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Freight Broker/Agent Training
Start Your Own 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 Details
100 Course Hours
Max of 6 months to complete
Cost: $2,595
Workforce funding may be available for qualifying students.
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.
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 Evaluate business goals and mission statements
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
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.
FAQ
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 brokers 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).
