initial training to become a freight agent/broker.

Having your authority just activated in May of 2007, would you consider your company "new"???

Good question. We have been in the trucking/transportation industry for over 30 years only recently opening our Broker division under MC588112 in March of this year and switching to our new MC598226 in May. Our staff is very experienced and the Agents we have trained from scratch are starting to do well on their own. Please feel free to contact us at your convenience. Thank you

Thank you for clarifying your experience in the industry. How long have you had carrier authority?

This is not the forum...this is just a thread in the forum and it happens to be on topic.

Lily Santiago in Miami, Florida said: I totally agree with you! Would you be able to point me in the right direction, or assist me starting?

I agree there are some freight brokers out there who would help beginners get started and explain how the freight world operates, but I'm quite sure it is not easy to find one willing to invest the time and money to provide you with the personal training necessary to fully understand how to broker loads and support you in the early stages of building up a customer base. I highly recommend any training program available that will teach you how to get started as a broker agent and move loads as an independent contractor for an existing broker. If you are fortunate enough to find a broker who will train you for free I would encourage you to take advantage of the oppertunity. Some of the newer brokerage companies are more likely to offer assistance to beginners. If you are unable to find one willing to train you then choose a training program for less than a $1,000 that will teach you to be a broker agent and support you during the first months of prospecting. After that, if you're sure you want to be broker, it's time to pay the higher fee to attend a broker school. There are many people interested in this business, but very few are actually successful. You have to have good communication skills and some natural talent for sales among other things. I can't emphasize this enough. The freight brokering business is very competitive. Many new agents fail because they simply aren't qualified to broker loads. There seems to be a false impression that anyone can be a broker. The need for brokers and the oppertunity to make some money in the freight business is too tempting to resist for many people even though they don't have any experience in the industry and/or the skills required for success. I'm just a realist trying to paint an accurate picture for those intersted in the brokering business.

You should have some knowledge of the trucking and broker business before you attempt to get into the business. Ther are several books that you can chose from to get the basic knowledge of the broker business. I have over 50 years in the transportation industry, and my book :The Freight Brokers Handbook" is on sale at Amazon.com for $29.99 or at:www.freightbrokershandbook.com.

The best way to train to be a broker is to work for an established broker and learn the trade.

I have been researching the freight broker agent for a little while and just ran across this forum. Does anyone know of anybody in the NE Ohio area or anywhere else that would be willing to train. I have a regular driving job at night and want to learn this business. Don't have buckets of cash to throw around, but willingness and desire for learning this side of the industry. Please contact me through my profile if you can help.

I have been reading some of the comments on here. I am very interested in becoming a broker, but the same as most...don't have the cash for a formal school. I also know that learning from someone hands on would be great....hoping to find someone to help me and maybe share info on companies that will hire newbies.

I am in St Louis and very interested in becoming a freight broker/agent. I would like to learn from an existing broker if possible. I am a single mother and need to be at home working. My finances are not long at all. My older brother drives for PRIME currently and suggested I get into this field. He knows my entreprunerial spirit and is currently networking for me. He will be starting his own trucking company soon (owner/operator of his own truck too) Any suggestions where I need to begin, How to begin?

I agree that you don't have to pay a few thousand dollars to get started. I also agree that there is no free ride available. However, My company has been in business for over 45 years. Recently we started a brokerage division. No one who has an established customer base would want to sign on with a newer company when they have plenty of choices to sign with a company that can offer much more. So we had to share our knowledge and make the investment to support inexperienced contractors wanting to learn how to earn money moving loads in the freight business. It's true that the more advanced you are in the business the less likely you will be to offer free training to inexperienced contractors, but there is a time and place for such an arrangement in the early stages of ones growth as a broker looking to expand. If someone is really serious about being a broker agent, pay for some training to get you started (no more than a thousand), and then you should be able to sign on with a brokerage company who would be eager to work with you. Yes, there are no free rides and anyone looking for one is probably not qualified for for this business. Do your homework, pay for training, work hard, and work hard.

JohnInElPasoTx in El Paso said: I keep reading how people want to learn from other freight brokers. And, YES, this IS the best way to learn. However, I want to say this as nicely as possible - for MOST individuals seeking to work under the wings of another freight broker for free - it ain't gonna happen.

Why?

The freight broker industry is very, very private. Nobody, for the most part, is going to give away information that they so dearly struggled for with blood, sweat and toil. It just ain't gonna happen except in a very few cases.

There is no free lunch. It is going to cost. But the start up costs are extremely low for beginning freight brokers. You DON'T have to pay $3K-$5K to learn this. But you will have to come up with some money upfront.

Good luck to all.

www.atexfreightbrokertraining.com

I would have to agree with John, don't be foolish and think you will get trained for free, you will relinquish something,(money,accounts, contacts,shippers). There is no free lunch.
I am sure there are some exceptions, but odds are you will concede something to your "mentor"

Don

S Rebro in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: I agree that you don't have to pay a few thousand dollars to get started. I also agree that there is no free ride available. However, My company has been in business for over 45 years. Recently we started a brokerage division. No one who has an established customer base would want to sign on with a newer company when they have plenty of choices to sign with a company that can offer much more. So we had to share our knowledge and make the investment to support inexperienced contractors wanting to learn how to earn money moving loads in the freight business. It's true that the more advanced you are in the business the less likely you will be to offer free training to inexperienced contractors, but there is a time and place for such an arrangement in the early stages of ones growth as a broker looking to expand. If someone is really serious about being a broker agent, pay for some training to get you started (no more than a thousand), and then you should be able to sign on with a brokerage company who would be eager to work with you. Yes, there are no free rides and anyone looking for one is probably not qualified for for this business. Do your homework, pay for training, work hard, and work hard.

Hopefully, this is an example of an "exception". But as S Rebro says "DO YOUR HOMEWORK". Check the FMCSA's Licensing & Insurance website to get a history of your "mentor"

I agree, any one wanting to get into the broker business should do their homework. The best way is to read a book on brokering.

Expirence in trucking is very important, an owner operator or someone working for a shipper or a related field is important for becomong a broker.

A broker is in reality a trucking company without trucks, in as much as a broker looks for shippers, bills the shipper, pays the carrier and collects freigh charges and profits by adding 10% or more to the freight charges.

There are no "certificates" required to become a broker, you pay the FMCSA for a MC number, get a $10,000 bond or trust and you are in business.

I do not beleive it is a "work at home business", unless you know the trucking business in advance.

Tom Guthrie 800 433 7404

It IS a work-at-home business! It's mostly telephone and internet and shippers don't care how you do it as long as you give them service that exceeds their expectations.

I live in Mexico and I'm making a six-figure income as a freight broker trainer just using the telephone and internet - all from my little adobe here south of the border.

Brokers and agents can indeed work from home.

Doug in Webster, New York said: Obviously you have never been to a freight broker training school or you didn't do your research and picked a bad one. I went to one with out any prior experiance and became a freight broker. I have 20 agents and I'm extremely busy. I could not have done it if it were not for the school. There was alot of hands on training, posting to load boards, cold calling as well as theory and requirements. In fact, two other students from my class of 8 are currently freight brokers. Three out of eight, not bad. Others may have become agents.

Yes I was wondering where did you go to school I am wanting to became a broker

I've seen a lot of info on the high priced training, but I have not seen anyone mention FreightBrokerBootCamp. Has anyone tried this online course? The price is an affordable $97...but I'm wondering if you get enough quality training to actually get started as a freight broker or agent?

How do I find this profile to reply?

Elaine Mohr in Houston, Texas said: How do I find this profile to reply?

I'm not sure which one you're asking about. I've just added my email address to my own profile under "interests" (click on Garrett in blue). If you add a dot com after the company I referred to...you will find their home page.

HI,
I just read your response to the young ladies questions and was hoping you could answer a couple of my own.
I have been a broker for several companies in my carreer of transport. My wife has been my dispatcher for me along the ride...

now, we have moved into our first home and are trying to explore working for our selves.

I have found a couple ways to obtain licences and insurance for the US markets but need to know how to apply for cross border and inter provincial canadian liscences.

Any help would be really appreciated..

thanks

hello, i am trying to become a freight agent can you send me some nformation about it, i am trying to do it from home, any books or webside. thanks. elisa

My husband is a owner operator. For the past 6 months now I have been finding him freight from online load boards. Which bought me to the thought I should become a broker/agent. I have spent hours looking on the Internet for information...training schools, etc and I couldn't be any more confused.
What exactly do I have to do to be able to be a broker (Legal wise). Do I have to get a license? Do i have to take a course?
I know there are many scams out there and that worries me!!! My time is precious and I am eager to learn and do something in my life other then changing diapers.
If someone could give me more information I would appreciate it.

Joanna,

1. You need evidence of a $10K surety bond or trust fund,
2. You need a motor carrier number,
3. You need a BOC-3 which gives you legal representation in the U.S.

The surety bond can be a stickler for some people. If you want, you may put up your own $10K. However, most people don't have an extra $10K laying around. I work with a company who will put up the $10K and they charge $950 per year if you have good credit. They have other programs as well.

That's it period! There are no tests, no background checks.

To learn more about the freight broker industry go to:
www.atexfreightbrokertraining.com

Best wishes to your success.

John
El Paso, TX

I'm interested in pursuing this as a career, but like most others here, I don't want to waste money with a class if it has no bearing on employment. I'm looking for a mentor in the tri-city area of Tennessee. Is there a definitive or at least superior book on the business that anyone would recommend?

I also am looking for some sort of mentor. I am all for training, but not many have the kind of money that it requires. Is there anyone in the metro-detroit area that would be willing to pass along their knowledge and help someone get started? I know there are a lot of kind knowledgeable people out there, the trick is finding them.

Garrett in Sedona, Arizona said: I've seen a lot of info on the high priced training, but I have not seen anyone mention FreightBrokerBootCamp. Has anyone tried this online course? The price is an affordable $97...but I'm wondering if you get enough quality training to actually get started as a freight broker or agent?

The FBBC is an extremely well-put-together eBook full of very useful information. However, it stops short of going into the necessary detail for those seriously wanting to enter the business.

Read it for what it is worth - and then go on and get comprehensive training.

S Rebro in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: I don't believe this is the proper place to advertise your web site for training. My understanding is that this is an open forum for discussing broker training oppertunities and the didifferent options available for initial training. I would appreciate it if the host would clarify this. I would love the oppertunity to use this forum for free advertising if it is allowed. I'll wait for a response from the host before I start an advertising campaign on this forum.

DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How do you propose to train one-on-one in the U.S. from
Canada? Pls advise. Thanks

You are correct please click on "report abuse" if you see advertising anywhere on the indeed forums.
Thanks!
Audrey

S Rebro in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: I don't believe this is the proper place to advertise your web site for training. My understanding is that this is an open forum for discussing broker training oppertunities and the didifferent options available for initial training. I would appreciate it if the host would clarify this. I would love the oppertunity to use this forum for free advertising if it is allowed. I'll wait for a response from the host before I start an advertising campaign on this forum.

Hi Laclea,

Forget all those expensive training sites. Check out FreightBrokerBootCamp. com The cost is $97 and comes with video tutorials. and you can talk to the author. I just finish reading it. It is very informative.

Belinda Lacey

respect
u sound jamaican so am i and i need the same if u find it share

I am interested in becoming a freight broker. I am currently helping to find loads for Hall's LTL Services LLC which is a carrier.

The best way to find training for freight brokers is to go to Google, Yahoo or whatever and type in "freight broker training".

Be sure to put the words in quotes like you see above.

Happy hunting.

John Thomas
El Paso, TX

What broker school did you attend? I ask because I am looking for a good one. Thanks.

Thank you very much John.

THATS IT!!!!!!!!!!I am sick of seeing this site turn into a advertising forum. I like to contribute to educate, not promote my employer.
If you see any further contributions from me, it will include the name of the BMC-85 Company I represent.
Later...much

my husband is a truck driver so i know a little about trucking. i have freightbroker bootcamp which is ebook.i'm really interested in hands on training,please give me any kind of information you might have to get me started.i don't have a lot of money for school.

Interested in learing the broker business and more than willing to learn.

Thank You,

Has any one heard of star line training out of Canada. It is an online training
course. I am looking for an online class, that is not too expensive. That will offer a good opportunity to work. Any suggestions?

The best classes are located in "Youngstown, Arizona" provided by
Mr.David G Dwinell at www.loadtraining.com Good Luck!

Well thank you so much. And have a blessed day

patci

patresh in Elko, Nevada said: Well thank you so much. And have a blessed day

patci

Anytime!!

Georgi in Chicago, Illinois said: The best classes are located in "Youngstown, Arizona" provided by
Mr.David G Dwinell at www.loadtraining.com Good Luck!

Georgi, did u go to that school?

WE've been training broker/agents for over seven years now. Been in business for over 15 years. Please feel free to view our website at: www.shipperscarriers.net and view what others have to say about our training or call: [Edited by Host] Contact info deleted

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I know David Dwinell's class is probably the most expensive out there. I'd like to know what percentage of his grads are making between $40K-$75 after getting established versus those that have thrown in the towel. Any DD grads?

Elena....I am in Miami, Fl too. I am interested getting into the Freight brokerage business - home based. Can you help me? How do I get started?
Charmaine

I am trying to break into the brokering business and the website that BigMACK listed in his previous email was extremely helpful and resourceful. I of course am one of those people he mentioned that do not have the kind of funding needed to sign up for these training classes. He did not attach an email address to his comments, so I'm hoping that if he sees this.. or anyone in my area that would be willing to talk to me more about the buisness and help me get in, could send me a follow up email to my personal email address (princessria4@yahoo.com).

I would be instrestwed in learening the business from a hands on stand point.Any
brokerage firms offering hands on training in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area.Please reply.

Anyone intersted in a career in the freight broker industry should check out the forum at itrainingdepot.com. I recently registered on the forum and was one of last month's winners of their freight broker training, part 1. I just completed part 1 a few days ago and was impressed by the exceptional and very in-depth training that I received. Luckily, I made a 100 on the test at the end of Part 1 and can't wait to start Part 2 of the training. Most importantly, itrainingdepot offers a variety of payment plans on their freight broker training that can meet any budget. Currently they are having a forum membership drive. Please mention that packwolf sent you! You can PM me from that Forum if you need to. My screen name is packwolf. Forum URL: itrainingdepot.com/Forum/.

guthtrans Tom in Huntington Beach, California said: You should have some knowledge of the trucking and broker business before you attempt to get into the business. Ther are several books that you can chose from to get the basic knowledge of the broker business. I have over 50 years in the transportation industry, and my book :The Freight Brokers Handbook" is on sale at Amazon.com for $29.99 or at:www.freightbrokershandbook.com.

The best way to train to be a broker is to work for an established broker and learn the trade.

Tom ,
I am very interested in become an freight broker/agent(I do not have any previous freight exp).
but it's very hard to find local training school around here.
Are you willing to teach personally?
I am willing to pay with nominal fee.

jin Ho, [Edited by Host] Contact info deleted

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Thank your for interest, I wold be happy to give you some directions for you to pursue. I will be out of town for the Thanksgiving week, but will be bact the week after, you can call me too free at [Edited by Host] Contact info deleted

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