Choosing the Right Freight Broker Training Course
The freight broker business is a lucrative endeavor for those with the right skills and the drive to work hard. While it is important to understand the negatives of the career (long hours, high stress) before making the decision to pursue it, many find the financial rewards to be worth the initial struggle. In addition to gaining industry experience, it is also crucial for new brokers to complete a freight broker training course that provides them with the tools they need to succeed.
The best freight broker training courses should provide new brokers with the basic knowledge of transportation law, types of freight, record-keeping and financial management. They should also cover how to successfully tackle the prospecting, sales, marketing and negotiation skills that make up a large part of a broker’s job duties.
It is important to consider cost, quality and convenience when choosing a freight broker training program. New brokers should seek a comprehensive course that offers a good balance of these factors, so they can choose the program that is most appropriate for their individual goals. In addition, new brokers should ensure that the freight broker training course they select is accredited by the appropriate regulatory body to guarantee their qualification upon completion.
Those who are interested in beginning their careers as freight brokers can find online and in-person freight broker training classes to meet their needs. For example, the Seattle-based American Broker Academy (ABA) offers a 5-day freight broker class that is specifically geared towards novices. The class utilizes an immersion method to allow novice brokers to learn the ins and outs of the industry. In addition, the ABA offers an opportunity for students to gain real-world experience through its partnership with a licensed freight brokerage.
In-person freight broker training courses are not as common as their online counterparts, but they do exist. The Texas-based Transport Training International (TTI) is a popular option for those looking to take an in-person freight broker training course. The company’s comprehensive course teaches students the basics of freight brokering and how to start their own brokerage business. In addition, the company offers a one-month free trial of group coaching to new recruits.
Another great choice for prospective freight brokers is the online freight broker training offered by Freight 360. The program provides aspiring brokers with the skills they need to succeed in the industry, including negotiating rates, communicating with shippers and finding suitable carriers. Additionally, the program teaches new brokers how to market themselves and how to use trucking software to help them find jobs.
In addition to offering in-person and online freight broker training, TTI also offers a variety of trucking safety and compliance courses. These include a 3-hour course for first-time truckers and a 15-hour driver safety course. Those who are seeking to become freight brokers should consider taking these courses as they can give them an edge over the competition. In addition, completing TTI’s trucking safety and compliance courses can help new brokers pass their FMCSA exams and begin working as independent freight agents.