• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected freight broker job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.

• About 30,000 new jobs for freight brokers are projected over the next decade. Salaries for freight brokers have increased 4% in the last five years. There are currently 7,528 active freight broker job opening in the US.

• According to the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the average freight broker agent salary is $55,170 per year.

What is the difference between a Freight Broker and an Agent?

• The difference between a freight broker and a freight agent is the licensure. A freight broker will be licensed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and a freight broker is legally liable for the cargo. A freight broker agent is not licensed or liable. The freight agent is more on the sales side of this field and will often sell for the freight broker.

Should I start out as a freight broker agent or as a freight broker?

• This online course will go into detail about the differences between a career as a freight broker agent or a freight broker to help you decide what direction is best for you.

What is a freight broker?

• A freight broker arranges and makes provision for the transportation of shipments, but they don't actually provide the transportation. Instead, 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.

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.

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 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.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

• No.

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?

• Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

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 the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

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. 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.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.

• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.

• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.

• Microsoft Word Online

• Adobe Acrobat Reader

• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

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.

1. The Basics of Freight Brokering

2. Setting Up Your Business

3. Setting Goals for Your Business

4. Setting Up Your Shipper Packet and Your Carrier Packet

5. Operations and Using Operations Software

6. Types of Freight and Exploring Niche Markets

7. Transportation Law

8. Broker-Carrier Contracts

9. Broker-Shipper Contracts

10. Insurance for Carriers and Brokers

11. Recordkeeping, Accounting, and Financial Management

12. Determining Your Rate Quotes

13. Carrier Relations and Solutions for Success

14. Sales and Profitability

15. Advanced Marketing

16. Develop Your Negotiation Skills