Disclaimer
Continuing Education is a program of Santa Fe College's Center for Innovation and Economic Development (CIED).
These courses are non-credit, Industry certification courses and are not eligible for financial aid. Please contact Continuing Education at 352-395-5896 with questions, or for additional information.
Overview
Become part of the exciting trucking, freight logistics, and transportation industries as a licensed freight broker or as a freight broker agent. Freight broker training will help you learn the skills you need to be a successful Freight Broker/Agent. From licensing and operations to sales and marketing, you'll learn the basics of how to run a domestic freight brokerage or agency in the United States.
Freight brokerage is a growing, service-based industry. As a freight agent or broker, you connect shippers and manufacturers with transportation companies and manage those shipments. Entrepreneur magazine has rated the freight brokerage business as one of the top home-based businesses to own, and a Wall Street Journal article cited freight brokering and logistics as the largest growing sector of the transportation industry.
Written by freight brokerage specialists, this freight broker course will provide you with the knowledge and resources needed to break into the shipping industry. From transportation law, contracts, and insurance, to setting up and running your own business, this is the best online freight broker training available.
Job Opportunity and Resources
Brooke Transportation Training Solutions hosts a weekly event called Resource Friday. This virtual event is held every Friday, exclusively for their graduates. During this virtual event, all graduates have the opportunity to meet and discuss agent positions with participating freight brokerages. Additionally, the best businesses and brokers in the industry talk with graduates about starting their own brokerage, working as an agent for another firm, and other career opportunities. Brooke Transportation is the only training provider currently offering this excellent resource.
Details
What you will learn
- The basics of freight brokering.
- How to use the documents and software common to the industry.
- All about transportation law, insurance, and agreements and contracts.
- How to set up and run your business, including recordkeeping, determining quotes, and negotiation and marketing techniques.
How you will benefit
- Freight broker school can provide you with the resources you need to obtain your brokerage licensing/authority from the federal government.
- Graduates will be able to participate in our weekly job opportunity event called Resource Friday—read more about it below.
Outline
- The Basics of Freight Brokering
- Setting Up Your Business and Office
- Setting Goals and Developing Your Corporate Identity
- Setting Up Your Shipper Packet and Your Carrier Packet
- Operations and Using Operations Software
- Types of Freight and Exploring Niche Markets
- Transportation Law
- Broker-Carrier Contracts
- Broker-Shipper Agreements
- Insurance for Carriers and Brokers
- Recordkeeping, Accounting, and Financial Management
- Determining Your Rate Quotes
- Carrier Relations and Solutions for Success
- Sales and Profitability
- Advanced Marketing
- Develop Your Negotiation Skills
Requirements
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or newer.
- Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However since this course focuses solely on U.S. domestic freight brokering, it is recommended you are interested in doing business in the United States.
Instructor
Jan Roach entered the transportation field and became a partner in a freight brokerage operation in 1995. For over 10 years, she ran a brokerage/freight agency, overseeing sales, marketing, accounting and claims, 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 has been in the transportation and freight brokerage industry since 1986. He founded operating his own freight brokerage in 1995, after working as the vice president of national accounts for a major truckload carrier with an air freight division. He grew his brokerage into a multimillion-dollar business and began developing freight broker courses in 2001. Roach is a graduate of Abilene Christian University, holding a Bachelor of Science.
FAQs
What is a freight broker?
A freight broker arranges and makes provision for the transportation of shipments, but he or she doesn't actually provide the transportation. They help the shipper and the motor carrier company, negotiate on both sides, and earn a fee for their work. Freight brokers use their expertise to set up the shipment, negotiate the terms of the transaction, and manage the shipment from its origin to its destination.
What does a freight broker do?
The freight broker works within the company to manage the day-to-day tasks required to move goods from place to place. They hire carriers and monitor financial aspects such as invoicing, paying agents, and monitoring credit. The government may require additional fees and paperwork for a brokerage license, but not for becoming a freight agent.
How do I become a freight broker?
You will need to gain some industry knowledge either with a freight broker or freight broker agent and/or through an in-depth training that not only teaches the industry but also how to set up and market yourself as a freight broker. After you gain industry knowledge, you will need to obtain a freight broker license.
What is a freight brokerage company?
Freight brokerage companies act as a liaison between a "shipper," or a business with goods to move, and a "carrier," or the business that has the ability to move those goods. They help the shipping industry run efficiently and smoothly.
How do I become a freight broker?
You will need to gain some industry knowledge either with a freight broker or freight broker agent and/or through an in-depth training that not only teaches the industry but also how to set up and market yourself as a freight broker. After you gain industry knowledge, you will need to obtain a freight broker license.
How long does it take to become a freight broker?
It does not take long to set up your business as freight broker. The longer time is actually building up your business. As with almost any new startup business, it'll take time to build your client database before your income starts to increase. When you're just starting out, it can take an average of three to six months or longer to establish relationships and start building your client database.
Can I get financial assistance?
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.
When can I start the course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.
What kind of support will I receive?
You may be assigned with an instructor or team of industry experts for one-on-one course interaction. Your support will be available (via email) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our instructors are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach. You will be assigned to an Advisor for academic support.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
Does this course prepare for a certification?
No.
Can I register for a course if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country's regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
Am I guaranteed a job?
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.