We asked what ten traits motor carriers value most in their trading partners.  Here is the response – and how VHI fulfills the desire for these traits.

What Motor Carriers Look For In Shippers/Brokers:

1-Honesty. 

VHI embraces principles from the Bible in conducting its affairs.  Being honest to our carriers, our shippers and to each other is a centerpiece of our values.  We tell the truth and keep our promises.

2-Ability to load their trucks on a consistent basis to a designated area.

VHI has key sales and marketing people and agents desigated to find freight that fits the needs of our carriers. We especially look for regular lanes to match with predictable capacity.  We have been successful in finding freight for our carriers.

3-Ease of product for transport, loading, crating, etc.

We look for easy-to-handle freight and evaluate freight to see if it could be handled more easily than the tradition or the current way. 

4-Defined payment terms that are met.

VHI pays carriers twice a month.  Most often, invoices are paid within 15 days of their receipt.  We are proud of our record and will continue to manage our business in a conservative and frugal manner so that we continue to maintain our financial stability and our carrier’s cash flow.

5-Easy to work with; good, available, knowledgeable personnel.

We believe in our people.  We hire and try to retain the best. We provide training,  coaching and pay structures to encourage learning, growth, customer centric attitude and high level communication.

6-Clear communication of expectations, in writing.

Everything is put into writing.  Quick email messages confirm what we have agreed to and what expectations are.  Nothing is left to chance.

VHI has created, edited and published industry forms, policy manuals, rate confirmation sheets and memoranda of understanding. Our published library is huge, all done to facilitate good communications and set clear understandings.

7-Financial strength.

VHI has a history of top rated financial stability.  In Who We Are, read through the many acknowledgements and recognitions VHI has accumulated due to the financial strength of our company.  Motor carriers often refer customers to us because they cannot wait the 3 or 4 months that other brokers will take to pay or because others brokers are credit risks.  We are really proud of, and have earned, these carrier referrals.

8-Well diversified.

VHI has established separate departments to specialize in the various modes of transportation.  You will work with someone who is completely skilled in arranging freight transport via:

• Van
• Flatbed
• Heavy Haul
• Intermodal
• Container including drayage
•  Air cargo

VHI offers logistic management.  This is fee-based, no commitment consultation on site.

We also have agents in key locations, providing hands-on local service. 

9-Long Term contract renewals.

As believers in long term relationships, VHI is not focused on the hottest carrier of the moment.  With many carriers,  we have doing business together for over three decades.  We like to put things in place and have them serve our mutual needs consistently for a long time.

10-Fair contracts.

The national trade organization, Transportation Intermediaries Association, brought together shippers and carriers to agree to language in contracts that they endorse.  VHI uses contracts modeled after these standards.

Are we perfect?

No.  But we do strive to be the best we can be.  Our staff slogan – YES WE CAN – is a good indication of our quest for constant improvement.  If we have ever given you any cause to doubt that, please call and give us a chance to make it right.  Direct line to President Bruce Gee – 804-683-4702, brucegee@vhitransport.com.