Win More Contracts by Building Better NEMT Broker Relationships

When your NEMT fleet reaches 20 or more vehicles, keeping them full isn’t just important—it’s essential to your survival.

At that size, efficiency becomes everything. You’ve already built a strong operation, but now the challenge shifts to maximizing trip volume, reducing idle time, and growing revenue predictably. One of the best ways to do that is to strengthen your relationships with NEMT brokers.

Brokers manage a large share of trip assignments nationwide and are always looking for dependable providers who can offer consistent, high-quality service. If you are a mid-sized NEMT operator with an expanding fleet, this article will assist you in scaling your broker relationships—and your business—with confidence.

Why NEMT Broker Partnerships Matter More at Scale

In the early stages of a NEMT business, you might get by with a small number of direct contracts or local clientele. But once your fleet grows, the volume of trips you need increases drastically. That’s where brokers come in.

Brokers like Modivcare, SafeRide Health, and Verida (formerly SoutheastTrans) act as the go-between for Medicaid payers, healthcare facilities, and transportation providers. For larger NEMT businesses, brokers become key partners in keeping vehicles on the road and generating steady income.

Here’s why they matter even more as you scale:

• Trip Volume: Brokers can fill your schedule more quickly than just private pay clients.
• Stability: A solid relationship with a broker can result in dependable, ongoing contracts.
• Growth Opportunities: Brokers frequently expand into new areas, giving you the opportunity to grow alongside them.
  

But the relationship has to be earned—and maintained.

Positioning Your Business for Broker Success

To attract and retain broker partnerships, mid-sized NEMT operators need to position themselves as low-risk, high-performance providers. That means demonstrating operational excellence, scalability, and professionalism.

Here are key ways to stand out:

Show Compliance and Readiness

Keep your licensing, insurance, and certifications up to date.

If you’re NEMTAC certified, highlight that—it shows a commitment to industry best practices.

Leverage Technology

Use dispatch and fleet management tools (like Tobi NEMT Software) to ensure on-time performance and efficient routing.

Real-time GPS tracking, digital trip logs, and automated billing reports can help you stand out to brokers looking for transparency and accountability.

Maintain a Strong On-Time Record

Most brokers monitor performance metrics closely.

High on-time percentages, low complaint rates, and consistent documentation can separate you from the pack.

Navigating the Big Names: What Major Brokers Look For

Each broker has slightly different expectations, but some themes are consistent:

Modivcare: Prioritizes providers capable of meeting high compliance standards, delivering ADA-compliant transport, and covering extensive geographic areas.

SafeRide Health: Focuses heavily on patient experience and technology integration. Providers with solid customer service and tech-backed operations are especially appealing.

Verida: Looks for providers with proven regional presence, especially in Medicaid-focused markets. Clean audit history and effective scheduling practices are key.

To get on a broker’s radar:

• Follow their provider application process carefully
• Submit all required documentation with zero gaps
• Be responsive during the vetting process—they’re watching how you communicate
  
  

Sustaining the Relationship: Communication, Data, and Growth

Getting a contract is just the beginning. To win more trips and build long-term partnerships, you need to think like a partner—not just a vendor.

Communicate Proactively

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Send performance updates, ask for feedback, and notify brokers early if issues arise (vehicle breakdowns, driver turnover, etc.).

Share Performance Data

If your dispatch software includes reporting features, use them. Brokers appreciate transparency—especially if you can demonstrate improvements over time.

Offer to Expand

Let brokers know when you’re ready to expand to new zip codes or increase your vehicle capacity. This proactive growth mindset can lead to new contracts and regions.

Don’t Put All Your Trips in One Basket

While brokers are essential, relying too heavily on one can create risk. If your primary broker cuts back volume or changes service areas, your whole operation could be affected.

Here’s how to protect your business:

• Work with multiple brokers to diversify your trip volume
• Explore direct contracts with hospitals, dialysis centers, or senior homes
• Offer private-pay services or partner with health plans and managed care organizations

Diversification not only protects your fleet—it also helps you grow on your own terms.

As your NEMT fleet grows, your broker relationships should grow with it. But building those partnerships isn’t just about applying for contracts—it’s about positioning your business as reliable, scalable, and professional.

The brokers are out there—and they’re looking for fleet partners like you.

Are you ready to become the provider they trust most?

Are you curious how Tobi can help you run your NEMT operations more efficiently? Request a demo and experience how Tobi makes your business better at every turn.