i have just started my brokerage buisness i have been searching for shippers, i had no lucks . anyone have any ideas or tips how i can land my first contract worh shippers around sacramento area, im also in search of broker agnet with active book of buissness.
For me, it’s 2 hours of free time at loading docks. We treat a driver’s time like it’s worthless just because it’s "always been done this way." Sitting unpaid for 120 minutes before detention even kicks in is insane when you calculate lost revenue and log hours.
Curious what everyone else thinks—whether you're a broker, carrier, dispatcher, or shipper: What’s one standard, unwritten rule, or common practice in logistics that makes zero sense and needs to be thrown in the trash?
Option 2: Personal Challenge Topic (Broker Friend's Dilemma / Workplace Scenario)
Title: A broker friend is being forced to cover "customer error" claims out of pocket. Would you walk?
Hey everyone,
I’m brand new to the freight industry and currently going through training as a freight agent with Landstar.
I’m based in the EU, and honestly, Landstar is currently my only realistic opportunity to get my foot in the door of the US freight agent industry. That’s a big reason why I’m taking this seriously and trying to learn the business properly instead of just blindly following a script.
I’m NOT looking for brokers, carriers, loads, or clients here. I’m just looking for honest advice from people who have actually been doing this.
The workflow I’m currently being trained on is:
1. Find a load on DAT
I look through available loads and find something that fits.
2. Post the load internally on TMS
I post it and wait for an available Landstar BCO/driver to show interest.
3. BCO responds
Once I have a driver interested and the equipment/location fit the load, I have actual capacity for it.
4. Call the broker
I call the broker, confirm the load is still available, identify myself as being with Landstar, and see if they are willing to work with us.
5. Negotiate the rate
If they are open to Landstar, I negotiate the rate and confirm the load details.
6. Book and execute
Then I handle the pickup/delivery information, rate confirmation, BCO information, etc. through our TMS/company process.
The biggest thing I’m struggling with right now is the broker side.
I’m hearing “No Landstar” pretty frequently. I understand that some brokers have legitimate reasons for not wanting to work with Landstar, but I’m trying to figure out how experienced agents handle that without wasting everyone's time or sounding like a scripted salesperson.
For example, if a broker says:
>“We don't work with Landstar.”
Would you simply thank them and move on, or briefly ask whether that's company policy or because of a previous experience?
I’m also expected to make a high volume of calls and TMS posts during training.
So for experienced agents:
How would you approach the first 30–60 days?
Would you focus mostly on volume and learning the process, or start trying to build actual broker relationships from day one?
And when you were new, what was the biggest mistake you made that you wish someone had warned you about?
I’m based in Europe, so I’m obviously coming into this with a different background than most people in US freight. Landstar is my current way into this industry, and I genuinely want to make the most of the opportunity.
I’d appreciate any honest advice from experienced agents, brokers, or anyone who has been on either side of these calls.
Thanks.