challenging. You need a Parent Broker with a top credit rating, a solid payment history with carriers, a long-term reputation, the capital required to boost your business, and strong brand recognition. D&L excels in all these areas, boasting a top 1% credit rating with Carriers and Factoring Companies, instant customer credit, and ensuring that Agents are not responsible for bad debt – with no bad debt reserves.
4 — Broker Focused on Communication
Any Parent Broker should understand the isolation experienced by an independent freight agent. They should respond, not with handholding, but with rapid, honest communication for every issue. They need to keep in touch and provide the support you need to succeed. When considering any Freight Broker, speak to their current Agents about how it’s working for them. For D&L, you can find out more from our freight Agents in our BETTERLIFE® video series “Where in the World is D&L?” This should also give you a great view into our culture and how we do business and demonstrate our approach to communication.
5 — Broker Focused on a Non-Threatening Business Relationship
If every day brings an antagonistic, we win / you lose, encounter with your Parent Broker, you know it’s time for a change. Believe it or not, D&L focuses on a series of NOs: no non-competes, no long-term contracts, no red tape, no games, and no gimmicks. It culminates in a simple written agreement that protects the Agent and ensures that you always own your business whether you’re with D&L or move on to someone else. If you enjoy deceptive business practices or constant ‘half-truths,’ our Agent Program is not the right fit. We are who we say we are. We deliver on our promises – every time!
Is it Time for a BETTERLIFE® at D&L?
D&L is your Family in Freight for a reason. Our motto is “Honesty. Transparency. Respect.” This is how we operate and have operated since day one. We’ve worked as Freight Agents, and we know what it’s like to be out on your own. That’s why we started our Freight Agent Program: to provide the tools you need and remove barriers for you to achieve success.
If your Freight Broker isn’t bringing these improvements to your operation, it’s time to look for one who will. Read more at The Top 6 Reasons to Move Your Freight Agency. We’ve also outlined How to Transition Your Customers to a New Freight Brokerage.
Of course, we feel that our Freight Agency program is the best in the business. To see for yourself, look at our Agent Opportunities page. You can also hear directly from our successful Agents. Then, get in touch, and we can get started.
Call toll-free: 866.559.0203. Or complete the form at D&L Agent Requirements.
D&L Transport. Your Family in Freight.