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Learn How to Start Your Freight Brokerage
From licensing and operations to sales and marketing, learn how to get your broker license and start a successful freight brokerage – 100% online and at your own pace!
“This course used real life examples and different learning materials that still help us operate a business,” Kay P., United Tribe Logistics
Course Objectives
Learn the ins and outs of the industry from experienced freight brokers.
Gain the knowledge and resources you need to register with the FMCSA, get a surety bond and break into the shipping industry.
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, this course focuses solely on U.S. domestic freight brokering, so it’s only recommended if you plan to do business in the United States.
Curriculum
THE BASICS OF FREIGHT BROKERING
Job duties, qualities and skills of an effective freight broker and a freight broker
agent
SETTING UP YOUR BUSINESS AND OFFICE
Steps needed to launch a brokerage and set up an office
SETTING GOALS AND DEVELOPING YOUR CORPORATE IDENTITY
Evaluate business goals and mission statements
SETTING UP YOUR SHIPPER PACKET AND YOUR CARRIER PACKET
Documents to send to shippers and carriers
OPERATIONS AND USING OPERATIONS SOFTWARE
Forms, logs, and broker software that work best for business; how to avoid or manage
day-to-day problems that freight brokers face
TYPES OF FREIGHT AND EXPLORING NICHE MARKETS
Differentiate between the types of freight and the types of niche markets available
TRANSPORTATION LAW
Transportation law most affect business as a broker or agent, and why they are important
to operations
BROKER-CARRIER CONTRACTS
How contracts protect brokers and carriers
BROKER-SHIPPER AGREEMENTS
Components of an effective broker-shipper agreement
INSURANCE FOR CARRIERS AND BROKERS
Insurance policies and forms essential for carriers and brokers
RECORDKEEPING, ACCOUNTING, AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Different processes and records encountered as a broker freight
DETERMINING YOUR RATE QUOTES
Rate quotes that are based on relevant information
CARRIER RELATIONS AND SOLUTIONS FOR SUCCESS
Situations from a carrier's point of view
SALES AND PROFITABILITY
Sales techniques and results as part of sales success
ADVANCED MARKETING
Marketing efforts that will be beneficial for business
DEVELOP YOUR NEGOTIATION SKILLS
Negotiation skills from first real sales calls
Meet the Instructors
Jan Roach
Jan Roach has been a partner in a freight brokerage operation since 1995. For over
10 years, she ran a freight brokerage, overseeing sales, marketing, accounting and
day-to-day operations. Roach holds a Bachelor of Science from Baylor University and
has provided training for the freight industry since 2001.
Jeff Roach
Jeff Roach has been in the transportation industry since 1986. He founded his own
freight brokerage in 1995, after working as the vice president of national accounts
for a major truckload carrier. He grew his brokerage into a multimillion-dollar business
and began developing freight broker courses in 2001. Roach holds a Bachelor of Science
from Abilene Christian University.
Job Outlook for Freight Brokers
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists freight broker/agent as “Bright Outlook” career area, with over 30% job growth expected in the next five years.
According to the US Bureau of Transportation (USDOT), over 11 billion tons of freight move by truck each year. This number will grow, so skilled brokers are needed to keep the industry moving.
FAQ's about Freight Brokers
WHAT DO FREIGHT BROKERS DO?
Freight brokers find carriers for shippers to haul their freight. They also assume
financial responsibility in the shipping process by invoicing shippers, paying carriers
and agents, extending credit and more.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FREIGHT BROKER AND AN AGENT?
A freight agent acts as an independent salesperson for a freight brokerage or independent
broker. Freight agents may work on commission bringing in new customers.
HOW MUCH DO FREIGHT BROKERS MAKE?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, freight brokers make an average of $45,000
annually. Depending on your experience level, top brokers can make over $66,600 per
year.
WHAT KIND OF HOURS DO FREIGHT BROKERS WORK?
Freight brokers can set their own hours — deciding when and how much they work. Many
work from home, so they create their own work/life balance around shipping and carrier
schedules.
WHAT IS THE FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (FMCSA)?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates and provides safety
oversite for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).