Are freight agent broker job opportunities growing or declining?

Jeremy, sorry about the error identifying you as the author of the monkey quote.

I believe the freight brokerage business has good oppertunities for qualified individuals. However, there are many people out there interested in learning how it works and spending a lot of money on programs they will never profit from, mostly because they have no talent for sales and are unable to communicate effectively with shippers and carriers. This is a tough business. I wish more people in the business would be more honest about the challenges one will face and the reality of what it takes to be successful whether your working as an agent or you start your own brokerage business.

Hey guys!
I am glad to see so much information about the biz available for everyone to read. I can see that it is a competitive field. I would ask that you guys please keep your posts professional and considerate and refrain from advertising too shamelessly so we can have some great discussions here. And thank you guys for being so co-operative about not putting your contact info in your posts!

In replying to you first Jeremy. I do not get $6800 on every Heavy Haul Load . This one I did. Some times we only make $500 on the heavy haul loads. It really dependson howmany brokers are on the freight. Sometimes there are up to 10 different people getting a piece of the action. I will not respondto the rest.

Freight Broker in WI in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: I read your conversation with Jeremy. Very entertaining and a little interesting.

Low six figures is good money for an broker who has been in the business only for a year or two. After that his brokerage should average $45,000 monthly.

As far as the Monkey selling freight. Selling the freight isnot that hard. It is selling the freight for the money that becomes work.

ALEKSANDRA in Bow, Washington said: A very simple response to this one. A conscience has very little place in business. It affects the profit margin. Lose the conscience and your team will do better. QUOTE]

Jeremy S in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: Not Freight Trainer though, with all the hours he puts in head hunting and telemarketing, I am sure his family life is great!!

The only thing that matters is the profit. How much time do you really need with the family before they perturb you anyway?

The Freight Trainer in New Holland, Illinois said:

Business is People in my book and it's also the motto for our company. If you treat people good and go out of your way to help them it will come back to you in positive ways and bring success to your business. Profit is necessary, but people are important. I feel sorry for you if you don't understand that. You will never achieve true success if your only interested in making money. Life is too short to live for money only. I love the freight brokerage business but people like you don't belong in it.

Freight Broker in WI in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: I love the freight brokerage business but people like you don't belong in it.

LMAO - I only care about the bottom line. This is the attitude that I willnot tolerate with an agent. He needs to focus on making money 24/7 or someone else gets a seat at the table. I have grown mellow in my old age though. I am 40 now so it's all about over anyway. I used to push my agents to the limit. I wanted them to seriously question themselves if they didnt make the assigned gross every week. Most people are not as motivated as myself with money. It takes a cattle prod for some. I demand excellence from all but the compensation matches the output.

The Freight Trainer in New Holland, Illinois said: LMAO - I only care about the bottom line. This is the attitude that I willnot tolerate with an agent. He needs to focus on making money 24/7 or someone else gets a seat at the table. I have grown mellow in my old age though. I am 40 now so it's all about over anyway. I used to push my agents to the limit. I wanted them to seriously question themselves if they didnt make the assigned gross every week. Most people are not as motivated as myself with money. It takes a cattle prod for some. I demand excellence from all but the compensation matches the output.

Your a loser

Freight Broker in WI in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: Your a loser

Maybe, but I guarantee I make a lotmore than you and I have more toys!

The Freight Trainer in New Holland, Illinois said: Maybe, but I guarantee I make a lotmore than you and I have more toys!

You just proved my point. I'm sure you will be happy with yourself.

Freight Broker in WI in Milwaukee, Wisconsin said: You just proved my point. I'm sure you will be happy with yourself.

I am totally happy with myself. I am quoting some new lanes. While others are leaving for the day, I push on for a few more hours.

The Freight Trainer in New Holland, Illinois said: Are you kidding my agents love me. Because of the way I push them, they get the rips associated with it. They make great money, killer perks-trips,cash,etc.

BTW, My neighbors love me, It is because of me, our property values are going up. I help run some slackers out of our neighborhoods who would not manicure thelawns. It totally affected the overall worth of the surrounding property.

...A conscience has very little place in business. It affects the profit margin. Lose the conscience and your team will do better.

...Did you like everything your parents did as a child that was good for you? No you didn't , you simply did it because they made you and it turned out for the best.

Don't you ever think those "slackers" are people, and some of them need real help, instead of helping them to run? Have you ever heard the word "humanity"? Don't you think they also have rights to live their way? I gess you lost your conscience not only for business. Sorry for you.

You know, my parents were so kind, that they just explained Golden Rull on their own example and did not need to have baseball bat at all for bringing me up. I did like their way, I do love them.
I am not lazy, but I would run as far as I can. It's not a safe place to rase my kids with you around!
You have only one punishment for every occasion - it is to cross out of your life. It is very poor life, poor in love. Sorry...

Though... Thank you for interesting reading I had today on this forum. You push people to be better, because they don't want to be the way you offer. So, thanks.
"At the end of the day, it was good for everyone."

Paul in Florida in Tampa, Florida said: An old saying comes to mind while reading on this forum. "Those that can do and those that can't teach." I'm the Director of Business Development for a 150 million dollar brokerage that has been in business for 50 years. I can tell you that I would NEVER put on a broker fresh out of one of these one week crash courses. That is a disaster waiting to happen. The only brokers I would add on already have a customer and truck following, and I'm sure that goes for the majority of brokerages nationwide. I've found the most successful brokers started out working under another broker who showed them the business. Over time they build up their own customers and trucks and eventually go out on their own.

I agree with you. But when you're first starting out as a broker you have to start with agents who have little or no experience brokering loads. Why would an aexperienced agent sign on with you unless you offer them a commission that's too high or a signing bonus that you can't afford after spending thousands just to get set up. In the beginning you have to bring in agents who need training. You make the investment of time and money. As you grow and your sales increase you become more established in the business and eventually more experinced agents with a customer base will sign on with you and help take you to the next level.

Listen to me everyone. This is a good business to be in. But there's no easy or magical way to earn money without the proper training, the talent necessary for sales, the determination to excell, and the willingness to make the sacrifice and work hard while trying to build up a solid customer base. After you do the dirty work of prospecting to build up your customer base which may take a couple years I believe you can reap the benefits of your hard work and enjoy a successful career moving loads as a broker or an agent (independent contractor)working for a broker.

Excellent way to say it. I actually wish I would have found those words yesterday. This business is like a garden. You plant the seeds, water the plants and vegetables will come forth eventually after you nurture them.

Unfortunately I myself get frustrated with people due to poor performance. I have no tolerance for those who cannot perform or who simply refuse to acquire the skills in which to perform.

In this business you do have to have some type of sales experience or flair to succeed, after that it is merely building upon a solid foundation with your trucks and customers. If you have trucks you will always have freight.

Freight is not that hard to find, freight in good lanes is! As a broker grows and learns more about the business , he learns the difference between good freight and cheap freight. He also learns how to increase the gross profit on each load. He also has a repoire with his customer where he can then say, "I am not making enough money". Your customer will understand this if you perform good service for him. Brokering freight is a 24/7 job if you move a lot of loads. A lot of brokers simply leave it for tomorrow after 5:00 P.M. and lose a lot of money.

Good freight agents are like free agent baseball players. They are in demand for the right money. If you have a solid book, you can demand the largest commissions etc.

Example - One agent comes to mind that made $200,000 last year and the year before off of (2) accounts alone during and after the Katrina hurricane moving loads of FEMA freight. Getting these contacts and freight is the dream for an agent.

Another - Another agent makes about $35,000 a month moving more specific HAZMAT freight for one customer and the government.

In the end. The Risk and The Work are worth it as The Reward is phenomenal for the right loads. A piece of advice for those who want to take it, believe me it is golden. When looking for high paying good freight "Think Outside The Box".

Here is a good source of LTL freight for new agents. My guys do quite well with this. The freight is very easily placed on carriers. Try you neighborhood postal and packaging centers, you know these Mailboxes Etc type places. If you find a busy one they move a ton of freight and they are independently owned so the owner wants to make a good profit. Most of the time they use FEDEX Freight, UPS or similar carriers in which the rates are every easy to beat and still make very good money at the same time. If you get 7 or 8 under your belt, you can very easily make a few thousand a week. Here is where you beat there rates and double up on the load at the same time. You become a "Truck Agent" for the carrier where you are compensated for placing a load on their truck. Usually the commission is 8.5%, you then take your normal brokerage commision off the load. I hope you understand what I mean with this scenario. Becoming a truck agent is pretty easy for carriers like Yellow Freight etc. There rates cannot be beat, they easily beat UPS and FEDEX etc. The availability of trucks is huge as well because they have enormous fleets. Look up your top 25 carriers in the USA by fleet size, then approach them about being a truck agent. It might take a little leg work but it is worth the effort. You are never looking for a truck.

I have also notice by reading here in the forums. Agents need to know there equipment and what it is used for. There are simply too many agents that have no clue what equipment is needed for loads other than a Dry Van, Reefer, or Flatbed.

There are over 85 types of trailers that are used for transporting freight. Get to know these trailers like the RGN and Step Decks. These trailers pull the money loads, generally these carriers also provide a package service of permitting and escorts for the loads they haul.

Rates you can charge for the linehaul can be as much as $10.00 - $12.00 per mile. You can generally get the truck to haul it for $4.50 per mile - $8.50 per mile depending on the load and lane. This is called Heavy Haul Freight or Super Loads.

This very specialized freight is geared to certain individual industries and there are a lot less brokers who know how to bid it correctly, so the money is a lot better.

How many brokers here work Inter-Modal or Drayage???

How many brokers even know what it is???

Tremendous revenues associated with it and once again less competition from other brokers.

Well said. I appreciate you sharing this information with everyone. This is the kind of information that will help people who are interested in the business or those who already made the decision to move freight but are strugling in the early stages.

It's so important to get the message to people who are new to the business that going the extra mile and working harder than your competitors will pay off eventually. However, I still think it is necessary to explain to the majority of those who are considering fright brokering for a career to be honest with themselves as to whether or not they have what it takes to perform in this business. Too many are not qualified and spend too much money trying to learn.

Well as much as i have enjoyed the convo's back and forth over the last two days i have to cancel my alert on the forum my email box cant handle it :-).

As i have always said the best way for someone to become a broker or a broker agent is to work in a brokerage or a truck co for at least a year, even if it making less then you want, that way you can establish customers and the knowledge to service them. best of luck and health to all there.

PS- the company I work for(not mine) started 3 years ago with one man and a phone who had 0 exp. in logistics and now 3 years later we are a 15 million dollar brokerage (not huge but doing very well) and just scratched the surface. It can be done, it takes more work and more money then you think but it can be done.

jacob_w-logisticdynamics in Buffalo, New York said: Well as much as i have enjoyed the convo's back and forth over the last two days i have to cancel my alert on the forum my email box cant handle it :-).

As i have always said the best way for someone to become a broker or a broker agent is to work in a brokerage or a truck co for at least a year, even if it making less then you want, that way you can establish customers and the knowledge to service them. best of luck and health to all there.

PS- the company I work for(not mine) started 3 years ago with one man and a phone who had 0 exp. in logistics and now 3 years later we are a 15 million dollar brokerage (not huge but doing very well) and just scratched the surface. It can be done, it takes more work and more money then you think but it can be done.

I agree it is best to get experience by working at a brokerage or trucking company. I just don't believe there are enough oppertunities out there to fill the need of the many people who are interested in brokering freight. The training schools and training programs available offer a valuable service in sharing their knowledge and experience to those who don't have the oppertunity to learn from on the job training. You can make an argument that the cost for some of the training programs or schools is too high, but I believe they serve a purpose by responding to the demand for knowledge about the freight brokering business.

The Freight Trainer in New Holland, Illinois said: I will train one person in this forum for free. This person must have some prior sales experience or past trucking experience. I can train you via phone and email you materials. I will do this just to prove my point. If anyone is interested please send me your information to freightbrokertrainer at yahoo dot com. The cost will be absolutely free. I will show you the difference.

I will then have you set up as an agent for a Gold Book brokerage - Not mine as we do not have agents that work from their homes. The brokerage I will have you set up with has a very good reputation with their customers, excellent credit rating and huge truck following.

If interested send me some type of a resume and I will chose (1) person. I only want agressive people. Here is your chance for all those wanting to learn the business.

If anyone is interested please send me your information to freightbrokertrainer at yahoo dot com

Scott, I sent you an email of my resume and experience. Did you receive it or not? With 28 years in the transportation field, I believe I can do the job, this is what I have been checking into for several months. The schools, I'm not sure of, so many and some are out of the question. All my contact info is in the email.

Harvey, can't you tell the way this guys talks he is such a scammer. Who or what type of professional talks like that? Thursday's and Friday's are money days.....c'mon, you really wanna join this jokers boiler room. This guy thinks he's the character played by Ben Affleck in "The Boiler Room" holding out his Ferrari keys talking about how he only wants winners baby!

This is an alert to anyone on this site, this guys goes to people with promises of riches....he probably use to work for Amway, no he recuits young people who he thinks are hungry only for those young people to later find out that only 1% of his people actually make any real money. It is Telemarketing, that's it, you can go to any firm with promises of riches if you call all day and strike a couple of deals...what they don't tell you is that the likelyhood of that is slim. Why? Because people don't want to be sold...they want to buy, they want relationships. This guy pounds the phone trying to scrap up floaters, people who don't have a relationship yet...problem is, that is few and far between people.

Beware, he wants money to show you how to make phone calls, then, you make them and make no money.....worst than a pyamid scheme!

Jeremy, I do not know anything about your company. I do not believe your a broker. I am however contacting the administrator of this forum for your IP address, so that my attorney's can handle the rest.

I will be pursuing you for liable and defamation of character. Just a word of advise to you, I am sure however you will not take it. You should really watch your comments on those who you are not aware of. Jeremy, I am quite sure you cannot match my pocketbook nor my attorney's.

I will not even dignify the comment about the scammer. You truly have a lot to learn about the transportation industry. It is quite obvious you know nothing about it now.

Harvey, as I said. I will be contacting you. Just for general knowledge in this industry. Monday, Thursday and Friday's are the busiest days by volume with freight. Harvey Jeremy is nothing more than a truck agent who latches on to Fedex,UPS and other's to piggyback on the rates they offer. Yes they monopolize a large section of the market but not the market for the money.

Jeremy like so many of these other's who call themselves a freight broker are merely using Unishipper's or the sort as they have no real contacts with actual trucking companies.

Harvey, it does not matter to me if I work with you or not. I actually turn people away now. Jeremy has an axe to grind , unfortunately for him I am not the chopping block. I am the one who can dull his blade.

Jeremy, please continue to make comments or post regarding myself or company. Please give me more ammunition. I have about all I need now, but more is always helpful. If you think I cannot find you your are so very wrong.

The Freight Trainer in New Holland, Illinois said: Jeremy, I do not know anything about your company. I do not believe your a broker. I am however contacting the administrator of this forum for your IP address, so that my attorney's can handle the rest.

I will be pursuing you for liable and defamation of character. Just a word of advise to you, I am sure however you will not take it. You should really watch your comments on those who you are not aware of. Jeremy, I am quite sure you cannot match my pocketbook nor my attorney's.

I will not even dignify the comment about the scammer. You truly have a lot to learn about the transportation industry. It is quite obvious you know nothing about it now.

Harvey, as I said. I will be contacting you. Just for general knowledge in this industry. Monday, Thursday and Friday's are the busiest days by volume with freight. Harvey Jeremy is nothing more than a truck agent who latches on to Fedex,UPS and other's to piggyback on the rates they offer. Yes they monopolize a large section of the market but not the market for the money.

Jeremy like so many of these other's who call themselves a freight broker are merely using Unishipper's or the sort as they have no real contacts with actual trucking companies.

Harvey, it does not matter to me if I work with you or not. I actually turn people away now. Jeremy has an axe to grind , unfortunately for him I am not the chopping block. I am the one who can dull his blade.

I don't know who Jeremy is or the Freight Trainer, but I have been around the transportation field for quite a long time. And, by the way I am not a kid. How is 58 years and still climbing with over 1 million miles behind me on the road. Two accidents in 28 years. So, I do know the Freight Trainers name and have received his email. It doesn't matter whether a broker or driver, the transportation of goods still has to go for anyone to make a living. I am still waiting for a reply!

Harvey,

Once again I apologize. As I said I will get back to you very shortly this evening. I am moving some multi-pick load out of California today and the product isn't ready etc. I am having to re-schedule appointments for the carrier and so on. As I said, these are the busy days. You of course already know this. I am not a driver nor have I ever been. I merely sell it.

transportationtrainng.com
brooketraining.com
dotauthourity.com
loadtraining.com
gatlineducation.com

these are the best training companies

The Freight Trainer in New Holland, Illinois said: I will train one person in this forum for free. This person must have some prior sales experience or past trucking experience. I can train you via phone and email you materials. I will do this just to prove my point. If anyone is interested please send me your information to freightbrokertrainer at yahoo dot com. The cost will be absolutely free. I will show you the difference.

I will then have you set up as an agent for a Gold Book brokerage - Not mine as we do not have agents that work from their homes. The brokerage I will have you set up with has a very good reputation with their customers, excellent credit rating and huge truck following.

If interested send me some type of a resume and I will chose (1) person. I only want agressive people. Here is your chance for all those wanting to learn the business.

If anyone is interested please send me your information to freightbrokertrainer at yahoo dot com

If this offer is still standing, I'll shoot you my resume for you to take a look at.

Scott,
Are you trying to get someone else? I am still enjoying the program you sent me and learning quite a bit. Haven't heard from you lately or seen any replies on Indeed. Just thought I would jump in and write a few words.

Jacob w/Logistic Dynamics in Buffalo, New York said: Melissa My company doesnt work with people who dont have experience but we found a e-book that we fell is very good and all thou we dont make people agents that buy it we feel it is the best bang for your buck at $97 it contains all the info you need to understand the biz now you should still get exp as a dispatcher or sales rep or operations person before starting out but the book is great email me and i will send you the link it will get deleted in here

Brokerage is not a hard feild to get into. You have to do your homework though. Anyone can do it from home. No company can promise you anything. You have to makre your own money. The nice thing about working for a comany is, you don't have to do you own billing. Thier are company's out there willing to do all the paperwork and let you work off of their bonds. Yes you do have to have a bond to broker freight, and some capital. The trucking companys have to get paid. That is how you build you credit. Do not let these companys tell you that you will get rich worink with them. You have make yourself rich.Sme companys will do a 65/35 split with you. If you are not making 65%, and you are a broker now please email me [Contact info deleted by host]. I will tell you how to do so.

Joey in West Columbia, South Carolina said: Brokerage is not a hard feild to get into. ..... Do not let these companys tell you that you will get rich worink with them. You have make yourself rich.QUOTE]

Hi Joey, you are right when you said that "the company doesnt make you rich, that you have to make yourself rich". I do disagree with it is easy to get into this business, if it was so easy why would people come here looking for info and advice?? and the book i was referencing in that quote is not my companies book we get nothing for or from it but it gives a ton of base info.

ps- the split matters but some companies offer more services then others so a 60% split may be less then 65% but what advantages does one company have over the other, does it make the split difference worth it in either direction???

rob in Denver, Colorado said: what do you teach how to sale,what the going rate is,where to look, because i will teach you how to be a successful at teaching so you will be the one people want to learn from.

What the HELL did you just type? And YOU want to TEACH people????

Thank You for posting this honest put down for someone a little too high on the horse (if he/she owns one). I personally write because I can no longer drive OTR truck because of health reasons and looking to stay in the industry and apply my education and professional skills elsewhere. It sure wasn't being used as a truck driver. Any response would be much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Rickie VanTine
[Edited by Host] Contact info deleted

Please do not post Contact info in the forums.
If you would like to set up a profile please go here to log in
www.indeed.com/my/profile

To Rob in Denver: Although I agree that a lot of schools overcharge for their courses, it is important that most brokerages are too busy to train people, don't want a deadbeat as an agent and don't want the liability. In a business with a lo lot of risk and liability, it is important that the agent have both scruples and a brain on how to do the job correctly. My advice to all newcomers: Do your homework! Don't let people tell you what to do and what not to do. A class is more than just showing the ropes but learning how to pick a good broker to work for.

Agent Protector in Pasadena, California said: To Rob in Denver: Although I agree that a lot of schools overcharge for their courses, ...Don't let people tell you what to do and what not to do. A class is more than just showing the ropes but learning how to pick a good broker to work for.

I agree with both of you that a lot of schools over charge. But I dont think anyone on here is trying to tell people what to do they are giving the point of view and people have to take it at face value and decide for their self what to do.

Things to look for when signing on with a brokerage as an Agent

1- THE CONTRACT - dont get stuck in a company with a messy non-compete, because even if they dont hold up their end of the bargain you cant leave because or you lose your customers. In general (especially when your new) there will be some type of non-compete or non-solicitation but just be careful.
2- Support and Resources - do they offer the tools and support that will fill in your weaknesses. If you are great at doing rates you dont have to worry if they have set rates, if you are great at finding customers but soft on finding trucks you are looking for a brokerage with good software for truck searches and a large carrier base not one that helps with leads...
3- The Split - watch out here a 60/40 split is better then a 90/10 split if the 60/40 is on profit and the 90/10 is on revenue. Ex. Most (I said most not all) agents run between 15-20% margins so if there is a $2000 load you pay a truck $1700 on a 90/10 you take home $100 - 1700trk 200brkr 100you - on 60/40 you take home $180 - $1700trk $120brkr $180you. That is one example of many splits offered but there are a bunch I have seen that are mystical, as in look good but pay bad. (watch for pads, fees, not getting accessorial, escrow, charge backs, when commission gets paid, minimums...)
4- Restrictions - are you stuck to a territory or type of freight, can you call anyone you want. What holds you bac

Both The Freight Trainer and Jeremy prove some good
points, im against neither, but as far as the BC's and flyers
go that is a very good tactic, I've done it myself along with
all the agents of trained who are successful today, also an introduction letter works very well. =)

I have some questions about broker authority. I have applied for broker authority and submitted BOC 3 for file. My question is about Insurance required. What kind of insurance do I need to satisfy customers? General Liability? Contigent Liability? or Cargo? what is the difference between these insurance catagories?

Thanks

Legally insurance "Is Not" required. Although, I would suggest Liability and Cargo Insurance. This gives shippers peace of mind. It really all depends on how much freight you move. The more you move the more it goes up!

Hey Scott,
Is she not talking about the surety bond rather than liability or cargo?
To I haven't seen you in here writing lately! Also, you never called back.
Well, I have USA Logistics wanting to put me on with them. And, a few others, but until I get thru some of the legal situation I am in, I will not hire or contract with anyone.
I do think it strange that you didn't call back when you found out where I got my training!

I never called back because I simply got busy and forgot. I do apologize for that. I posted a few items the other day , that has been the first time for a while. We have opened up a new call center and it has been taking all of my time. I am glad to see that you are finding a position with an agency. I wish you much luck. If I can ever do anything to help, I would be more than happy to lend a hand.

As far as the bond issue, I must have misread her post. I thought she was speaking about the insurance.

TO JAWED:

The only time Insurance would apply to the broker is when your
getting a load from a shipper and brokering it to a carrier.
That carrier must place the brokerage as "certificate holder"
on their insurance. The shipper will of course want to see
that his load is going to be insured, therefor once
he gives you the confirmation and you match a carrier
to his freight is when you will actually send him the carriers
insurance with your Company listed as the "certificate holder".

You as a broker do not have Insurance but need to have
a $10,000 Surety Bond or $10,000 Trust Fund..so if for
some unknown reason you do not make payment to the carrier
they can go after your bond for collections.

This forum is very interesting I have been reading it for a while now, I have learned a lot. One question I have is how dose a broker go about finding shippers? Phone calls? Walking into the shippers office? EMail? What is the best approache?

Phone calls: however, the purpose of any phone call is to get in front of the shipper/customer.
That is why it is wise to start out by calling
manufactures and distribution facilities that you can drive to.

This is a relationship business. After doing business over the phone for a while a personal visit enhances that relationship.

The stronger the relationship the stronger the trust. Their are only four reasons people do not buy from you.

No trust
No need
No hurry
No money

build up trust - build your business.

Good luck.

Jeff

Moving forward

Thanks Jeff I appreciate the advice. Getting started is the easy part.
Incorporating
MC #
Bond
Bank
Office, computer, internet, printer, copper, fax, phone.
Carrier/broker agreement, Load confirmation and rate agreement, References
Load boards
QuickBooks
Finding shippers in my area.
Have I forgot anything?
Next step Phone calls (thanks again)
Ok so now I have the appropriate person on the phone. What next?
What do I say? How do I get them to let me be one of there brokers?
This is what keeps me up at night.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

go to my web site and click on tips, news , etc...
it's my blog - go back and read the blogs - you will find plenty
of information regarding how to secure shippers..

www.brooketraining.com

Beware double brokering
By Justin Carretta, online news editor
Greater attention is being focused on the practice of double brokering. In many cases, it does little harm to carriers. But when the sole intent is to defraud customers, it can prove to be devastating.
Double brokering occurs when a legitimate broker decides to give a load to a second broker, who then finds a carrier. Fraud enters the equation when the second carrier is not legitimate and has no intent of ever paying--submitting its own invoice to the first broker, collecting payment and then disappearing.
The practice has become more widespread in the past two to three years, especially with the advent of the Internet, which removes any paper trail and makes it far easier to defraud an unknowing broker. The fraudulent broker repeats the process until they feel people are getting on their trail, but even that doesn’t necessarily stop them.
Once they are about to get caught, they form another company and do it again, Mike Woods, credit collections manager for Apex Capital, told FleetOwner.

Double brokering is illegal - you can lose your auth for it.

jeff in Keller, Texas said: Double brokering is illegal - you can lose your auth for it.

Go to tianet.org to get the facts on double brokering/ co-brokering. We DO NOT double broker as there isnt money or control in it but it is not illegal. here is a link to the TIA's co-brokeragreement. IT ISNT WORTH THE MONEY OR HASSELL but it isnt illegal just thought you should know.
www.tianet.org/docs/CoBrokerAgreement.pdf

Jacob is right. Double Brokering and Co-Brokering is not illegal. I do occasionally co-broker with the right brokers whom we have established relationships. There are also several TIA members who do.

Double Brokering and Co-Brokering causes the original broker over the freight to lose control of the truck at times, this is why many will not do it. When are going to co-broker you have to have trust with the other broker that he will actually pay the carrier and not leave your brokerage or shipper at risk.

We have been participants in some loads that have involved as many as 5-6 brokers. I do disagree about the money issue. I will use one particular case to reference. On a Heavy Haul load not to long ago, there were numerous brokers involved. This was a little lottery load so to speak. 50-60% of the load went to commissions for the brokers.

On most load there is no money involved as you say for Double-Co-Brokering. You just have to be careful who you do it with.