Online Non-credit Training
Program Overview:
From licensing and operations to sales and marketing, learn how to get your broker license and start a successful freight brokerage – 100% online and at your own pace!
“This course used real life examples and different learning materials that still help us operate a business,” Kay P., United Tribe Logistics
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Program Fee
$1,895
Installment payment options as low as $92 per month.
Program Format
100 hours of online instruction
6 months of access, self-paced
Job Opportunity and Resources
Brooke Transportation Training Solutions hosts a Broker/Agent Resources Day event which includes a virtual option held one Friday a month, exclusively for course graduates. During this virtual option, all Freight Broker/Agent course graduates have the opportunity to join the Resource Day to hear participating brokers give presentations regarding agent opportunities with their company. Graduates are provided with additional valuable resources that can significantly benefit them in their freight brokerage/agency operations. Brooke Transportation is the only training provider currently offering this excellent resource.
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The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists freight broker/agent as “Bright Outlook” career area, with job growth expected in the next five years. The median pay for freight brokers is $30.24 per hour or almost $63,000 annually.
According to the US Department 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.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, (visited July 17, 2023). -
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).
ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO TAKE THIS COURSE?
No, there are no prerequisites needed 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.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE THE COURSE WITHIN THE TIME FRAME PROVIDED?
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 will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.
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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.
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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 freight broker
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
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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.