Who will move it?
Ask how the broker reviews carrier authority, identity, history, coverage, and pickup details. Understand how changes to the assigned carrier are approved.
Read the eight-question vetting guide →
Forza Intelligence / Shipper Strategy
Choosing a freight broker means evaluating how your shipment will be planned, assigned, communicated, and handled when something changes. Compare verification, shipment requirements, total charges, and accountability alongside the rate. Start here, then use our detailed eight-question broker-vetting guide for the conversation.
Build your shortlist
Ask how the broker reviews carrier authority, identity, history, coverage, and pickup details. Understand how changes to the assigned carrier are approved.
Read the eight-question vetting guide →Compare the plan against the actual commodity, equipment, timing, appointments, and handling requirements. Confirm what information is still missing.
Match the service to the shipment →Identify your contact, the update process, and how missed appointments, delays, or discrepancies will be escalated.
See a real carrier review →Start with independent FMCSA authority records and confirm that the company information matches the business you intend to engage. Then ask how the broker verifies the carrier and the actual pickup. A record lookup establishes one part of the picture; it does not authenticate every email, phone call, or arriving truck.
FMCSA explains where to check interstate operating authority →
Start with the predictability of your lane, shipment frequency, lead time, and service requirements. An occasional shipment and a recurring production lane may need different capacity plans. Compare the commitment and execution expectations, not just the quoted price.
Read the spot-versus-contract freight guide →
Review the lane and the tender history before adding more backup names. Record lead time, acceptance, equipment availability, appointment constraints, and where handoffs break down. Agree on escalation timing and responsibilities. Recurring problems may call for a more deliberate carrier-management and daily-execution plan.
Explore managed transportation →
Provide origin and destination, pickup date, commodity, weight, equipment, delivery requirements, and special handling. For refrigerated freight, include written temperature and run-mode instructions. For high-value freight, explain declared value and security requirements before carrier selection.
Understand the connection between carrier records, identity, and the actual pickup.
Explore security resources →Prepare the temperature, trailer, and receiver instructions before loading.
Read the refrigerated shipping guide →Are you a carrier introducing your operation? Share your equipment and lanes through our separate carrier form.
Introduce your operation →Bring the requirements and the problem you need to solve. Ask Forza the same questions you would ask any broker.
DISCUSS MY FREIGHT →Eight questions from a 30-year shipper turned broker. Written for VPs of Supply Chain running an RFP this quarter.
You will get the guide by email in 60 seconds. No sales calls unless you ask.