Hi WDM,
To answer some of your questions...
Your broker is your customer, not the shipper, so you usually send the invoice to the broker. You should just ask your broker where to send the bill. They may specify that you bill the shipper, but that is doubtful. Ask them to give you the proper address and a name in accounts receivable so your invoice doesn't sit around in some general mail bin for several days before it gets to the person who will write the check.
Ask them how quickly they pay. If they say 20-30 days or more, you may want to offer them terms of 2%/10 Days (a 2% discount for quick payment).
Get your invoices out immediately after you do the run, because the 30 day clock for payment doesn't start until you mail the bill. If you do a delivery and get back to the office by 4:00 p.m., have that invoice in the mail that day by 5:00 p.m. This practice will help you keep the cash flow moving.
Let's see...what else...
Most brokers want the ORIGINAL copy of YOUR proof of delivery ticket, as well as a copy of the bill of lading (they might want the original of the b.o.l. as well, you should ask), so make copies of your ORIGINALS before you send them away.
Always write down as much information on your delivery ticket as you can- shipper #'s, work order #'s, bill of lading #'s, phone #'s, the person's name that it's from, and the person's name that it's attention to- the longer the paper trail, the better.
If there is a discrepancy with the load at the pick-up, make sure you note that on the b.o.l. before you sign it.
I know the paperwork is a hassle, but if you stay on top of it, it won't overwhelm you.
Hope this helps...
Jeff Nichols
Fast Lane Express Delivery
Willoughby, OH
