How Broker Training Can Help You Get Started in the Freight Brokering Business
Broker Training is a vital aspect of the transportation industry, and it can help you get the most out of your career as a freight broker. Whether you’re looking to start your own brokerage or become an associate broker for another company, these classes can teach you the skills and tools that will make you successful in this fast-paced field.
Some courses may only take a few weeks to complete, while others can be more in-depth and last up to several months. Regardless of the course you choose, be sure to do your research to find a program that fits your schedule and budget. You should also consider the cost of textbooks, materials, and certification exams. Becoming a freight broker can be an expensive endeavor, so make sure you’re prepared for these costs before investing in broker training.
A freight broker is a person who arranges cargo shipping on behalf of his or her customers, usually for a fee. Freight brokers typically use their connections in the trucking and transportation industries to connect shippers with carriers. They also negotiate rates and contract paperwork, so they must be familiar with federal transportation regulations. In addition, they must be able to quickly spot potential problems and resolve them before cargo is damaged or delayed.
Getting started in the freight brokering business isn’t always easy, but with the right training and dedication, you can be successful. Many people enter the freight brokering business with no previous experience. In these cases, it is often best to work for a parent freight company with robust broker training programs and extensive networks of clients, truckers, and other industry professionals. These parent companies can help new brokers overcome many of the logistical obstacles that inhibit independent freight brokerage operations.
In addition to offering a comprehensive online course for freight brokers and freight agents, Brooke Transportation Training Solutions also offers a Broker/Agent Resource Day. This virtual option takes place one Friday a month, exclusively for course graduates. It teaches participants about the differences between being a freight broker and agent, important qualities to possess and develop, recordkeeping and back-office procedures, establishing an office, marketing and advertising avenues, obtaining permits and authority, and more.