Is a broker really worth the fee after what I saw in Tacoma?

I was at the Tacoma port last Tuesday watching cars get loaded for an Alaska run. One broker was juggling three different transporters on his phone while the dock workers just stood around waiting for paperwork. Made me wonder if that 15% fee buys you actual speed or just peace of mind. Meanwhile another guy booked direct with a carrier and his Mustang was on the ramp in under an hour. Has anyone else seen the difference play out like that, or was I just watching a bad day for the broker?

2 comments

2 Comments

robinj2924d ago

That broker with three phones probably delivered one load while two guys got paid for nothing, just like every middleman I've ever seen.

emma_clark24d ago

Ha! Right? That's exactly how it goes. The broker's whole job is making it look like they're doing something while the real work happens around them. I've seen carriers turn down loads because the broker's cut made the rate too low, so the "convenience" ends up costing more time in the long run anyway.