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 “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.
Freight Brokering Program Course
Curriculum
- The basics of Freight Brokering
- Setting up your business and office
- Setting goals and developing your corporate identity
- Setting your shipper packet and your carrier packet
- Operations and using operations software
- Types of Freight and exploring Niche markets
- Transportation Law
- Broker-Shipper Agreements
- Insurance Carriers and Brokers
- Recordkeeping, Account, and Financial Management
- Determining your rate quotes
- Carrier relations and solutions for success
- Sales and profitability
- Advanced Marketing
- Develop your negotiations skills
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 oversight 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.
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.
