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!

GET THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO SHINE

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.

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

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.

REGISTRATION & ENROLLMENT

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

“This course used real life examples and different learning materials that still help us operate a business.”

Kay P., United Tribe Logistics

Freight Brokers FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates and provides safety oversite for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

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