Brokerage Training – The Future of the Transport Industry
As an independent freight broker or freight forwarder, your main responsibility will be to find, qualify and arrange transportation for the cargo, products or goods you have contracted with a carrier. Freight brokers are required by law to be licensed, and they must follow strict regulations regarding their conduct and business practices. They will need to keep records of all transportation services and the type of carrier that was used for the service.
In most states, freight agents and brokers are also required to complete state Broker Training. This Broker Training requires that agents understand the laws, policies, and practices related to shippers and manufacturers, as well as the shipment of goods. It is important to remember that while a freight broker’s main responsibility may be to find, qualify and organize transportation, he or she will also be a salesperson for the shippers and manufacturers. The Broker must effectively sell the products of the shippers to the potential shippers and also convince them that they need the product and that it will solve their problems.
In many states, freight brokerage jobs are regulated by the department of transportation. If you plan to become a freight broker in the United States, you will have to pass certain examinations, such as those required for freight brokerage jobs in New York. The examinations for freight brokerage jobs in New York include questions about your experience as a freight broker, your knowledge of freight brokerage, the nature of your business and any background research you may have. You must pass the written portion of the examination, which typically takes about two weeks, and then take a qualifying exam that is usually held within a few days. After you pass the examination, you will be accepted into the freight brokerage firm as a full-fledged freight broker. The freight brokerage firm will provide you with training and you will begin working immediately.
In addition to being a freight broker agent, you will also be required to complete other classes at your chosen or nearby freight brokerage training school. These classes will often include information about international shipping regulations, shippers, carriers, loading and unloading as well as trucking and vehicle loads. The courses you take at your chosen or nearby freight brokerage training school will also provide you with information about how to write effective resumes, how to prepare for job interviews as well as the types of leases that you can secure when you become a freight broker.
One thing you should always keep in mind when choosing to become a freight broker is that the logistics and shipping industries have just grown very quickly and will continue to do so for several more years to come. As a result, logistics professionals are constantly being placed on the job, particularly as companies continue to downsize and outsource their shipping needs. Freight brokers are usually considered entry-level or temporary employees because they do not usually enjoy the same level of benefits offered to full-time employees. However, if you have the right skills, strong interpersonal skills and the willingness to learn, then you could find yourself on the leading edge of a great and exciting career in the transportation industry.
There are several types of freight brokerage training programs and schools offer many different paths in which to choose. Each one has its pros and cons. However, regardless of what type of program or school you select, if you possess the right attitude and a willingness to learn, you can be on your way to a successful career in the transport industry. You should consult a recruiter or a school’s admissions department for more information about which course or school to attend in order to fulfill your educational and work requirements.