LearnFreight
Freight Broker Training
TRAINING DETAILS
ONLINE TRAINING SUMMARY
Upon completion of our Freight Broker Training Course you’ll have learned the basic aspects of becoming a Freight Broker or Freight Agent. We’ll start by discussing what it means to be a Freight Broker and what skills can help you succeed in this field. Then we’ll cover the basics and determine what is needed to obtain your Freight Broker license.
If you’re new to the transportation industry, you’ll learn important facts about the parties participating in the freight shipping process. We will also cover common terminology used in transportation, facts about logistics, types of cargo, and the equipment used to transport it. You’ll also learn how to look for clients as we discuss different types of marketing strategies, both traditional and alternative.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Index of lessons included in our online training:
Section 1 - INTRODUCTION
1. Why should you start Freight Brokerage?
2. Required skills
3. Course overview
Section 2 – PARTIES INVOLVED IN TRANSPORTATION
4. Role of a Freight Broker
5. Freight Agent
6. Shippers and receivers
7. Motor Carriers and Safety
8. Transaction diagram
9. Why shippers use freight brokers?
Quiz
Section 3 – EQUIPMENT AND FREIGHT
10. Truck types
11. Trailer types
12. Cargo (Weight, Space, Commodity)
13. Special requirements
14. FTL vs LTL
15. Alternative modes of transportation
Quiz
Section 4 – SETTING UP YOUR BROKERAGE
16. Getting your Broker Authority
17. Getting your Surety Bond or Trust account
18. Additional Insurance Coverage
19. FMCSA requirements
20. Making a choice
Section 5 – PREPARATION FOR OPERATIONS
21. Starting Capital
22. Thinking ahead – your legal entity
23. DUNS number and SCAC code
24. Things you will need to get started – Equipment
25. Things you will need to get started – Software
26. Working capital
27. Selection of a Factoring company
Section 6 – SALES AND MARKETING
28. Where do you find clients?
29. Your brand and identity
30. Content and quick quoting
31. Website
32. Online advertising
33. Direct Marketing
34. Data
35. Reverse marketing
36. Marketing outsourcing
37. Sales outsourcing
38. Getting Virtual Help
39. Marketing yourself as a Freight Agent
Section 7 – RATES AND LOGISTICS
40. Setting up your clients and getting right information
41. Understanding lanes and Rates
42. Pick-up and delivery location
43. Pick-up and delivery times and their importance
44. Extra stops and consolidation
45. Special factors
46. Spot market vs contract market and fuel surcharge
47. Quoting your client
48. Using rates for marketing purposes
Quiz
Section 8 – FINDING CARRIERS
49. Load boards – electronic marketplaces
50. DAT, Internet Truck Stop and TMS
51. Searching trucks
52. Building relationships with carriers and dispatchers
NEW BONUS from the DAT Load Board
- Free 30 day access to the DAT load board
- Introducing DAT Express 2.0 Load board
- Quick-Start Guide DAT Power for Brokers
- RateView Quick-start Guide for Brokers
Section 9 – BOOKING YOUR FIRST LOAD
53. Getting the right information from Carrier
54. Acceptable rates and negotiation tips
55. Setting up motor carrier & verification process
56. Rate confirmation and what to look for
57. Fuel advances, lumpers and travel checks
58. Detention and layover
59. Cancellations and TONU
60. Dispatching your load
Quiz
Section 10 – MAKING YOUR BUSINESS BETTER
61. Communication and problem resolution
62. Forming a team and planning
63. Hiring agents
64. Transition into other fields of transportation
NEW TMS Module by RoseRocket
1. TMS Module Introduction
2. Benefits of RoseRocket TMS software
3. Creating an account
4. Creating a customer
5. Building an order
6. Finding and adding a motor carrier
7. Dispatching an order - Rate confirmation
8. Tracking your load - E-Tracking links
9. Invoicing an order
10. TMS Module Conclusion
RoseRocket TMS software access
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EXTENDED VERSION
In addition to all the lessons above in the EXTENDED version of our course you will find additional 65 lessons with over six hours of lesson explanations, including in-depth discussion of load booking process, problem resolution and marketing of your freight brokering business.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What kind of knowledge will I gain by taking this course?
If you are diligent with your studying, you will gain all the knowledge necessary to become a Freight Broker. If you’re new to the transportation industry, you’ll gain some understanding of how a typical freight brokering transaction takes place. You’ll also learn basic terminology related to freight and equipment used to transport it. This course will also cover different marketing strategies you can utilize to gain and retain new clients.
Who can take this Freight Broker course?
Anyone looking to start a legitimate business related to freight brokering and transportation. There are no prerequisites. This course is suitable for beginners with no previous experience in logistics and transportation. High levels of motivation and desire to be an independent business owner will be very helpful!
How much can a Freight Broker earn?
It depends on how many clients you can find and manage. It can vary from a few hundred dollars per month to a six figure annual income! It will depend on your goals and the scale of operation you decide to set up. Average salary is over $65,000.
How much do I need to invest to start in this business?
This will depend if decide to become a Freight Broker or a Freight Agent. It will also depend on what scale of operation you intend to set up and how much resources you intend to allocate toward marketing. The cost of applications related to Freight Broker license is usually under $500. The cost of the surety bond will vary depending on your financial and credit situation.
Can you guarantee my success after taking this course?
As much as we want you to succeed, we cannot guarantee your success. This will depend on your motivation and your entrepreneurial skills. However, we will do everything we can to motivate and support your efforts. Our course will provide you with all the necessary tools and information needed to start and operate as a Freight Broker or a Freight Agent.
What if I still have questions after completion of this course or would like to get an opinion on my business plan/ideas?
That is the exactly the reason we have created our Partnership Program. We’ll be happy to review your business plan or your marketing strategies and provide you with our perspective and advise. Please visit “Partner with us” page for more information.
Can I truly do this business anywhere?
Yes. You can open a small private office or work from your basement. It is entirely up to you and your business ambition. As long as you have means of communication (phone, high-speed internet) you should be fine!
What if your course is not right for me?
A lot of effort has been put into conception, creation, editing and recording of this interactive course. We believe we have created a straight to the point guide containing all the necessary information to get you started in Freight Brokering business. At the same time, your satisfaction is very important to us: if you are not entirely happy with our product please reach out to us.
Can I do this part time?
Yes, you should be able to generate some part time income. But this will depend on the services you choose to provide as well as on how demanding your clients will be.
Will you provide me with clients?
We do not provide clients. However, there is an entire section of this course dedicated to Marketing and Sales where we discuss various simple strategies you can utilize to gain clients and grow your freight business.
I’ve heard that Freight Brokering is all about “cold calling”. Is it true?
A lot of “old school” brokers will make you believe that! However, we believe that there are alternative and sometimes better ways to gain business. We outline such methods in our course.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT OUR FREIGHT BROKER COURSE
DIY online course - learn at your pace
“Do It Yourself” online course means there is no need to travel to attend classes. The content is always available to you online. Watch and listen at your own pace. You can complete the course within a day, within a month or take as long as you like ))
Quizzes & Certificate of Completion
Both versions of our online freight broker course contain more than 30 quiz questions to test your knowledge as you progress through online lessons. At the end of the course you will have the opportunity to receive a Certificate of Completion.
5 to 12 hours of narrated content
Straight to the point information broken down into 64 narrated lessons. Plus several downloadable documents available in a convenient PDF format. Your access to the material is not limited by time so you can study as fast or slowly as your schedule permits.
Downloadable Documents
All versions of our Freight Broker training course include many useful documents such as: broker license filing forms, BMC-84 and BMC-85 forms, shipper's contract, BOL, samples of broker/carrier agreements and rate confirmations.