SEF-GAT8024 - Freight Broker/Agent Training

Course Description

Start your freight broker career successfully with online freight broker training! This Freight Broker/Agent Training course provides you with the comprehensive skills needed for building a successful freight brokerage or freight brokerage agency. This freight broker course is designed to educate the student about the foundational aspects of brokering shipments. From learning the laws and terminology, setting up your business, learning about valuable tools and software, contracts and forms, how to find shippers and do ratings, and much more, it will provide you with the knowledge, insight, and direction to help you stand out in this growing industry.

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 how to develop important qualities and skills such as how to set your goals and market yourself, set up and organize your office, recordkeeping and back-office procedures, and how to choose brokerage and operating software.

After completing this freight broker course, you will understand 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.

Course Outline

1. The Basics of Freight Brokering
2. Setting Up Your Business
3. Setting Goals for Your Business
4. Setting Up Your Shipper Packet and Your Carrier Packet
5. Operations and Using Operations Software
6. Types of Freight and Exploring Niche Markets
7. Transportation Law
8. Broker-Carrier Contracts
9. Broker-Shipper Contracts
10. Insurance for Carriers and Brokers
11. Recordkeeping, Accounting, and Financial Management
12. Determining Your Rate Quotes
13. Carrier Relations and Solutions for Success
14. Sales and Profitability
15. Advanced Marketing
16. Develop Your Negotiation Skills

Learner Outcomes

What you will learn

• 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

How you will benefit

• Insight into the industry to determine which avenue fits you best and will give you guidance to obtain the highest ratios for success
• Why great software, quality contracts, and correct documentation are the backbone of your business
• Understand transportation laws and how they affect your business
• Learn the workings of the industry and how to translate that into your relations with your shippers and carriers
• Fine-tune your ability to find a fair but profitable balance in rate quotes to keep your clients satisfied and coming back

Notes

This is an asynchronous online course offered through the third party vendor ed2go. This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook. There are no prerequisites to take this course, however since this course focuses solely on U.S. domestic freight brokering, it is recommended you are interested in doing business in the United States. The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

FAQs

How much do freight brokers make?

According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the average freight broker agent salary is $55,170 per year (as of 2023).

What is the difference between a Freight Broker and an Agent?

The difference between a freight broker and a freight agent is the licensure. A freight broker will be licensed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and a freight broker is legally liable for the cargo. A freight broker agent is not licensed or liable. The freight agent is more on the sales side of this field and will often sell for the freight broker.

Should I start out as a freight broker agent or as a freight broker?

This online course will go into detail about the differences between a career as a freight broker agent or a freight broker to help you decide what direction is best for you.

What is a freight broker?

A freight broker arranges and makes provision for the transportation of shipments, but they don't actually provide the transportation. Instead, they help the shipper and the motor carrier company, negotiate on both sides, and earn a fee for their work. Freight brokers use their expertise to set up the shipment, negotiate the terms of the transaction, and manage the shipment from its origin to its destination.

What does a freight broker do?

The freight broker works within the company to manage the day-to-day tasks required to move goods from place to place. They hire carriers and monitor financial aspects such as invoicing, paying agents, and monitoring credit. The government may require additional fees and paperwork for a brokerage license, but not for becoming a freight agent.

What is a freight brokerage company?

Freight brokerage companies act as a liaison between a "shipper," or a business with goods to move, and a "carrier," or the business that has the ability to move those goods. They help the shipping industry run efficiently and smoothly.

How long does it take to become a freight broker?

It does not take long to set up your business as freight broker. The longer time is actually building up your business. As with almost any new startup business, it'll take time to build your client database before your income starts to increase. When you're just starting out, it can take an average of three to six months or longer to establish relationships and start building your client database.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

No.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course is self-paced and you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.

What kind of support will I receive?

The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team with ed2go to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

Am I guaranteed a job?

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

Can I get financial assistance?

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat at https://careertraining.ed2go.com/cpcc/. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.