| A freight broker has the important responsibility of | | | | needs to be filled or a company needs to send out a |
| working with a company that needs shipping services | | | | large amount of items in a pinch, a freight broker's |
| and a carrier that is authorized to transport the load. It | | | | expertise and list of resources is invaluable. The job of |
| is important to note that a broker does not actually do | | | | a freight broker can be very demanding, usually spent |
| any of the shipping or the transportation of items. | | | | hunting for the perfect carrier and spending hours on |
| There are many factors that go into a freight broker's | | | | the phone. If a broker has many connections and |
| decision of which carrier will get the load. First, they | | | | many clients, the work can be extremely fast paced |
| must determine the specific needs of the company | | | | and challenging. It takes a special work ethic to be able |
| doing the shipping. Cost is a major factor for shippers, | | | | to handle the demands of the job, but a good freight |
| so matching the carrier that will transport the goods at | | | | broker is good at multi-tasking and juggling multiple |
| a rate that is deemed reasonable by the shipper is a | | | | clients. |
| top priority. Once the load is delivered, commissions | | | | In order to become a broker, one must become |
| are earned and the trucker or trucking company gets | | | | licensed by the FMCSA - Federal Motor Carrier |
| paid. | | | | Safety Administration. Furthermore, a freight broker |
| A freight broker helps companies that are shipping | | | | must obtain an insurance policy that will protect their |
| large loads find a carrier that has experience hauling | | | | clients against any losses or damages. Freight brokers |
| valuable items. In a sense, the broker is vouching for | | | | can operate independently at their own business or |
| the carrier and putting trust in his or her hands to | | | | work for a larger brokerage company. Most often, |
| deliver the goods safely and quickly. By matching the | | | | brokers start out working for a larger agency where |
| type of items to be shipped with the right truck driver | | | | they can gain potential clients and connections that |
| or trucking company, brokers allow shippers to receive | | | | they can use to foster relationships when they open |
| the most efficient service tailored to their specific | | | | their own brokerage firm. |
| needs. | | | | Understanding the many aspects of the trucking |
| Often times, a company will contact a broker when | | | | industry is important for those who are interested in a |
| items need to be shipped quickly. This is because | | | | transportation profession. Freight brokers are one |
| freight brokerage agencies have a large list of trusted | | | | important aspect of the industry that you'll need to |
| transportation companies and agents that they can call | | | | understand as you begin your career. |
| upon at a moment's notice. When a tractor-trailer | | | | |