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