Things you must know before enrolling into Freight Broker Training.

Hello Indeed Community,

I know there are many of you who have considered freight brokering as a career, and I am sure it can seem quite difficult getting started. While freight brokering is a pretty simple concept there are many things involved that if you work as an agent you'll never need to know. If you ask most brokers they'll tell you they don't hire people from freight broker schools or consider them as experience.

Here's a good example of things YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW that training programs teach... If you work as an agent for OTR Logistics, Landstar, or any of the bigger firms you'll never need to know how to handle claims, billing, carrier management, or safety because that's all handle by corporate.

So the question remains why go to school to learn something you'll never need to know?

My opinion is those who can't broker teach brokering for a living. Almost every company uses a different software, and uses a totally different set of procedures that a school can't teach you. Most companies provide training with orientation.

If you can get down the basic concept of freight brokering, learn how to use the software, and have are good at sales you can become a GOOD broker agent.

DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A TRAINING PROGRAM! WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT OFFERS TRAINING.

I've been in the transportation industry for over 25 years if you have any questions please let me know. I am always here.

Mark Agusta in Irving, Texas said: Hello Indeed Community,

I know there are many of you who have considered freight brokering as a career, and I am sure it can seem quite difficult getting started. While freight brokering is a pretty simple concept there are many things involved that if you work as an agent you'll never need to know. If you ask most brokers they'll tell you they don't hire people from freight broker schools or consider them as experience.

Here's a good example of things YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW that training programs teach... If you work as an agent for OTR Logistics, Landstar, or any of the bigger firms you'll never need to know how to handle claims, billing, carrier management, or safety because that's all handle by corporate.

So the question remains why go to school to learn something you'll never need to know?

My opinion is those who can't broker teach brokering for a living. Almost every company uses a different software, and uses a totally different set of procedures that a school can't teach you. Most companies provide training with orientation.

If you can get down the basic concept of freight brokering, learn how to use the software, and have are good at sales you can become a GOOD broker agent.

DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A TRAINING PROGRAM! WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT OFFERS TRAINING.

I've been in the transportation industry for over 25 years if you have any questions please let me know. I am always here.

What companies offer training? I need to work from home and have computer, internet, fax, etc

Mark Agusta in Irving, Texas said: Hello Indeed Community,

I know there are many of you who have considered freight brokering as a career, and I am sure it can seem quite difficult getting started. While freight brokering is a pretty simple concept there are many things involved that if you work as an agent you'll never need to know. If you ask most brokers they'll tell you they don't hire people from freight broker schools or consider them as experience.

Here's a good example of things YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW that training programs teach... If you work as an agent for OTR Logistics, Landstar, or any of the bigger firms you'll never need to know how to handle claims, billing, carrier management, or safety because that's all handle by corporate.

So the question remains why go to school to learn something you'll never need to know?

My opinion is those who can't broker teach brokering for a living. Almost every company uses a different software, and uses a totally different set of procedures that a school can't teach you. Most companies provide training with orientation.

If you can get down the basic concept of freight brokering, learn how to use the software, and have are good at sales you can become a GOOD broker agent.

DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A TRAINING PROGRAM! WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT OFFERS TRAINING.

I've been in the transportation industry for over 25 years if you have any questions please let me know. I am always here.

My father is retired truck driver and is trying to help me become an agent, He hooked me up with a broker and that did not work out. I am listed as DSG agent for landstar I did their online training and have tried to put loads on a board from a brokers client. But I know nothing about the paper work. I want to go to Landstar in Florida to train. Would that be advisable?

Hello,

How are you? I have some questions for you. Please email me back at medsnpills@ymail.com

Thanks,

Brendon
Charlotte NC

Mark Agusta in Irving, Texas said: Hello Indeed Community,

I know there are many of you who have considered freight brokering as a career, and I am sure it can seem quite difficult getting started. While freight brokering is a pretty simple concept there are many things involved that if you work as an agent you'll never need to know. If you ask most brokers they'll tell you they don't hire people from freight broker schools or consider them as experience.

Here's a good example of things YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW that training programs teach... If you work as an agent for OTR Logistics, Landstar, or any of the bigger firms you'll never need to know how to handle claims, billing, carrier management, or safety because that's all handle by corporate.

So the question remains why go to school to learn something you'll never need to know?

My opinion is those who can't broker teach brokering for a living. Almost every company uses a different software, and uses a totally different set of procedures that a school can't teach you. Most companies provide training with orientation.

If you can get down the basic concept of freight brokering, learn how to use the software, and have are good at sales you can become a GOOD broker agent.

DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A TRAINING PROGRAM! WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT OFFERS TRAINING.

I've been in the transportation industry for over 25 years if you have any questions please let me know. I am always here.

Well how do you get to be an agent when everyone I talked with want you to accounts have accounts? Is there a broker that will help an agent break into the biz? Please give answers.

I did a seminar thru DOT AUTHORITY and I did a one on one class with a lady in GA... can't remember her class. She was good, BUT you can basically learn all this stuff online. I have 12 yrs experience in the trucking industry already. I started my own brokerage 5 months ago. and let me tell you, you NEED CONTACTS! You need your OWN direct customers to really make money!! I was lucky, right at the time I wanted to start my brokerage, I knew a dispatcher from another company who got laid off. He had 1 direct customer. You find guys like THAT... You do a percentage thing like a 75/25% split. Based on him doing his regular routine, getting the loads, doing the calls, etc.. You do the paperwork stuff. You OWN the biz (I put the $10k bond down) I'm telling you, you can do this while you work full time people. First 2 months werent great for income. 1st mo i made $1200.. 2nd I made $1800... by June I made $7400... That was a total of maybe what 1 hr a day for me on average.. (however last month was TERRIBLE!!!) Bottom line. it's really all scary at first because you feel you have NO CLUE. Especially if you are coming from the trucking end. Anyhow, I have had 1 direct customer myself, which is 100% profit on my own. finally as of this week, he's giving me loads on a regular basis.

Stop doing what I did and ask a million questions about the broker's classes! Just DO IT already!!!! Just remember right now the economy still stinks. Don't let anyone tell you differently! These huge guys like JB Hunt, Custom etc... are stealing customers from under all the guys out there for practically NOTHING! It will in time turn around.

Wendy T said: Kelly I hope new freight brokers don't take your advise for a couple reasons 1) you SHOULD ask a million questions and 2) I have seen businesses fail because the owner isn't hands on when needed so how can you work elsewhere during the day?

As far as asking questions, I meant as in asking questions & looking things up online for actual classes. You SHOULD ask a million questions while in a class!! Sometimes when you are looking for a class you tend to go in tons of different directions and get side tracked or confused. Figure out what you want to do & do it! I wasted far too much time researching the little things that had nothing to do with classes. Most of the time you have all the answers in front of you & you just don't realize it & you just have to put yor foot down & move forward & take the step ahead already. I am and was hands on experienced in this business. But when it comes to having your own business. Its just a lot more scary to only rely on yourself at succeeding & taking the plunge.

I only have a few customers. Good customers. I only work a couple hours a day. I believe you can do this as a part time basis. It all depends on how much you want to make. Also depends on how much of a life you want! LOL We all know this line of biz is brutal & stressful! Whether you are a dispatcher, customer svc or a broker.I never wanted my career to consume my life. Do I LOVE brokering? No. Personally i'd rather be in real estate or an investor. Unfortunately, I have to do this for so many years to really do what I love!! So hey, you wanna work less hours? Lets merge! Lol it would be nice to work with someone that can cover your work if you go on a vacation!!

buyers remorse..... Sadly, ilm one of those people who tends to jump fast at times... It all depends on the situation. But you should definitely have a good gut feel about who you give your money to teach you!! My point only was..... Stop procrastinating to some people. Because some things I over do the research myself too! I was always giving myself excuses at not starting my biz up. Now I wish I did it 2-3 yrs faster!!!! I would be more well off at this point now!

I just stumbled on to this in looking to change my career, and its sounded very interesting. I am wondering , as a freight broker what would i be doing exactly on a daily basis? Im 53 years old and have been in the mental health field , and needing to know more about this career. thank you , Karen ramirez

I know there are many of you who have considered freight brokering as a career, and I am sure it can seem quite difficult getting started. While freight brokering is a pretty simple concept there are many things involved that if you work as an agent you'll never need to know. If you ask most brokers they'll tell you they don't hire people from freight broker schools or consider them as experience.

Here's a good example of things YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW that training programs teach... If you work as an agent for OTR Logistics, Landstar, or any of the bigger firms you'll never need to know how to handle claims, billing, carrier management, or safety because that's all handle by corporate.

So the question remains why go to school to learn something you'll never need to know?

My opinion is those who can't broker teach brokering for a living. Almost every company uses a different software, and uses a totally different set of procedures that a school can't teach you. Most companies provide training with orientation.

If you can get down the basic concept of freight brokering, learn how to use the software, and have are good at sales you can become a GOOD broker agent.

DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A TRAINING PROGRAM! WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT OFFERS TRAINING.

I've been in the transportation industry for over 25 years if you have any questions please let me know. I am always here.

larose7363 in Denver, Colorado said: My father is retired truck driver and is trying to help me become an agent, He hooked me up with a broker and that did not work out. I am listed as DSG agent for landstar I did their online training and have tried to put loads on a board from a brokers client. But I know nothing about the paper work. I want to go to Landstar in Florida to train. Would that be advisable?

I think there training is good it will help you alot and the support is great when you leave there, but if you don't have shippers its very hard to get started.

I live in New Jersey, do you know of any company's that will train as an agent with no industry background...I have a ton of B2B sales experience.

Hello Mark....My name is Antonio and i,m located in Denver(co)For past 12y i have been(cable installer for Comcast(involving face to face with peoples on daily basis)and past 2y i,m on phone (technical support for Time Warner)answering 40-70 calls a day)so i can say i,m peoples person,very comunicative,and willing to learn and advance.I,m desperately trying to get in to Brokering,but i,m getting lot off(no-s)or ridicules info like (oh its not worth for us to train new agent,like they where born with knowledge)So i,m asking you to give me advice,and point me to right direction,because i really want to be a broker,let me know,Thx for any positive advice
Mark Agusta in Irving, Texas

i am new to this business, and i have a lot over good contacts already. but i work for a broker as an agent. but i'm doing all the paper and finding new customers. i should be getting all of the money.... please point me the right way to getting my own business off the ground.

Mark Agusta in Irving, Texas said: Hello Indeed Community,

I know there are many of you who have considered freight brokering as a career, and I am sure it can seem quite difficult getting started. While freight brokering is a pretty simple concept there are many things involved that if you work as an agent you'll never need to know. If you ask most brokers they'll tell you they don't hire people from freight broker schools or consider them as experience.

Here's a good example of things YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW that training programs teach... If you work as an agent for OTR Logistics, Landstar, or any of the bigger firms you'll never need to know how to handle claims, billing, carrier management, or safety because that's all handle by corporate.

So the question remains why go to school to learn something you'll never need to know?

My opinion is those who can't broker teach brokering for a living. Almost every company uses a different software, and uses a totally different set of procedures that a school can't teach you. Most companies provide training with orientation.

If you can get down the basic concept of freight brokering, learn how to use the software, and have are good at sales you can become a GOOD broker agent.

DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A TRAINING PROGRAM! WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT OFFERS TRAINING.

I've been in the transportation industry for over 25 years if you have any questions please let me know. I am always here.

You are right but the problem is most people consider brkering the same as being an agent. Landstar and those big companies will not hire you without 1 million in revenue and a large shipper base. Its so much easier to become and agent not a broker and the risk is not on you.

Training and get hired in Orlando, Florida said: You are right but the problem is most people consider brkering the same as being an agent. Landstar and those big companies will not hire you without 1 million in revenue and a large shipper base. Its so much easier to become and agent not a broker and the risk is not on you.

Can you give more information on the company that will train and hire.

Does any one has any information on Aetna freight lines.

I heard that they will train you to become an agent for free!!!
Also Green tree.

Mark Agusta in Irving, Texas said: Hello Indeed Community,

I know there are many of you who have considered freight brokering as a career, and I am sure it can seem quite difficult getting started. While freight brokering is a pretty simple concept there are many things involved that if you work as an agent you'll never need to know. If you ask most brokers they'll tell you they don't hire people from freight broker schools or consider them as experience.

Here's a good example of things YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW that training programs teach... If you work as an agent for OTR Logistics, Landstar, or any of the bigger firms you'll never need to know how to handle claims, billing, carrier management, or safety because that's all handle by corporate.

So the question remains why go to school to learn something you'll never need to know?

My opinion is those who can't broker teach brokering for a living. Almost every company uses a different software, and uses a totally different set of procedures that a school can't teach you. Most companies provide training with orientation.

If you can get down the basic concept of freight brokering, learn how to use the software, and have are good at sales you can become a GOOD broker agent.

DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A TRAINING PROGRAM! WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT OFFERS TRAINING.

I've been in the transportation industry for over 25 years if you have any questions please let me know. I am always here.

DO YOU HAVE ANY COMPANY NAME? AND THANK YOU FOR THE ADVISE

Mark Agusta in Irving, Texas said: Hello Indeed Community, I know there are many of you who have considered freight brokering as a career, and I am sure it can seem quite difficult getting started. While freight brokering is a pretty simple concept there are many things involved that if you work as an agent you'll never need to know. If you ask mostbrokers they'll tell you they don't hire people from freight brokersc hools or consider them as experience. Here's a good example of things YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW that training programs teach... If you work as an agent for OTR Logistics, Landstar, or any of the bigger firms you'll never need to know how to handle claims, billing, carrier management, or safety because that's all handle by corporate. So the question remains why go tosc hool to learn something you'll never need to know? My opinion is those who can't broker teach brokering for a living. Almost every company uses a different software, and uses a totally different set of procedures that asc hool can't teach you. Most companies provide training with orientation. If you can get down the basic concept of freight brokering, learn how to use the software, and have are good at sales you can become a GOOD broker agent. DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A TRAINING PROGRAM! WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT OFFERS TRAINING. I've been in thetransportation industry for over 25 years if you have any questions please let me know. I am always here.

I am interested in becoming an agent. Do you have any companies that would probably offer training for me to get started?

Has anybody gone through that freight broker training-on-demand program offered by the D.O.T. Authority?

Please contact me regarding a company that will allow me training, that I might can work for.

Thank You

Antonio Milic in Aurora, Colorado said: Hello Mark....My name is Antonio and i,m located in Denver(co)For past 12y i have been(cable installer for Comcast(involving face to face with peoples on daily basis)and past 2y i,m on phone (technical support for Time Warner)answering 40-70 calls a day)so i can say i,m peoples person,very comunicative,and willing to learn and advance.I,m desperately trying to get in to Brokering,but i,m getting lot off(no-s)or ridicules info like (oh its not worth for us to train new agent,like they where born with knowledge)So i,m asking you to give me advice,and point me to right direction,because i really want to be a broker,let me know,Thx for any positive advice
Mark Agusta in Irving, Texas

Mark did you become a broker yet? If you did how did you do it?

Hi Mark. My name is Marie Lindeen and my husband and I have our own Authority, and would like to start out brokering loads for ourselves. We currently use load boards to find everything we need but I would like to try finding loads for our trucks. What would be the best way to start out doing that? Any information would be great. Thank you so much. =)

Marie

So far I see everyone asking questions and see no real answers. I guess the ones with the right answer are out there making money and are not going to share crap with the rest of us. Let's be realistic...why would they provide good information and creat competition for themselves!!!

Hi!I am looking to be a trucking agent and you are saying to go for big strong broking trucking companies,that has the up to date Technology in brokering.Therefore,would they train you in being a trucking agent in how to use their technology thats very important.I mean if this career is done right you could be employed at home in something thats recession proof you cant beat that ok God Bless I am looking for a stable career Thank you.

Mark Agusta in Irving, Texas said: Hello Indeed Community,

I know there are many of you who have considered freight brokering as a career, and I am sure it can seem quite difficult getting started. While freight brokering is a pretty simple concept there are many things involved that if you work as an agent you'll never need to know. If you ask most brokers they'll tell you they don't hire people from freight broker schools or consider them as experience.

Here's a good example of things YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW that training programs teach... If you work as an agent for OTR Logistics, Landstar, or any of the bigger firms you'll never need to know how to handle claims, billing, carrier management, or safety because that's all handle by corporate.

So the question remains why go to school to learn something you'll never need to know?

My opinion is those who can't broker teach brokering for a living. Almost every company uses a different software, and uses a totally different set of procedures that a school can't teach you. Most companies provide training with orientation.

If you can get down the basic concept of freight brokering, learn how to use the software, and have are good at sales you can become a GOOD broker agent.

DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A TRAINING PROGRAM! WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT OFFERS TRAINING.

I've been in the transportation industry for over 25 years if you have any questions please let me know. I am always here.

thnaks

Your comment was very inspiring to me. Thank you for posting. I have a question- I have been trying to getinto the business for over 2 years and no one will hire me due to know experience, However I did find a broker who was willing to give me a chance as his agent (last week) he told me if I can get my first load on my own he would hire me as his agent...My boyfriend is a truck driver (I have learned alot from him. I also took the DOT AUTHORITY one day seminar in 2009)

My question is...How do I get the first load? Who should I target and once I get the shipping mgr on the phone what do I say? I am not sure how to negotiate the price/load (because I don't know where to find the going rates?) PLEASE HELP ME. I am new to the industry and really interested in learning and growing in this business. I have a sales background. I know I have what it takes to be successful. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time.

Thank you for your time.
I did get alot of helpful info from DOT...I actually asked a friend and was able to get answers to my questions I asked you. I appreciate your time!

Nice try, Elite.

People on this board know better than to listen to one competitor trying to bash the other. Looks like it backfired on you.

Contact us, Chas, and we will give you a FREE refresher.

We also will make sure you fully understand the difference between renting someone else's broker license as an agent and earning 50%-60%... versus BEING the broker yourself, owning your own license, and earning 100%.

JPL

Thank JPL.
I appreicate you for replying to the post.
I would be interested in the refresher course.

Please let me know what I need to do.
Have a great day!

sidneyusa in Fort Worth, Texas said: So far I see everyone asking questions and see no real answers. I guess the ones with the right answer are out there making money and are not going to share crap with the rest of us. Let's be realistic...why would they provide good information and creat competition for themselves!!!

I absolutely agree!I recently graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration and I'm looking for a job. But guess what?? They all require minimum 2 to
5 yrs experience. My uncle is a carrier and he mentioned to me the freight broker idea so now I am trying to get all the info I can on this and I stumble upon numerous companies who offer a training class. But I see more questions than answers on this but at least the good thing is that I will try to find out about how to become an agent without spending thousands on a training class that will do me no good. I do believe that hands on is the best experience. Good luck!

Hi!My name is Allen and I am very interested in just being a trucking agent making a fulltime income at home, they say it`s the best kept business opportunity inside the United States.I Kinda been told when starting out as a Trucking Agent as a newbie, you will have to start out with a new trucking brokering firm to get some experience.Therefore,the internet is a beautiful thing to make a fulltime income,because it puts the world all on one playing field.When you get this message please contact me back on this trucking agent or deal ok Thank you.

I have worked in the brokering field before and am looking to get back into it. I don't have an existing book of business anymore and i would like to go back to work for someone to help me prepare. Any help would be great. Thanks

Mark Agusta in Irving, Texas said: Hello Indeed Community,

I know there are many of you who have considered freight brokering as a career, and I am sure it can seem quite difficult getting started. While freight brokering is a pretty simple concept there are many things involved that if you work as an agent you'll never need to know. If you ask most brokers they'll tell you they don't hire people from freight broker schools or consider them as experience.

Here's a good example of things YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW that training programs teach... If you work as an agent for OTR Logistics, Landstar, or any of the bigger firms you'll never need to know how to handle claims, billing, carrier management, or safety because that's all handle by corporate.

So the question remains why go to school to learn something you'll never need to know?

My opinion is those who can't broker teach brokering for a living. Almost every company uses a different software, and uses a totally different set of procedures that a school can't teach you. Most companies provide training with orientation.

If you can get down the basic concept of freight brokering, learn how to use the software, and have are good at sales you can become a GOOD broker agent.

DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A TRAINING PROGRAM! WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT OFFERS TRAINING.

I've been in the transportation industry for over 25 years if you have any questions please let me know. I am always here.

I am interested in training as an agent. Is this something you will consider?

You can rent your broker license as an agent and make 50 per cent or you can own it and keep 100 per cent; you tell me what is better; google freight broker training and look for a class: there are some you can instantly download; then get your own license

kelly in Tekonsha, Michigan said: I only have a few customers. Good customers. I only work a couple hours a day. I believe you can do this as a part time basis. It all depends on how much you want to make. Also depends on how much of a life you want! LOL We all know this line of biz is brutal & stressful! Whether you are a dispatcher, customer svc or a broker.I never wanted my career to consume my life. Do I LOVE brokering? No. Personally i'd rather be in real estate or an investor. Unfortunately, I have to do this for so many years to really do what I love!! So hey, you wanna work less hours? Lets merge! Lol it would be nice to work with someone that can cover your work if you go on a vacation!!

buyers remorse..... Sadly, ilm one of those people who tends to jump fast at times... It all depends on the situation. But you should definitely have a good gut feel about who you give your money to teach you!! My point only was..... Stop procrastinating to some people. Because some things I over do the research myself too! I was always giving myself excuses at not starting my biz up. Now I wish I did it 2-3 yrs faster!!!! I would be more well off at this point now!

Would you be serious about merging with someone? I need help with getting started and am not one for going on vacations and such. I do go, just not much, somewhat of a homebody to speak. I would be your girl to cover while you go on vacations and all. Please give me a shout if you are interested. flowergirl30241@yahoo.com

I have no comment at this time

Mark Agusta in Irving, Texas said: Hello Indeed Community,

I know there are many of you who have considered freight brokering as a career, and I am sure it can seem quite difficult getting started. While freight brokering is a pretty simple concept there are many things involved that if you work as an agent you'll never need to know. If you ask most brokers they'll tell you they don't hire people from freight broker schools or consider them as experience.

Here's a good example of things YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW that training programs teach... If you work as an agent for OTR Logistics, Landstar, or any of the bigger firms you'll never need to know how to handle claims, billing, carrier management, or safety because that's all handle by corporate.

So the question remains why go to school to learn something you'll never need to know?

My opinion is those who can't broker teach brokering for a living. Almost every company uses a different software, and uses a totally different set of procedures that a school can't teach you. Most companies provide training with orientation.

If you can get down the basic concept of freight brokering, learn how to use the software, and have are good at sales you can become a GOOD broker agent.

DON'T SPEND HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A TRAINING PROGRAM! WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT OFFERS TRAINING.

I've been in the transportation industry for over 25 years if you have any questions please let me know. I am always here.

COULD you PLease advise me as to WHERE to find Jobs as agents (in training)??? I am a over the road trucker for over 20 yrs and need minimumal training, but cant find a job as a trainee in the freight brokering field..could you point me in right direction???