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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 Department 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 oversight for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

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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.

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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 freight broker

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

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Instructor

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.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime. 

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