10 Key Questions to Ask When Hiring a Freight Broker in 2025

In the 15+ years I've spent in freight brokerage and logistics, I've seen countless shippers make costly mistakes when selecting their freight partners. The truth is, not all brokers are created equal, and the wrong choice can lead to damaged freight, missed pickups, and expensive headaches that impact your bottom line.

I've worked with manufacturers who've told me horror stories about brokers who promised the world during sales calls but disappeared when problems arose. I've also helped customers recover from partnerships where brokers consistently missed pickups, provided inadequate carrier vetting, or simply couldn't deliver the capacity they promised.

So how do you separate reliable freight partners from those who'll leave you high and dry? Here are ten critical questions every shipper should ask before signing with a freight broker.

1. Do you have your own trucks or are you solely a broker?

Why it matters: This question immediately reveals the broker's capabilities and limitations. Brokers with their own assets (trucks) offer unique advantages that pure brokers simply can't match.

What to look for: While pure brokers certainly have their place in the market, asset-based brokers can provide significant advantages in terms of capacity guarantees, especially during tight markets. A broker with assets can often prioritize your freight on their own equipment when third-party capacity is scarce.

Red flags: Be wary of brokers who are unclear about their asset situation or who exaggerate their fleet size. If capacity is important to you, verify their claims.

How we're different: At Badger Logistics, we operate as both an asset-based carrier and a brokerage. This gives us extraordinary flexibility – we can offer you priority space on our own equipment when needed, while still leveraging our network of 15,000+ vetted carriers for lanes our assets don't serve. This "best of both worlds" approach means we're never caught unable to service your freight.

2. How do you vet and monitor your carrier partners?

Why it matters: The carriers a broker works with are an extension of your business. Their performance directly impacts your customers' satisfaction and your reputation.

What to look for: A robust vetting process should include:

• Verification of proper operating authority
• Checking safety scores and FMCSA ratings
• Insurance verification (cargo and liability)
• Service history evaluation
• Driver quality assessment

Red flags: Vague answers, minimal requirements, or an over-reliance on load boards for finding new carriers should concern you. If a broker is consistently finding new carriers on load boards for your shipments, that's a potential risk.

How we're different: At Badger, we have one of the most thorough vetting processes in the industry. We require all carriers to have at least 12 months of operating history and maintain verifiable safety records. We check Carrier 411 reports to confirm no history of double-brokering, and we won't work with carriers that have conditional safety ratings unless they've been proven partners to us in the past. Our approach means fewer claims, fewer service failures, and better overall reliability for your shipments.

3. What's your process for handling problems that arise during transit?

Why it matters: Issues happen in transportation – weather delays, mechanical problems, facility issues. What separates great brokers from mediocre ones is how they handle these situations.

What to look for: A clear escalation process, 24/7 availability, and proactive communication. The broker should be able to explain exactly how they handle common scenarios.

Red flags: Generic assurances that "everything will be fine" or "we'll figure it out." Also be cautious of brokers who only provide automated tracking without real people behind it for problem resolution.

How we're different: When you work with Badger, you get real people who take ownership of your freight. Our team doesn't just connect you with carriers – we actively manage your shipments. If a problem arises, your dedicated account manager handles it personally, communicating with you throughout the process. Our philosophy is simple: we don't delegate our relationships to technology. We use technology to enhance our relationships.

4. How do you communicate shipping updates and potential issues?

Why it matters: Communication is the backbone of successful logistics partnerships. You need to know not just when things go right, but especially when they go wrong.

What to look for: The broker should offer flexible communication options that fit your preferences – whether that's automated tracking updates, regular check-ins, or exception-based alerts.

Red flags: Preset communication schedules that can't be customized to your needs, or brokers who can only provide tracking information through their proprietary systems.

How we're different: At Badger, we tailor our communication to match your preferences. Some customers want to know only when there's a problem, while others want regular updates throughout transit. We accommodate both approaches. And rather than forcing you into our system, we meet you where you are – providing updates via email, phone, or your own transportation management system.

5. What is your approach to pricing and rate transparency?

Why it matters: Hidden fees and unclear pricing can lead to invoice disputes and budget overruns. Clear pricing models build trust and help you manage your transportation costs effectively.

What to look for: Transparency about how rates are calculated, including any accessorial charges, fuel surcharges, and the broker's margin.

Red flags: Reluctance to discuss pricing models, excessive accessorial charges, or significant price swings from quote to invoice.

How we're different: We believe in straightforward, honest pricing. We'll always be upfront about our rates and what factors might affect them. Our team takes time to accurately apply agreed-upon rates and fuel surcharges, ensuring your invoices match expectations. And because our team is salaried rather than commission-based, they're focused on long-term relationships rather than maximizing margins on individual loads.

6. How do you ensure capacity during peak seasons or tight markets?

Why it matters: When capacity gets tight – whether due to produce season, holidays, or market conditions – many brokers struggle to fulfill their commitments.

What to look for: Specific strategies for securing capacity during challenging times, including dedicated carrier programs, contractual relationships with carriers, and contingency planning.

Red flags: Generic assurances without specific strategies, or an over-reliance on the spot market for fulfilling shipments.

How we're different: With our asset division, we can offer dedicated equipment for consistent lanes that you can depend on regardless of market conditions. For lanes beyond our asset footprint, we maintain strong relationships with reliable carriers who prioritize our freight even during capacity crunches because we've earned their trust through consistent, fair treatment over the years.

7. What is your claims process and ratio?

Why it matters: Even with the best carriers, claims happen. What matters is how quickly and fairly they're resolved.

What to look for: A clearly defined claims process with reasonable timelines and fair evaluation procedures. The broker should also be willing to share their claims ratio (the percentage of shipments that result in claims).

Red flags: Vague or overly complicated claims processes, unwillingness to share claims data, or extremely limited liability.

How we're different: We maintain one of the lowest claims ratios in the industry because of our rigorous carrier vetting. When claims do occur, we handle them personally and efficiently. I'm currently working on just one claim with a flatbed carrier – the first I've dealt with in nearly three years. That's not because we've been lucky; it's because we're selective about who we trust with your freight.

8. What technology platforms do you use, and how flexible are they?

Why it matters: Technology can streamline your shipping operations, but only if it works with your existing systems and processes.

What to look for: A broker who offers technology as a tool, not a replacement for human relationships. Their systems should be flexible enough to work with your existing processes.

Red flags: Brokers who force you to use their proprietary systems exclusively or who rely entirely on technology with minimal human oversight.

How we're different: We use McLeod, one of the industry's leading transportation management systems, integrated with Samsara for tracking. But we recognize that technology is only valuable when it serves the relationship, not the other way around. We don't force our technology on you – instead, we adapt to your preferences and provide the level of technological integration that makes sense for your business.

9. What experience do you have with my specific industry and freight type?

Why it matters: Different industries have unique shipping requirements, challenges, and expectations. A broker who understands your industry will anticipate needs rather than react to problems.

What to look for: Specific examples of work with similar companies or freight types, understanding of industry-specific regulations, and specialized equipment knowledge if relevant.

Red flags: Generic claims of experience without specifics, or inability to speak knowledgeably about your industry's unique challenges.

How we're different: With over 30 years in the transportation industry, we've developed deep expertise across multiple sectors, including paper and packaging, manufacturing, food products, and more. We're not just logistics generalists – we're specialists who understand the nuances of different freight types and can speak your industry's language.

10. Who will be my day-to-day contact, and what's their experience level?

Why it matters: The person handling your account day-to-day has a significant impact on your service quality and satisfaction.

What to look for: Dedicated account management with experienced professionals who understand transportation logistics. Ideally, you want someone who'll be around for the long haul – not a revolving door of new contacts.

Red flags: Unclear account management structure, inexperienced representatives, or high turnover that forces you to rebuild relationships frequently.

How we're different: At Badger, you'll work with experienced logistics professionals who average over a decade in the industry. Our team is built on stability – many of our staff have been with us for years, providing consistency that's rare in this industry. And because our team is salaried rather than working purely on commission, they're focused on building lasting relationships rather than quick wins.

Bonus Question: How do you pay your staff?

This may seem like an unusual question, but it's surprisingly revealing. Brokers who compensate their staff primarily through commission often create an environment where short-term gains take priority over long-term relationships.

At Badger, our team members receive base salaries with performance-based incentives tied to customer satisfaction and retention— not just revenue. This approach allows them to focus on what's best for your business rather than what maximizes their next paycheck.

Making the right choice

The right freight broker doesn't just move your freight – they become a strategic partner in your supply chain. They should understand your business needs, anticipate challenges, and offer solutions that drive efficiency.

At Badger Logistics, we've built our reputation on being that kind of partner. By combining asset-based resources with an extensive brokerage network, we offer a level of service, flexibility, and reliability that's hard to match.

If you're evaluating freight brokers and want to see how we stack up, I'd be happy to walk you through our approach in detail. Reach out to discuss your specific shipping needs, and let's explore how we can help streamline your logistics operations.

Streamline your freight management with our comprehensive North American brokerage network

Most logistics providers complicate freight management with fragmented services. You need reliable, all-in-one freight management from a partner who understands your business and has the carrier relationships to move your freight seamlessly.

Our brokerage, Fall River Express, manages tens of thousands of annual shipments for hundreds of customers across the U.S. and Canada. Our advantage is our team; we combine our asset-based trucking, Badger Express, warehousing, Badger Warehouse, and brokerage to offer our customers tailored solutions to fit most models.

Talk to us when you need the precise logistics to efficiently move freight so you can focus on your core business.