Key Takeaways from the Trucking for Millennials Podcast Episode with Thomas Werdine

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, Aaron sits down with Thomas Werdine, a seasoned professional in the logistics and freight industry. Thomas shares his journey from the automotive sector to becoming a key player in logistics and freight tech. Here are three key takeaways from this insightful episode:

1. The Importance of Treating Carriers Well

One of the most significant points Thomas emphasizes is the importance of treating carriers with respect and fairness. He explains that building strong relationships with carriers is crucial for the success of any brokerage.

"We're not all bad. There's a lot of us out there that genuinely, and I mean this, genuinely give a damn about our carriers, more so than our shipper relationships because I can't move. I'm sitting here. This is my brokerage. This is where I scaled FSL. This is where I was working at FreightWave. This is where I'm building ThinkFreight. I can't move goods from my house. I can't physically move my house and have goods strapped to my roof." - Thomas Werdine

Thomas highlights that without good relationships with carriers, a brokerage cannot function effectively. He mentions that he often prioritizes paying detention fees and ensuring carriers are treated fairly, even if it means taking a loss. This approach not only helps in maintaining long-term relationships but also ensures that carriers are willing to work with the brokerage again.

2. The Value of Comprehensive Training in Logistics

Thomas shares his positive experience with the training program at Total Quality Logistics (TQL), emphasizing the importance of thorough and hands-on training for new brokers. He believes that the training he received at TQL was instrumental in his success in the logistics industry.

"I think the secret sauce is just their in-depth training. It's a lot of, in my time, was a lot of computer modules mixed with hands-on training with GSMs, with the general sales managers, the leaders, as well as people from the direct teams." - Thomas Wedine

Thomas explains that the training at TQL involved a mix of computer-based learning and practical, hands-on experience. New brokers were paired with experienced brokers and given the opportunity to manage real accounts under supervision. This comprehensive training approach ensured that new brokers were well-prepared to handle the complexities of the logistics industry.

3. Leveraging Social Media for Building Credibility

In the modern logistics landscape, building credibility and trust is more important than ever. Thomas advises carriers to use social media as a tool to showcase their reliability and professionalism. By actively posting updates and engaging with the community, carriers can build a strong online presence that helps in establishing trust with brokers and shippers.

"Take five minutes and post. Take a picture of your truck when it's getting loaded. Take a picture of your truck when it's being unloaded. If you're a deck carrier, take pictures when you've got, before you tarp, before you strap, take little videos, invest in a $20 tripod, take videos, do that kind of stuff and send it to your broker, send it to your drivers, differentiate yourself." - Thomas Werdine

Thomas emphasizes that regular updates on social media can serve as a form of verification, helping carriers stand out in a crowded market. By sharing photos and videos of their operations, carriers can demonstrate their commitment to safety and reliability, making it easier for brokers to trust them with valuable freight.

Conclusion

This episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast offers valuable insights into the logistics industry from the perspective of Thomas Werdine. Listeners can learn about the importance of treating carriers well, the value of comprehensive training, and the benefits of leveraging social media to build credibility. These takeaways provide a roadmap for both new and experienced professionals in the logistics industry to enhance their operations and build stronger relationships.

For more insights and to hear the full conversation, be sure to listen to the episode featuring Thomas Werdine on the Trucking for Millennials podcast.