What do you do for a Living?

At Freight Managers we are frequently asked, "What is it that you do for a living?" Our reply is that we are transportation agents. We coordinate the pick up and delivery of our client's freight using all modes of transportation throughout Canada and around the world.

In the transportation industry, we are part of a larger group known as freight intermediaries. Freight Forwarders, Load Brokers, Non-Vessel Operated Common Carriers (NVOCC) as well as Third Party Logistics Providers are other examples of freight intermediaries. Chances are that you have already used the services of a freight intermediary without being aware of it.

Intermediaries share a few defining characteristics. They do not own or operate their own vehicles. They contract truck, rail and ocean carriers on their client's behalf. They work for either shippers or receivers. They simplify the transportation process and their services are no more complex to use than regular carriers.

Why bother with a "middleman"?

In this age of "buy direct and save" you may be wondering why businesses should even consider using transportation agents.

Many small to medium sized businesses cannot afford their own logistics departments. Contracting a freight intermediary is an ideal way to access the capabilities of a logistician without having the expense of employing one on staff.

Large companies with logistics departments use agents to handle either extremely complex movements or irregular shipments to out-of-the-way places. Managers recognize that these shipments generally make up a small portion of their overall transportation budget yet require a great deal of their department's time and energy.

Not Just a Carrier

A freight intermediary is more than just a carrier. Carriers get paid to transport freight. Intermediaries get paid to solve their client's transportation problems. Solving problems not only requires a blending of industry knowledge and creativity but also requires the intermediary to perform additional functions.

Here are a few of the additional tasks intermediaries routinely perform:

• Suggest alternative routing options;
• Research carrier rates;
• Negotiate volume discounts with carriers;
• Assist in preparing customs documents;
• Arrange cargo insurance;
• Recommend packaging strategies to reduce damage and loss;
• Coordinate shipper and consignee activity;
• Track and report shipment progress;
• Arrange warehousing and storage;
• Manage distribution including relabeling and reshipping.

Now that you have a better understanding of what we do for a living, why not give us a call next time you have freight to move. We offer more services than truck, rail and ocean carriers. Our services are easy to access and you'll find that we will save you time and money.