This online Ed2Go course, offered in cooperation with SDSU Global Campus, will teach you how to start a successful freight brokerage in a competitive market.
Launch Your Freight Broker Career 100% Online
The greater San Diego area is one of California’s leading logistics hubs. You can be a part of this growing industry by training to become a freight broker/agent.
With this convenient online course, you’ll learn everything from earning your broker license to operating your business and will even get to take part in weekly events that will provide you with resources, job opportunities, and important industry contacts upon graduation.
Course Objectives
- Learn the ins and outs of the industry from experienced freight brokers
- Gain the knowledge and resources you need to register with the FMCSA, get a surety bond and break into the shipping industry
Curriculum
- The Basics Of Freight Brokering
Job duties, qualities and skills of an effective freight broker and a freight broker agent - Setting Up Your Business And Office
Steps needed to launch a brokerage and set up an office - Setting Goals And Developing Your Corporate Identity
Evaluate business goals and mission statements - Setting Up Your Shipper Packet And Your Carrier Packet
Documents to send to shippers and carriers - Operations And Using Operations Software
Forms, logs, and broker software that work best for business; how to avoid or manage day-to-day problems that freight brokers face - Types Of Freight And Exploring Niche Markets
Differentiate between the types of freight and the types of niche markets available - Transportation Law
Transportation law most affect business as a broker or agent, and why they are important to operations - Broker-Carrier Contracts
How contracts protect brokers and carriers - Broker-Shipper Agreements
Components of an effective broker-shipper agreement - Insurance For Carriers And Brokers
Insurance policies and forms essential for carriers and brokers - Recordkeeping, Accounting, And Financial Management
Different processes and records encountered as a broker freight - Determining Your Rate Quotes
Rate quotes that are based on relevant information - Carrier Relations And Solutions For Success
Situations from a carrier's point of view - Sales And Profitability
Sales techniques and results as part of sales success - Advanced Marketing
Marketing efforts that will be beneficial for business - Develop Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation skills from first real sales calls
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, this course focuses solely on U.S. domestic freight brokering, so it’s only recommended if you plan to do business in the United States.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
Meet Your Instructors
Jan Roach
Jan Roach has been a partner in a freight brokerage operation since 1995. For over 10 years, she ran a freight brokerage, overseeing sales, marketing, accounting and day-to-day operations. Roach holds a Bachelor of Science from Baylor University and has provided training for the freight industry since 2001.
Jeff Roach
Jeff Roach has been in the transportation industry since 1986. He founded his own freight brokerage in 1995, after working as the vice president of national accounts for a major truckload carrier. He grew his brokerage into a multimillion-dollar business and began developing freight broker courses in 2001. Roach holds a Bachelor of Science from Abilene Christian University.
Job Outlook for Freight Brokers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), freight brokers and agents have been listed as having a bright career outlook in 2021. This means that the occupation is expected to grow rapidly and lots of job opportunities will be available in the next few years. In California, the jobs for qualified freight brokers/agents are expected to increase by 15% through 2028 according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Not only is it a growing industry, but you can also make a competitive salary. The average salary of freight brokers in the San Diego area is $98,561, according to Indeed.com.
FAQs about Freight Brokers
What Are The Responsibilities Of A Freight Broker?
As a freight broker, you’ll find carriers to haul shippers' freight and ensure that goods arrive at their destinations on time and intact. Freight brokers also assume financial responsibility during the shipping process by invoicing shippers, paying carriers and agents, extending credit, and more.
What Is The Difference Between A Freight Broker And An Agent?
A freight agent acts as an independent salesperson and operates under a freight broker’s license on behalf of a freight brokerage or independent broker. Freight agents may work on commission bringing in new customers, but they do move freight under their own Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration authority.
How Much Can A Freight Broker Earn?
The average salary of freight brokers varies widely across the United States. In the San Diego area, Indeed.com reports that freight brokers are currently making an average salary of $98,561 as of May 2021.
What Kind Of Job Flexibility Do Freight Brokers Have?
Most freight brokers have the opportunity to set their own hours—deciding when and how much they work. However, you’ll need to ensure that your hours match the shippers and carriers you are working with. Many freight brokers also work from home, so you’ll be able to create your own work/life balance around shipping and carrier schedules.