How to find out if your freight broker is legitimate in Australia

There are so many aspects to take into account when hiring a freight broker to ship your cargo both across Australia as well as outside of Australia. When looking into freight brokers there are reviews and references sure but how can you really tell that the potential freight broker you are thinking of hiring is legitimate? There are a few easy ways to be sure and today we would like to take a moment and look at some of these ways with you. When you hire a legitimate freight broker you are protecting not only you and your company or business but your products as well, so taking the little extra time to ensure your freight broker is the real deal is well worth it.

• Is the freight broker insured and licensed? A professional broker will carry the proper insurances and licenses for operating their business. Such licenses would include being licensed by the DIBP, or the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
• Does your broker attend CPD training? This Continuing Professional Development training help the broker stay on top of their skills and knowledge on things in their field of work.
• Is the broker bonded? In order to obtain proper licenses and to operate legally, freight brokers must be bonded. By being bonded the broker can ensure they get paid. If their client doesn’t pay they can make a claim against their bond and get paid.
• How long has your potential broker been in business? It is thought that those who have been in business for any length of time tend to be a better choice than those who have just started. Now, with that being said everyone has to start somewhere and we understand that so you have to just use your own judgement when it comes to deciding based on this category.
• Ask Around – Ask around Melbourne and see if anyone else has dealt with or heard of the freight broker you are considering, get the low down on the broker and ask for references as well from the broker.