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! 
 

Job Outlook for Freight Brokers

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists freight broker/agent as a “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.

 

FAQs 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).

 

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

 

Registration and Enrollment

• This course is 100% online. 
• Start anytime with 6 months to complete.