Freight Broker/Agent Training

Become a Freight Broker Online

Gain the comprehensive skills needed to build a successful freight brokerage or freight brokerage agency—100% online. Learn key freight fundamentals for future success, such as the laws and terminology, setting up your business, valuable tools and software, contracts and forms, how to find shippers and do ratings, and much more.

In this freight broker training you will learn the differences between a freight broker and a freight agent, their various duties and responsibilities, and the laws and legal requirements for both. You will also learn the steps of setting up carrier and shipper packets and contracts, marketing and advertising avenues, rate quotes, how to interact with shippers and carriers to keep lines of communication open, and valuable negotiation skills.

You also have access to Brooke Transportation Training Solutions, which hosts a Broker/Agent Resources Day event. This event includes a virtual option held one Friday a month exclusively for course graduates.

Course Objectives

• Watch this video to learn more.
• Understand the basics of freight brokering and the qualifications needed for brokers and agents.
• Set up an office, establish goals, and create a corporate identity for a freight brokering business.
• Assemble complete shipper and carrier packets for your operations.
• Become familiar with software used for accounting and operations, and understand how transportation law impacts your business.
• Learn terms, insurance requirements, liabilities, policies, and record-keeping best practices for broker–carrier–shipper contracts.
• Determine rate quotes and apply negotiation and sales techniques between your brokerage, shippers, and carriers.

Job Outlook for Freight Brokers

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for logisticians—which include freight brokers—are projected to grow 18% through 2032. Around 21,800 openings are expected annually over the decade. As of May 2022, median salary was $77,520, with the top 10% earning over $124,050.
• Over 11 billion tons of freight move by truck each year (USDOT), and demand continues to grow—skilled brokers keep freight moving efficiently.

FAQs about Freight Brokers

What do freight brokers do?
Freight brokers find carriers for shippers to haul freight. They also handle financial responsibilities 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, often working on commission.

What kind of hours do freight brokers work?
Most brokers set their own hours and many work from home—building a schedule around shipping and carrier needs.

What is the FMCSA?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates and provides safety oversight for commercial motor vehicles.

Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course. Note: the curriculum focuses on U.S. domestic freight brokering and is recommended if you plan to do business in the United States.

Instructors

Jan Roach
Jan has been a partner in a freight brokerage since 1995 and ran a brokerage for over a decade, overseeing sales, marketing, accounting, and operations. She holds a B.S. from Baylor University and has trained freight professionals since 2001.

Jeff Roach
Jeff has worked in transportation since 1986 and founded his own brokerage in 1995 after serving as VP of National Accounts for a major carrier. He built a multimillion-dollar brokerage and has developed freight broker courses since 2001. He holds a B.S. from Abilene Christian University.