5 Signs It’s Time to Review Your Freight Broker Relationships

 

Introduction

Your freight brokers are supposed to make your life easier — covering loads, keeping freight moving, and protecting your bottom line. But too often, companies stay locked into broker relationships long after they stop providing real value.

Whether you’ve outgrown your current partners or have simply gotten too comfortable, regularly reviewing your broker network is a crucial part of protecting your margins, service levels, and risk exposure.

Here are the most common signs it may be time to take a closer look.

1️⃣ Service Issues Are Becoming the Norm

If late pickups, missed appointments, or damaged freight are starting to feel routine — that’s a red flag.

Brokers should be bringing you capacity that performs, not carriers that require constant follow-up. When service failures pile up, you’re not only burning money but potentially damaging customer relationships.

2️⃣ Communication Has Become Reactive

Good brokers don’t wait for you to call when there’s a problem. If you find yourself constantly chasing updates, explanations, or last-minute surprises, it’s a sign your broker isn’t managing their carrier base proactively.

Communication issues often reveal deeper process gaps that eventually cost you time, money, and reliability.

3️⃣ Rates Are No Longer Competitive

Freight markets change — and so should your broker’s pricing strategy. If you’re consistently seeing rates that are noticeably out of sync with the market, your broker may no longer be advocating for your interests.

Rate audits, benchmarking, and broker scorecards can help you stay aware of when rates start drifting outside acceptable ranges.

4️⃣ Lack of Transparency on Carriers Used

You deserve to know who’s hauling your freight. If your broker won’t disclose carrier names, DOT/MC numbers, or safety records, you’re exposed to unnecessary risk.

Transparent brokers should gladly provide details on the carriers they assign to your loads — and be willing to vet new carriers collaboratively when needed.

5️⃣ No Process for Continuous Improvement

Brokers who treat your business as “set it and forget it” are leaving money and efficiency on the table.

Look for partners who actively review performance data, recommend routing or modal changes, and help you optimize your freight as your business evolves. If your broker hasn’t brought fresh solutions to the table in a while, that’s a problem.

🔧 How to Approach a Broker Review

  • Start by conducting a Broker Performance Audit

  • Build a Broker Scorecard that evaluates service, rates, compliance, and communication

  • Evaluate if your current brokers align with your growth plans and operational needs

  • Consider diversifying your broker network to avoid single points of failure

Conclusion

The freight market changes fast — and your broker network needs to keep pace. Regular reviews aren’t about burning bridges, they’re about ensuring you’re partnered with the right companies for where your business is today and where it’s headed.

At Transcend Logix Consulting, we help companies audit broker networks, uncover performance gaps, and build stronger freight partnerships.


Ready for a second set of eyes on your broker relationships? Schedule a consultation today.

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