Learn, Motivate, Create

Los Medanos Community Education

Online Freight Broker/Agent Training

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

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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 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.

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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

Instructor

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 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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