A year ago, the trucking industry needed 120,000 drivers. That number has not changed. The combination of driver shortage, carriers out of business and truck shortage continues to present a capacity crunch for those attempting to get freight to market.

Most transportation intermediaries have undertaken carrier relations programs that were unheard of, just a few years ago. Carriers are being paid several times a month, weekly or instantly. Technology has been created that favors carriers and moves brokers up on their list of preferred customers. Brokers are advertising in display and classified ads and on radio shows for carriers to move customers' freight.

The combined volume of all of a broker's customers should attract carriers. Many brokers offer dedicated lanes, no-touch freight and other carrier benefits. Yet carriers rarely see brokers as preferred customers. Transportation intermediaries have to work hard to gain that status.

This is all part of the ever-changing landscape of the shipping industry where brokers must be flexible and quickly accommodate needs or foresee them before they occur.