5 Tips to Get Paid More and Win the Loads You Want

You want the best loads. You want to be paid fairly. And, you want to be treated well. In this post, we will tell you what it takes to become a premium carrier so that you can make the most money while doing what you love. 

At Stream Logistics, we love our carrier partners. We work hard to maintain our existing partnerships and always have our eyes open for new ones. Our most critical loads and most complex projects are only reserved for Premier Carriers. These are the loads that pay the most, have the highest volume, and require the most care. 

Recently, people have been asking: “What’s the difference between standard carriers and Stream Logistics Premier Carriers?” So, we decided to share the five standards we look for in our carrier Premier Carriers. 

1. Communication

Our Premier Carriers are master communicators. They reach out to us proactively, not waiting on us to ask for an update. They provide accurate ETAs, which we can then communicate confidently to our clients. They also check in with us at important shipment milestones, such as when they’ve arrived at the shipper, when they’re loaded, and when they’re close to their destination.

Our shipment management process includes a carrier grading system at the end of each shipment, and our Premier Carriers consistently receive five stars on their communication. 

2. Performance

At Stream Logistics, our clients expect their shipments to be on time, in sequence, and intact. To live up to these expectations, we partner with carriers who can commit to the same. Premier Carriers not only follow instructions and are timely, but they maintain their equipment to drive safely. When these things happen, performance is excellent.

Performance covers a lot of bases—like accuracy, timing, and reliability—and is also covered in our shipment grading system. 

3. GPS Tracking

GPS tracking makes everyone’s job easier. It has become the standard to track deliveries without having to interrupt drivers while they’re doing their job. At Stream Logistics, we use Project44 as our GPS visibility partner. Our Premier Carriers are always prepared to share GPS location via Project44 using one of three methods: ELD integration, Project44 App, or text opt-in. Sharing real-time location gives our clients peace that shipments are progressing as scheduled.

4. Planning & Collaboration

True partnerships benefit both parties. Our Premier Carriers look for ways to collaborate. They share their backhaul lanes and let us know their schedules early, so that we can help them find the loads and projects they want. 

They are also open-minded about new opportunities, even if it requires extensive planning and moving into new markets. They are looking to grow with us so we both share a bigger and brighter future. 

5. Professionalism

Professionalism is what really sets us apart, and it’s the most important thing we look for in Premier Carriers that represent Stream Logistics. All drivers must be respectful, patient, and grateful in front of shippers and clients. All dispatchers must treat our staff with respect. Professionalism includes upholding our standards, always being polite and courteous, treating the business as your own, and communicating with us immediately if anything goes wrong. Premier Carriers always put their best foot forward.

When we win, our carrier partners win. If you’re best-in-class in these five standards and are interested in becoming a carrier partner, reach out!