What are the best freight agent broker qualifications and training to get ahead?

Hi Ryan, I am a current owner operator and am interested in your offer. i live in the columbus ohio area

My husband owns two trucks and I am his dispatch and do all of his office work. Is challenging and alot of work involved. I am looking to become a freight agent at home. The truth is we are not making it with one salary alone and expenses. I am a hard
worker and know what is like to deal with brokers and shippers.
I just need a company or someone that will give me the opportunity for on the job training.

"Please feel much welcomed to give me as much information as you can for example, the challenges expected, the ways to go around the bumpy roads, the best region to project eyes at and many more."

I had on the job training through a web based brokerage. Challenges are probably different for different people but I make around 500 calls a week and obtain about 2 new customers a week, so you have to be brutally tough & persistent, you will get hung up on, cussed, etc, etc and have weeks where you won't obtain a new customer yet make 700 calls (at least I've had weeks like that unfortunately). Currently have a book of business with about 50 shippers underneath me and doing alright but always have a boss on my back to do more of course, such is sales. I don't have a script I talk to them like a real human & not a robot.

To startup with your own money and do this out of your house would pose several problems.

First is creditability. The web based brokers can quote online very quickly and are getting better & more popular everyday. Some customers won't want to pay or take forever to pay, you'll have to deal with that. Carriers you use will back solicit your clients & try to steal them.

Broker in Overland Park, Kansas said: "Please feel much welcomed to give me as much information as you can for example, the challenges expected, the ways to go around the bumpy roads, the best region to project eyes at and many more."

I had on the job training through a web based brokerage. Challenges are probably different for different people but I make around 500 calls a week and obtain about 2 new customers a week, so you have to be brutally tough & persistent, you will get hung up on, cussed, etc, etc and have weeks where you won't obtain a new customer yet make 700 calls (at least I've had weeks like that unfortunately). Currently have a book of business with about 50 shippers underneath me and doing alright but always have a boss on my back to do more of course, such is sales. I don't have a script I talk to them like a real human & not a robot.

To startup with your own money and do this out of your house would pose several problems.

First is creditability. The web based brokers can quote online very quickly and are getting better & more popular everyday. Some customers won't want to pay or take forever to pay, you'll have to deal with that. Carriers you use will back solicit your clients & try to steal them.

this is very good advise.you have to be willing to take rejection and realize that its not directed towards you personally.

Ryan Gruhn in Ames, Iowa said: I own a freight brokerage with the main office based in Ames, Iowa. We are willing to work with inexperienced agents around the country if they have the drive and focus that it takes to be successful. Training programs can be helpful for someone who hasn't worked in the transportation industry, but we are often willing to work with people who don't have experience. We use very intuitive web-based software to manage our business and offer the top loadboards for our agents to use. We don't charge our agents for their software access, we pay our agents twice per month and offer a competitive commission structure. Please click on my profile link and contact us through the information you find on our website if you are interested in learning more. Thank you.

Best regards,
Ryan

can't drive any more, need help how start

I have worked for both large and small freight brokerages and have recently started my own firm. I have made tons of sales calls and it has taken a lot of follow-ups, disappointments, mini-victories, and anxiety to get the ball rolling. I firmly believe that long-term success is only achievable through hard work, providing value, and doing whatever it takes to get the shipment delivered on time. It is important to keep both the carriers and shippers happy.

I am looking for any networking associations and/or educational tools that can help expedite the developement of these relationships. One of the greatest barriers to entry in this industry is earning trust, from both the carriers and shippers. I understand shippers maintaining diversity in their carrier portfolio, as well as carriers wanting to be paid fast for their services. This is extremely challenging from a cash flow perspective. Any words of wisdom are appreciated.

You have touched on a number of topics and you seem to have a good and accurate grasp of the nature of the business (sales calls, disappointments, etc., etc.).

In regard to the networking: The only thing that comes to mind is TIA, the Transportation Intermediaries Association. They have at least annual conferences but I have never attended nor do I have any feedback if these are worthwhile for networking.

In general, freight brokering is NOT an industry where you will find a lot of networking and/or sharing of information, etc. No one wants the competition. Everyone has their closely guarded secrets. The apparent simplicity in freight brokering is deceiving as there are all sorts of details and procedures that need to be mastered - and guarded. And, of course, with your background, you know exactly what I am referring to.

But it will be difficult to find an "open" forum. A number of people more and more claim to be giving out FREE training. Maybe a free ebook or blog - but to train free just does not ring true to me. Where are they getting their information in order to give it out free?? Something is fishy.

At any rate, if anyone has any feedback on the TIA and their conferences or any other networking, it would be good post any comments.

John D. Thomas
Atex Freight Broker Training, Inc.
www.atexfreightbrokertraining.com
www.freightbrokeringblog.com
www.atexbrokeragenttraining.com

Hello i just got into the transportation business, currently working in the family owned business and i need my freight broker lisence. My husband and i want to take the business one step higher. If anyone here has any recommendations please let me know. Thanks in asvanced.

ellie

[QUOTE <Edited by Host: quoted comment removed>

thanks so much ill look into it.

Broker in Overland Park, Kansas said: "....... but I make around 500 calls a week and obtain about 2 new customers a week, so you have to be brutally tough & persistent, you will get hung up on, cussed, etc, etc and have weeks where you won't obtain a new customer yet make 700 calls.......

Wow, its great that you are making that many phonecalls to new accounts, but honestly, if you are only converting .4% (less than 1%) of your cold call into customers, then you are doing something wrong. Not sure if your calling the wrong areas, calling on freight your not familiar with or what.

Dont get me wrong here, I am not downing you. I am trying to help you find where your making mistakes at so you can be more successful. I think i would throw the phone out the window if I even made 100 cold call and didnt pick up a handful of accounts. Like I said, I am not sure if its your terminology, your knowledge about their industry or what. Either way, something is not quite right.

With you being cussed out and hung up on, I wonder what it is your saying? I have come across rude sounding people, but never been cussed out nor hung up on by a customer, or potential customer. I dont know man, wish I knew what to tell you, but getting customers is not that hard to do really. Its a numbers game, but your numbers arent working for some reason. Maybe you do need a script? I dont use them and dont like them, but you never know.

The truth is the average gross margin on a brokered load is about 12% if you bill the shipper the Fuel Surcharge and pass it along to the carrier.

The Fuel Surcharge comes out weekly and is determined by the EIA.

You can go to www.brooketraining.com and get the weekly update
on fuel and you will also find true and accurate information
about this industry.

We need serious and ethical business men and women in this industry. The carriers are on the verge of having to get out because of operating cost. Treat the carrrier with the same respect you do the customer and pay them on time and fair.

You can't make 2000-5000 per shipment. On a 2000.00 load, an honest broker averages around $240.00. This is a fair margin if the broker is paying the carrier on time.

A broker simply acts as an extension of both the shipper's office and the brokers office. Their are no secrets and no short cuts. It takes hard work and proper training.

If you can't get training then find a mentor. This is not a get rich quick business.

Moving Forward,

Jeff

John D Thomas in Juarez, Mexico said: Amen Jeff. I saw the post regarding a $3000-$5000 profit per load. Seriously, I think this was a typo. It maybe should have read, $300.00 to $500.00 profit per load. This is more realistic.

If it wasn't a typo, then shame on you. People need the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Readers should be able to quickly spot a phony service provider. How? Phony, so-called freight broker "trainers" focus on the bundles of money you can make (they don't tell you how long it takes). Or, they want to provide a "short" course that is supposed to put you in a fast track to a pot of gold where you quickly learn most everything there is to know about brokering.

It is very enticing to make people think they are going to hit a grand slam no matter who they are or what they do. Grand slams in baseball are very, very far and few between.

It's better to learn to hit singles and doubles first. Then, maybe the right stars will align themselves and give you the opportunity to hit your grand slam.

In a short word, it will take a ton of training material and at least 30 days of both one-on-one training and going over the materials before a person is really ready to fact the freight broker world.

I hope the freight broker training profession does disintegrate into a bunch of opportunists looking to make a quick buck. If you want a source of free, straight, honest and powerful information, check out the blog at www.freightbrokeringblog.com

Forgive me for the typos - it's late. It should read - "I hope the freight broker training business does NOT disintegrate ....... " That's it. I'm calling it a night.

John

So much has happened. I am waiting till my service comes back up.
I will talk to you soon.

Tell em the truth sweetie.

I thought no one could solicit on here any more?

It shows how much you guys know about logistics. Yes you can make 3K-5K per load, we would not say if that was not corect.

Priscilla,

With the type of claim you are making, I think you owe it the readers to verify that you are indeed consistently getting $3K-$5K per load.

Your claim would be verified if you would provide at least 2-3 INDEPENDENT sources that can basically substantiate and guarantee that your figures are correct.

Are you up to the challenge?

We are waiting.

Now why would she give up her customers information? Also, people in here disguise themselves. Everyone should be aware of this.

I did not say you make that 3-5k with every load. I said you can make 3k-5k for moving a load. This is whay you do not make money becouse you want to stay on the computer and judge people, even when you do not know, how they know this information.

Is anyone in who they say that they are? Just wondering. Seems people slide in under aliases. Kinda funny since you can figure it out pretty quickly by their responses. Thanks Priscilla for the help.

I am sure carriers are lined up to do business with a broker who makes 3-5k a load. What a joke?

Learn how to spell and please respect our industry.

This Forum is for serious brokers/agents.

The average margin on any load is around 12%.

You can go to the TIA web site and any reputable school will
confirm this.

Moving forward with a laugh,

JR

Wow. That's great. Sounds like a good training program.

Good Girl. Stand up to these guys.

Thank you Carla!

Lisa in Frankfort, Kentucky said: I did not say you make that 3-5k with every load. I said you can make 3k-5k for moving a load. This is whay you do not make money becouse you want to stay on the computer and judge people, even when you do not know, how they know this information.

No, I did not think you meant $3K-$5K for EVERY load. But you know, you CAN run a 5 minute mile too. But for the average person - no, they couldn't even come close. Just because you CAN do something does not mean you WILL do it - or even come close.

I'd be surprised if your AVERAGE profit per load is even remotely close to the $3K-$5K.

There is no reason why you should be misleading these readers UNLESS you have some ulterior motive for doing so.

By the way, I don't judge people - I judge what they say and what statements they make - I listen and read their claims. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. If they make a claim and can't back it up - then why even mention it? Why - even - mention - it?

Do you think your clients will average $1K - $2K per load? What WOULD they average? Tell us. Let's talk about averages, if you don't mind.

This will probably be my last post on this subject.

Exactly, then, what IS your guarantee? Are you guaranteeing results? If so, what are they?

If you are only guaranteeing 100% satisfaction without guaranteeing results, are there any reasons why a person would not get a 100% refund if they told you they were dissatisfied?

What are your disclaimers, if any?

Could a person get a refund after taking your training without actually working the business?

If what you say is true ($3K-$5K on many or most loads???), I want to take your training and I want to move about 10 loads per week. At 10 loads with just a $2K profit per load, that's about $20K profit per week and over $1 million profit every year.

I can squeeze by on that. I'm ready for training!

I have 5 freightliners I want to move your freight where do I sign up with you as a carrier. Your my kind of broker will deadhead to the loads to pick up . At that rate I can go out get 5 more trucks just show me the money!!!!!!!!!!

I do not run drugs , hope you can sell better than you spell

you paying like that other lady ? I am going with her make the big bucks / lot her name

Is no point to talk to people like you. When you went to school did they guaranty that you will have a successful life? NO. Is up to you to work hard and apply everything you learn and do everything we tell you to do so you can make good money. It is impossible to do everything we train you and not makeing good money. Only if you are lazy you would not make it...........

Great answer. I also like the fact that yours is an actual seminar. Unlike so many others. I also like your website. It is much more tasteful than others that I have ran across. I would not have an issue with pointing people in your direction.
Good Luck.

Competition seems to be a problem with many people in this forum. Priscilla, keep your head up and don't work yourself up over this. If you believe in your product or service and your students aren't complaining then you are doing something right. You can only give people the tools to become successful. You can't give a person determination and common sense.

It amazes me that people will come into this forum under false names and locations. All newbies beware of who you are really speaking to. This forum was set forth to help people learn about this industry. Seems like what is being taught is vindictivness and pettiness. Shop around for the right fit. When it is all said and done, it will be you that suffers from one bad broker.

Thank you!

Also, you may want to check with your particular state that you reside in. Licensing isn't always necessary if the training is less then 500.00 per person. You also might want to be able to go to a classroom setting. Not via the internet. There are so many trainings out there, pick one that gives you exactly what you need. Also, websites are only as good as the people who design them. They can also be misleading. Good luck to everyone. It is nice to build networks and not always be competitive.

I agree about the payment methods so PayPal works really well also. Kinda of a learn as you go. The corporation thing is iffy though. You are also supposed to be certified and licensed if you have more than two people in your training at one time. Wonder how many actually are. Priscilla, I know you are on top of everything. I commend the training that you offering. Kinda hard to look into the faces and see confusion when you are doing the training via the interent or instant messaging. Maybe I am just plain confused. You know how stupid we are in Kansas!!lol

Wow. Are you that insecure to think that everything is about you? I learn a lot by reading these posts. Have a wonderful day. I will post where I want.
Thank you for the slander earlier. It was documented also.
Everyone, just beware of the few sharks that are in here. They will promise you fame and fortune but with this business, it is truly what you put into it. Don't become just a number and do not every make any hasty decisions. People change their names and locations in order to put a twist on what they are doing. Just beware. The reason I don't have a website is because the people the I work for has theirs. Simple as that. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Again. Good luck to those that are sincere in their venture. Oh yeah. I had also found a post from someone who offered "FREE NO COST TRAINING TO ANYONE NOT YET IN THE INDUSTRY" from awhile back. If it wasn't just about competition, why are they now charging?
Again good luck. Have freight to handle.

Have a wonderful night. Got loads to still cover.

Sounds like a squabble. So Mr Freight Agency, what did Carla do to your company? Carla, first you gave your approval for this agency and now you don't. You sound like John Kerry.

Everyone has their moments and I made a mistake. See, I admit it. I have done this for a very long time. I like this forum because of the input and the sharing of information. You know what? If you are a legit company or broker, why do you change your name and location? It is outrageous to me. It's like the pot calling the kettle black. That is why tell people to find their niche. Oh yeah. I bounce back rather quickly. My customers are loyal and I didn't lose anything.Have a great nite.

Yes. I made a mistake. I should have done more research. Take note newbies. Don't make such hasty decisions. Make sure the broker is the right fit for you so you can be productive. John Kerry? MMM Ok. I am happy with my broker and she is wonderful at moving my freight. Also, if you are wanting training, research that also.

Carla you telling that you don’t want to move any freight because you never got paid from your broker…
Are you teaching how to cheat?

It is the agreement I have now. I turn over my freight and someone else dispatches. Works great.. How am I teachin how to cheat?

works great? explain

Could I not have gotten paid because the company claiming that they can find trucks couldn't deliver? MMM. Seems I am not having that problem now.

Also, with this particular company, I turned over a bid package for a large company. Every time I asked about it, it was getting done. Showed me that someone didn't know what they were doing. Like I said before. My big mistake. Got freight to get. Have a nice day fellas.

Freight Agency in New York, New York said: Thats right.........FREE no cost training, If you sign up as a sales agent with us.

What SLANDER...........Did I say your name, You need to read again

But I guess you have a GUILTY MIND...I WONDER WHY
What is it they say, If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it must be a duck

Ducks talk? Something new every day.

Al in Sacramento, California said: Carla you telling that you don’t want to move any freight because you never got paid from your broker…
Are you teaching how to cheat?

I spoke with Carla a few times and had no problems. The information I receive was and is very useful. Actually speaking with someone can tell you alot, so take her advice and do lots of research before reaching out to a broker. If they only speak of the flowers and never the weeds then seek information elsewhere.

Al. Who are you? Do you pay my bills? There are so many aspects to this business. Do you know that there are people who are successful by just selling leads? Get a grip. Change the diaper and go on with your business.
God Bless.

How am I cheating? I am great at getting the freight and the person I work with has a bigger carrier base and prefers to get the carriers. What is wrong with that? That is not cheating. I have done this for 15 years so I know how to do it all. And yes, there are three brokers that hasn't paid me for the work that I had done. I have to charge it to the game and move on.
So Al in Sacramento. Unless you are paying my bills, how I do make my money is really none of your concern and your comment isn't any help for the ones who really look to this board for advice.

Good morning to all,
To all of you who is looking for help and how to start freight broker business my advice to stay away from any one that promise you to help to start for any amount of dollars. Those jerks just trying to get any money from you. When I started those “money makers” out of your packet offered me help from $15K to low $50. Stay away. All you got to do is find shipper that will do business with you and connect them to the truck that needs a load. If you feel like you can do this get your MC numbers ($300) pay for bond and start making money. Check this site and don’t pay any more money than you have to. www.fmcsa.dot.gov Good luck to all.