Gain the comprehensive skills needed to build a successful freight brokerage or freight
brokerage agency—100% online. Learn key freight fundamentals for future success, such
as the laws and terminology, setting up your business, valuable tools and software,
contracts and forms, how to find shippers and do ratings, and much more.
In this freight broker training, you will learn the differences between a freight
broker and a freight agent, their various duties and responsibilities, and the laws
and legal requirements for both. You will also learn the steps of setting up carrier
and shipper packets and contracts, marketing and advertising avenues, rate quotes,
how to interact with shippers and carriers to keep lines of communication open, and
valuable negotiation skills.
You also have access to Brooke Transportation Training Solutions, which hosts a Broker/Agent
Resources Day event. This event includes a virtual option held on one Friday a month
exclusively for course graduates.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for logisticians, which
include freight brokers, are likely to increase 18% through 2032. On average, around
21,800 jobs for freight brokers are expected annually over the decade. As of May 2022,
the median yearly salary for freight brokers was $77,520, with the top 10% earning
over $124,050.
Over 11 billion tons of freight move by truck each year, according to the U.S. Department
of Transportation (USDOT). This number will grow, so skilled freight brokers are needed
to keep the industry moving.
FAQs
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.
WHAT KIND OF HOURS DO FREIGHT BROKERS WORK? Freight brokers can set their 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).
The basics of freight brokering, and qualifications needed for freight brokers and
freight broker agents
How to set up an office, goals, and a corporate identity for a freight brokering business
How to set up a shipper and carrier packet for a freight brokering business
Software used for accounting and operations and how the transportation law affects
a freight brokering business
The terms, insurance requirements, liabilities, policies, and recordkeeping best practices
involved in contracts between the broker, carrier, and shipper
Ways to determine rate quotes between your freight brokerage, the shipper, and the
carrier using negotiation and sales techniques
Curriculum
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 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.
