"I left money on the table!" That's often the feeling after negotiating with a freight broker. The idea that brokers are taking advantage of the carriers is common in the transportation industry, especially when the market is such that the carrier finds his/herself without much leverage. Like it or not, brokers serve a very important role in the transportation chain which moves hundreds of thousands of loads each year. Without brokers most truckers would be out of business. Without trucks so too would brokers be left without a purpose. Let's discuss the mutual benefits that brokers and carriers have and how those benefits change as the market changes. We'll throw in a few negotiation techniques that may help fatten up your bottom line!