Freight, explained straight
These guides answer the questions shippers and carriers ask a freight broker most: how brokering works, what sets a truckload rate, how to choose a broker, how carriers get loads and get paid. Every rule we state links to its source, and there is no sign up to read them.
Every freight guide
- How a freight broker worksA freight broker arranges truck transportation with licensed carriers, under FMCSA authority and a $75,000 bond. Here is the process, load to payment.
- Choosing a freight brokerChoose a freight broker by checking its FMCSA authority and bond, how it checks carriers, who your contact is, and how it handles delays and claims.
- What sets a truckload rateA truckload rate is set by the lane, the equipment, the timing, fuel and any extra work at the docks. Here is how each one moves the price of a full truck.
- Broker vs carrierA carrier owns the trucks and moves your freight. A broker arranges the move with carriers. Here is how authority, liability and service differ.
- Getting loads from a brokerTo get loads from a freight broker, set up with your authority, insurance and carrier packet, then haul clean loads so the broker calls you first next time.
- Reading a rate conA rate confirmation is the contract for one load. Check the rate, stops, times, accessorials, fines and payment terms against the call before you sign it.
- Getting paidBrokers pay carriers on the terms in the broker carrier agreement. Quick pay and factoring trade a fee for faster cash. Here is how each works and what to send.
- Checking a brokerBefore you haul for a broker, check its authority and bond on SAFER, call the number FMCSA lists, and watch for the fraud signs FMCSA warns carriers about.
- New MC authorityA new MC is monitored by FMCSA for its first 18 months, with a safety audit inside the first 12. Here is what that means and how to get brokers to book you.
Questions people ask.
Who writes these freight guides?
The Powerhaul Freightmovers team. Every rule or number we state links to its source, usually FMCSA or the federal regulation itself, and the date at the top of each guide is when we last checked those sources.
Which guides are for shippers?
How a freight broker works, choosing a freight broker, what sets a truckload rate, and broker vs carrier. They explain how a brokered load runs and how to judge a quote before you send freight.
Which guides are for carriers?
Getting loads from a broker, reading a rate confirmation, getting paid, checking a broker, and hauling with a new MC. They explain how to set up with a broker and protect yourself on every load.
How do I ship with Powerhaul?
Send the lane, dates, equipment, weight and commodity through the quote form on the contact page. A person on our team prices it and comes back to you.
How do I haul for Powerhaul?
Sign in with your MC or USDOT number on the carrier portal, finish the carrier packet, and the load board opens once our team approves you.
Sources
- FMCSA, SAFER company snapshot (opens in a new tab)
- 49 U.S.C. 13102, Definitions (Cornell LII) (opens in a new tab)
Regulations change. We check these sources when we update the page; the date at the top is the last review.