What does a Freight Broker do?
A Freight Broker helps ensure the success of logistics services and freight brokerage companies by providing exceptional service to customers. After creating an initial client profile, a Broker reviews the carriers that are a good match for their needs and solicits quotes from them. The Broker then shares these carrier quotes and provides advice to help clients make an informed choice. Once the client chooses a carrier, the Freight Broker books the shipment and then acts as a go-between to arrange the pickup. The Broker continues to track the shipment and helps facilitate the drop-off at the intended destination.
Freight Broker skills and qualifications
Freight Broker careers require a specific skill set. Examples of the skills and qualifications a Freight Broker should have include:
- Extensive knowledge of supply chain management
- Familiarity with logistics software, customer relationship management software and spreadsheets
- Strong problem-solving abilities to find solutions to issues that arise before, during and after shipments
- Well-honed negotiating skills to get the best possible quotes for customers
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with carriers and clients located around the world
- Analytical skills to determine which carriers offer the right set of services for various clients
- Networking skills to build relationships with prospective clients and carriers
- Proven sales skills to obtain new clients and carriers and close shipping deals
Freight Broker experience requirements
Contacts are generally more important than work experience when weighing the strengths of candidates for freight brokerage jobs. Someone who has little or no experience but has built a large network of contacts among manufacturers or carriers may be better able to succeed in a Freight Broker career than an individual with years of experience who doesn’t have similar connections. Logistics Consultants and business-to-business Salespersons are examples of related jobs that may allow candidates to build strong relationships relevant to a Freight Broker role.
Freight Broker education and training requirements
Typically, the minimum education needed to work as a Freight Broker is a high school diploma or GED. An associate or bachelor’s degree in business or logistics may be desirable, especially if a candidate doesn’t have previous work experience or an established network. Individuals may also earn a Certified Transportation Broker designation from the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). Eligibility for certification requires a combination of work experience and education. Brokers must also complete a TIA training course and pass a written examination.
Freight Broker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Freight Broker is $58,390 per year. The specific annual income a Freight Broker earns may vary based on their education, qualifications and geographic location.
Job description samples for similar positions
If the details of the Freight Broker role don’t completely match your company’s needs, these other job descriptions may be a better fit:
Freight Broker job description FAQs
How can you make your Freight Broker job description stand out?
One way to set your job description apart is to mention not only the expected salary, but also the commission and bonus plans your company may offer. Many Freight Brokers earn more from commissions tied to the fees they obtain for their employers. In addition, Brokers often have sales goals, and those who achieve or exceed them may receive bonus compensation.
Who does a Freight Broker report to?
The specific title of the person a Freight Broker reports to can vary between companies. Many companies have multiple Freight Brokers. A single Supervisor or Manager may oversee all of them, or the Brokers may be divided into teams with a Supervisor responsible for each one. In the latter case, all the Supervisors may report to the same upper-level Manager.
What qualities make a good Freight Broker?
Freight Brokers are typically outgoing people who can easily communicate with others. A passion for learning is important, as brokers need to stay abreast of current supply chain conditions and advancements in logistics technology to remain competitive. Individuals who are highly motivated to achieve goals may also do well in Broker roles. In addition, a strong sense of ethics is necessary to ensure that a Freight Broker puts their clients’ interests before their desire to earn commissions.