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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Getting Started as a Carrier

We welcome reliable carrier partners! Here's how to get started:

1. Ensure you meet our carrier requirements (see below)

2. We onboard our Carriers through Highway.

3. Contact us at info@vineyardbrokerage.com or carriersafety@vineyardbrokerage.com

4. Complete our carrier packet and provide required documentation:

  • W-9 form
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI)
  • MC/DOT authority verification
  • Signed carrier agreement

5. Pass our vetting and approval process

6. Start receiving load offers and building a partnership!

We're always looking for professional, reliable carriers to join our network.

To haul freight for Vineyard Brokerage, carriers must have:

Authority & Registration:

· Valid, active MC (Motor Carrier) authority

· DOT number with active registration

· Proper operating authority for freight types hauled

· Good standing with FMCSA

Insurance Requirements (Minimum):

· Auto Liability: $1,000,000

· Cargo Insurance: $100,000 (higher for certain commodities)

· General Liability: As required

· Workers Compensation: As required by state law

Safety & Compliance:

· Satisfactory or better FMCSA safety rating

· Acceptable CSA scores

· Clean safety record

· Properly maintained equipment

Professional Standards:

· Reliable communication and responsiveness

· Professional conduct with customers

· Proper equipment and licensing for freight type

· On-time performance

We verify all requirements before approval and monitor compliance ongoing.

Required carrier documentation:

· W-9 Tax Form (for payment processing)

· Certificate of Insurance (COI) with Vineyard Brokerage listed as certificate holder

· Signed Carrier Agreement (we provide this)

· MC Authority Letter (from FMCSA)

· Carrier Profile (equipment types, lanes, contact information)

Additional documents may be required for specialized freight (hazmat endorsements, temperature control certifications, etc.)

Carrier approval typically takes:

· 24-48 hours for complete submissions with all required documents

· Same day for carriers with established industry presence and readily verifiable information

· Longer if documentation is incomplete or requires clarification Submit complete, current documentation to carriersafety@vineyardbrokerage.com for fastest processing.

When inquiring about a load, have ready:

· Your MC number and DOT number

· Equipment type and specifications (dry van, reefer, flatbed, etc.)

· Current location or preferred pickup area

· Availability date and time

· Destination preferences (if any)

· Rate expectations

The more information you provide, the faster we can match you with suitable freight.

Rate Confirmations & Dispatch

Rate confirmations are provided:

· Before dispatch: You receive signed rate confirmation before pickup

· Via email: Sent to your provided email address

· Required: Must be signed and returned before proceeding to pickup

Never pick up a load without a signed rate confirmation.

If changes are needed after booking:

· Contact your Vineyard broker immediately - as soon as you know about the issue

· Explain the situation (breakdown, delay, driver issue, etc.)

· We work with you to find solutions

· May require rate adjustments depending on circumstances

Important: Don't go silent - communication is key. We work with professional carriers to solve problems together.

Cancellations create challenges but we understand emergencies happen:

· Notify immediately: Call your broker as soon as you know you can't make pickup

· Before dispatch: Less impact if canceled before truck is dispatched

· After dispatch: May result in TONU charges if truck is already en route

· Last minute cancellations: Damage relationship and may affect future load offers

Professional carriers communicate proactively when issues arise.

At pickup, you need:

· Signed rate confirmation from Vineyard Brokerage

· Bill of Lading (BOL) from shipper

· Your driver's valid CDL

· Any special permits or documentation for the load

Inspect freight and note any damages or shortages on the BOL before leaving.

At delivery:

· Obtain signed Proof of Delivery (POD) from consignee

· Note any damages or shortages on the POD

· BOL should be signed by receiver

· Any special delivery receipts required by customer

Keep all original paperwork for your records and invoice submission

Vineyard Brokerage payment terms:

· Standard Payment: Net 30 days from delivery date

· Quick Pay Available: For established carrier relationships (contact AP team for details)

· Payment Method: ACH direct deposit (preferred) or check

· Payment Contact: ap@vineyardbrokerage.com

We stand by our carriers - your invoice gets paid as agreed. We value reliable carriers and pay on time.

To get paid, submit complete invoice packet:

· Signed Rate Confirmation

· Signed Bill of Lading (BOL)

· Signed Proof of Delivery (POD) with delivery date clearly visible

· Your invoice with load number, rate, and payment terms

· Ingate and Outgate Receipts in case of drayage shipments.

Submit to: ap@vineyardbrokerage.com

Subject Line: Include load number for fast processing

Submit paperwork electronically:

1. Take clear photos or scans of all signed documents

2. Email to ap@vineyardbrokerage.com

3. Include load number in subject line (e.g., "Load #12345 - Carrier Invoice")

4. Submit within 24-48 hours of delivery for fastest processing

5. Keep original documents for your records

Clear, legible paperwork gets processed faster.

If there are invoice discrepancies:

· We contact you via email or phone to clarify

· Common issues: Missing documents, incorrect rate, unreadable paperwork

· Provide requested information promptly to avoid payment delays

· Contact ap@vineyardbrokerage.com for status updates

Clear communication resolves issues quickly.

Yes! For payment status inquiries:

· Email: ap@vineyardbrokerage.com (preferred for documentation)

· Include: Load number, delivery date, and invoice number

· We provide status updates and expected payment dates

· Escalations: Contact management (Jimmy, Garry, Bobby) for urgent payment issues

We're transparent about payment status and timelines.

Quick Pay: Available for established carrier relationships with proven performance. Contact ap@vineyardbrokerage.com to discuss Quick Pay terms and rates.

Safety & Compliance

Keep your insurance current:

· Notify us before expiration: Email updated COI to ap@vineyardbrokerage.com

· Grace period: None - expired insurance means no loads until updated

· Requirements: Insurance must list Vineyard Brokerage as certificate holder

· Automatic updates: Some insurance companies provide automatic updates

Don't let your insurance lapse - it stops your ability to haul our freight.

If mechanical issues occur:

1. Safety first: Get to safe location

2. Contact broker immediately: Call, don't just text

3. Provide details: Location, problem, estimated repair time

4. Options: Repair and continue, transfer to another truck, arrange rescue

5. Keep communicating: Update broker with progress

We work with you to resolve mechanical issues and minimize customer impact

Yes! For carriers with proven performance:

· Dedicated lane opportunities

· Consistent freight in your preferred areas

· Priority load offers

· Better rates for commitment

· Partnership-focused relationship

Demonstrate reliability and professionalism - we reward it with consistent business.

Absolutely! We value carrier feedback:

· Contact your broker directly

· Email ap@vineyardbrokerage.com or feedback@vineyardbrokerage.com

· Escalate to management (Jimmy, Garry, Bobby) for important concerns

Your feedback helps us improve our carrier experience and grow partnerships.

If issues arise:

1. Contact your broker first: Most issues resolve at this level

2. Email documentation: Send details to ap@vineyardbrokerage.com or info@vineyardbrokerage.com

3. Management escalation: Contact Jimmy, Garry, or Bobby for unresolved disputes

4. Professional approach: Clear facts and documentation help fast resolution

We're committed to fair treatment and resolving disputes professionally.

Fraud Prevention

Multiple ways to reach us:

General Inquiries & New Quotes:

· Email: info@vineyardbrokerage.com

· Website: www.vineyardbrokerage.com

Accounts Receivable (AR) / Invoicing:

· Email: ar@vineyardbrokerage.com

Accounts Payable (AP) / Carrier Payments:

· Email: ap@vineyardbrokerage.com

Management Team:

· Jimmy, Garry, Bobby - Available for escalations and strategic discussions

Office Location: 75 N Main St Zionsville, IN 46077

Each customer is assigned a dedicated broker as your single point of contact.

Absolutely! We value your feedback:

· Contact your dedicated broker directly

· Email management: feedback@vineyardbrokerage.com

· Escalate to Jimmy, Garry, or Bobby for concerns requiring management attention

Your feedback helps us improve and serve you better.

Contact our Carrier Team:

General Carrier Inquiries & Load Availability:

· Email: info@vineyardbrokerage.com

Accounts Payable / Payment Questions:

· Email: ap@vineyardbrokerage.com

Management:

· Jimmy, Garry, Bobby - Available for escalations

Office Location: 75 N Main St Zionsville, IN 46077

Website: www.vineyardbrokerage.com

Vineyard Brokerage: We Stand by Our Carriers and Customers

Woman-Owned Business | Founded 2020 | Serving Nationwide