In a previous, recorded conversation with Richard Fink, a partner at General Transportation, a freight brokerage in Portland, Oregon , specializing in non-asset based multi-modal freight throughout the US and Canada since 1990, he shared with us the differences that technology has made in holding down back office costs and expediting paperwork that lets his agents in six offices concentrate on moving more freight for General's customers. 

In this second part of the conversation, Richard describes the "high-tech, high-touch" approach General has taken over the course of its 17 year history.  General now serves over 2000 customers and works with 8000 carriers and, according to Richard, is always looking for new carriers -- and customers, of course.

Richard relates the story of a shipper in Minnesota who tried to contact carriers by email only to pick up a flat-bed load in Kentucky for delivery in Green Bay.  Getting no response, the shipper asked General to give it a shot.  Shortly thereafter, everything was taken care of.  The difference in the two approaches?  The shipper didn't know the carriers and only tried to communicate via email.  General got on the phone with carriers they knew. 

Another of General's recommended best practices is to come up with ways to pay drivers quicker, such as direct deposits. 

If you're interested in tried and true ways of working with owner operators and other carriers, have a listen and let us know what works -- or doesn't work -- for you.. 

Format: wmv
Duration: 4:15