Freight Broker/Agent Training

  • 6 Months
  • 180 Course Hours
  • $2,045

Overview

Learn How to Start Your Freight Brokerage

Become a part of the exciting trucking, freight logistics, and transportation industries as a licensed freight broker or as a 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.

“This course used real life examples and different learning materials that still help us operate a business,” Kay P., United Tribe Logistics

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.

How this course is taught

  • This is a non-credit program offered in partnership with ed2go.  You do not have to be admitted to the university to enroll in this program. 
  • This is an open enrollment program, which means you can enroll and start at any time.  There are no set start and end dates. 
  • This course is entirely online and can be completed at a pace and time that is convenient for you.  There are not set times you must attend classes.  
  • You will have 6-months from the date of enrollment to complete this program.  

Prerequisites

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.


 

Job Outlook

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.

Earn $45,000+ Annually
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, freight brokers make an average of $45,000 annually. Depending on your experience level, top brokers can make over $66,600 per year.
 
Expected 30% Job Growth
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists freight broker/agent as “Bright Outlook” career area, with over 30% job growth expected in the next five years.  According to the US Bureau of Transportation (USDOT), over 11 billion tons of freight move by truck each year. This number will grow, so skilled brokers are needed to keep the industry moving. 

Objectives

In the Freight Broker/Agent Training Program you will:

  • 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

Instructor

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.
 

FAQs

WHAT DO FREIGHT BROKERS DO?
Freight brokers find carriers for shippers to haul their freight. They also assume financial responsibility in 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 for a freight brokerage or independent broker. Freight agents may work on commission bringing in new customers.
 
HOW MUCH DO FREIGHT BROKERS MAKE?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, freight brokers make an average of $45,000 annually. Depending on your experience level, top brokers can make over $66,600 per year.
 
WHAT KIND OF HOURS DO FREIGHT BROKERS WORK?
Freight brokers can set their own hours — deciding when and how much they work. Many work from home, so they create their own work/life balance around shipping and carrier schedules.
 
WHAT IS THE FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (FMCSA)?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates and provides safety oversite for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
 
DO I HAVE TO BE ADDMITTED TO MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY TO ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?
No, you do not have to be an admitted student to Mississippi State University to enroll in this program.  Our online non-credit advanced career training programs are open to all. 
 
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.
 
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.
 
CAN I GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. Financing is available through other private, military, and government funding options.  Learn more about financial assistance.

 

 

Overview

Learn How to Start Your Freight Brokerage

Become a part of the exciting trucking, freight logistics, and transportation industries as a licensed freight broker or as a 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.

“This course used real life examples and different learning materials that still help us operate a business,” Kay P., United Tribe Logistics

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.

How this course is taught

  • This is a non-credit program offered in partnership with ed2go.  You do not have to be admitted to the university to enroll in this program. 
  • This is an open enrollment program, which means you can enroll and start at any time.  There are no set start and end dates. 
  • This course is entirely online and can be completed at a pace and time that is convenient for you.  There are not set times you must attend classes.  
  • You will have 6-months from the date of enrollment to complete this program.  

Prerequisites

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.


 

Job Outlook

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.

Earn $45,000+ Annually
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, freight brokers make an average of $45,000 annually. Depending on your experience level, top brokers can make over $66,600 per year.
 
Expected 30% Job Growth
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists freight broker/agent as “Bright Outlook” career area, with over 30% job growth expected in the next five years.  According to the US Bureau of Transportation (USDOT), over 11 billion tons of freight move by truck each year. This number will grow, so skilled brokers are needed to keep the industry moving. 

Objectives

In the Freight Broker/Agent Training Program you will:

  • 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

Instructor

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.
 

FAQs

WHAT DO FREIGHT BROKERS DO?
Freight brokers find carriers for shippers to haul their freight. They also assume financial responsibility in 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 for a freight brokerage or independent broker. Freight agents may work on commission bringing in new customers.
 
HOW MUCH DO FREIGHT BROKERS MAKE?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, freight brokers make an average of $45,000 annually. Depending on your experience level, top brokers can make over $66,600 per year.
 
WHAT KIND OF HOURS DO FREIGHT BROKERS WORK?
Freight brokers can set their own hours — deciding when and how much they work. Many work from home, so they create their own work/life balance around shipping and carrier schedules.
 
WHAT IS THE FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (FMCSA)?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates and provides safety oversite for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
 
DO I HAVE TO BE ADDMITTED TO MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY TO ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?
No, you do not have to be an admitted student to Mississippi State University to enroll in this program.  Our online non-credit advanced career training programs are open to all. 
 
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.
 
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.
 
CAN I GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. Financing is available through other private, military, and government funding options.  Learn more about financial assistance.

 

 

Registration Information

The Freight Broker/Agent Training program is 100% online and allows you to enroll at any time.  After enrolling you will have 6 months to complete the program at a pace that is convenient for you.  You can get started today by clicking the "Enroll Now" button below and completing your registration at our partner ed2go site.