#1 Guide to Freight Broker Training in 2024
If you’re here, it means you are looking for freight broker training options so you can learn how become a freight broker or freight agent.
Good news is you’re in the right place if you’re seriously considering joining the shipping industry. So why are people attracted to the $100 billion plus freight brokerage industry?
Fact is, freight brokers can earn an excellent income while working from home, in a growing and recession resistant industry.
Personally, have trained over 10,000 freight brokers and freight broker agents in 16 countries including United States, Canada, India, Brazil, Ukraine, England, Australia and many more.
So I can safely say that this is the most comprehensive online guide to help you find the best freight broker training program to help you start your own freight broker business.
Table Of Contents
- #1 Guide to Freight Broker Training in 2024
- Option #1 – Online Freight Broker Training
- Option #2 – Classroom Freight Broker Training | Freight Broker Schools
- Option #3 – On the Job Freight Broker Training
- Online Freight Broker School Case Studies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Reality: Not Everyone Learns the Same Way!
Different freight broker training courses can use a variety of teaching styles and very different learning materials.
Some people enjoy online courses and training from home.
While others need or enjoy participating in an instructor-led freight broker course, typically held offline in a classroom setting.
The last group prefers on the job, hands-on training by taking an entry-level job as a W2 employee at a local freight brokerage.
Each type of freight broker training school has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. So, in this guide, I will describe each of the three different freight broker training options.
I’ll also go over the pros and cons of each, to help you choose the best possible path in your journey to become part of the exciting trucking and freight industry.
In the second half of this article, I’ll share the most important topics and skills that a good freight broker training program should cover.
Then, we will go over what kinds of results you can expect from freight broker training.
Last but not least we will dig into a list of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Top 3 Ways to Get Trained as a Freight Broker or Freight Agent
Option #1 – Online Freight Broker Training
Online freight broker training is delivered via the internet, usually in the form of a freight broker course or membership website. You simply log in and access the training 24/7 at your convenience.
The online training may consist of articles, videos, and other resources. The videos are either pre-recorded or live. An instructor teaches and leads students through the various steps of starting and growing a successful freight brokerage.
Online training usually offers various downloadable and printable resources. You can use them offline while away from your computer.
Things like freight broker forms, freight broker contracts, cold call scripts, cheat sheets, checklists, guides and so on.
Online Freight Broker Training PROS
- Typically less expensive ($200-$500 range)
- No travel, learn from home
- More flexible with 24/7 access
- Learn at your own pace
Online Freight Broker Training CONS
- Must be self-motivated to login and learn
Concerned that online freight broker training is not a good fit for you?
Here are some recent stats you might want to consider.
- 70% of students agree that online classes are better than traditional classroom settings (Source: University of the Potomac)
- Elearning can help students retain between 25% and 60% more information (Source: Research Institute of America/ SH!FT)
- 95% of online students said they would recommend online education to others (Source: BestColleges.com)
Curious what online freight brokerage training looks like?
Watch the video below to see the Freight Broker Boot Camp members-only area.
Click here if you are interested in getting trained online by one of the top freight brokers in North America!
Option #2 – Classroom Freight Broker Training | Freight Broker Schools
You might enroll in freight broker training at a local college. Or you could travel to a freight broker training school located outside your area.
Classroom training can last a few days to a few months, depending on your needs and budget. Instructors in classroom training deliver the same content as online training. But they do it live and face-to-face in small- to medium-sized classes, typically ranging from 5 to 50 students.
Freight Broker School PROS
- Instructor-led
- Immediate feedback
- Very structured to keep you accountable
Freight Broker School CONS
- Typically more expensive ($1,000-$5,000 range)
- May have to travel
- May have to take time off work
- You may have to wait weeks or months to get started
Option #3 – On the Job Freight Broker Training
One-the-job freight broker training is exactly as it sounds. You learn by doing. First get hired as an intern, a W2 employee, or even an independent contractor, and you are trained on the job.
On-the-job training typically takes the longest. Mainly because it’s a hands-on, learn-as-you-go style of training. You start by learning and mastering the basics, and over time, your experience level increases as are exposed to more complex topics. Your progress is based on how well your on-the-job training partner feels you are doing.
On-the-job training may take 6–18 months or longer. It takes a while before you are exposed to all the key skills and lessons needed to become a successful freight broker.
On The Job Training PROS
- Simple way to learn
- Get paid to learn
- Experienced supervision
On The Job Training CONS
- Schedule is fixed and not flexible
- Not everyone is a good teacher
- Need to commute
- Much slower learning curve
How To Qualify A Freight Broker Training Program?
No matter if you decide to take online freight broker training classes or attend a freight broker training school offline, here are a few aspects to consider:
5 Things to Consider When Selecting a Broker Training Program
Cost and investment – Everyone’s budget for starting a freight brokerage business is different. Online courses tend to be more affordable. Classroom, instructor-led courses are more expensive.
How quickly can you start – Most online courses start immediately – as in, as soon as you hit the “Enroll” button! Classroom-style courses may be limited to a few start dates per year. That means you could be waiting weeks or even months to get going.
Does it require travel or time away from work – Online courses can be done from the convenience of your own home and do not require a commute. Most instructor-led courses are offered offline, at an offsite location, which will require travel and time away from home or work.
Experience and background of instructor – Experience is key when selecting someone to teach you a specialized skill like becoming a freight broker. Do your research. Has the person started and grown a successful freight brokerage or freight agency? Find out before enrolling in their training.
Reputation and credibility – Check out reviews for every freight broker course or training option. See how many good and bad reviews, recommendations, or testimonials you find for each broker course and instructor? This can be indicative of the quality of the training you will receive.
Important Freight Brokers Training Topics
Starting and growing a successful freight brokerage requires specialized knowledge. It covers multiple areas of the discipline.
That doesn’t mean you need to be an expert in all the areas listed below. But as the owner, you do need to understand the various things that drive and support your freight and logistics business.
The best online freight broker training programs will cover many of the skills of an effective freight broker. As seen below.
Freight Broker Startup Basics
- Freight Broker license requirements
- What is a freight broker surety bond and how to get your freight broker bond.
- How to file for your freight broker bond and freight broker authority
- How to get hired as an independent freight agent with no experience
- How to set up a freight broker or agent home office
- What types of insurances do freight brokers need?
- Goal setting tips for freight brokers
Freight Broker Sales Training
- How to effectively sell domestic freight brokerage services
- Freight broker sales questions and how to use them to get more shippers
- How to leverage warm calling to get more clients, social media and social selling. As well as how to find and connect with your target market
- Generating a steady stream of warm referrals
- How to use the daisy chain approach to turn 1 shipper into 10 shipping clients
- How to provide accurate and timely freight rate quotes for your clients and prospects
Freight Broker Marketing
- Setting up your freight broker website
- Creating marketing-related documentation like carrier and shipper setup packets
- How to generate leads with online paid advertising
- Generating shipper leads with content marketing
- How to use social media to generate inbound shipper leads
- How to generate shipper leads with offline marketing like trade shows, direct mail, referrals, etc.
Freight Broker Operations
- What freight broker software should you use?
- How does the shipping process work?
- What are the top freight broker load boards?
- The difference between commonly used trailer types like dry van, refrigerated, flatbeds, step-decks just to name a few.
- How to post loads and find trucks with load boards
- How to properly dispatch a driver into a pickup location
- Best way to do driver check calls
- What to do when a driver is delayed or has an issue during transit?
- How to prepare freight bids and freight quotes for various modes of transportation
- How does transportation law impact freight brokers, truck brokers and freight agents?
Freight Broker Financial Management
- The correct way to invoice shippers
- How to ensure you can pay your trucking companies on-time
- How to leverage freight broker factoring to grow your business
- Handling and resolving freight claims
- What is the financial responsibility for freight brokers?
Online Freight Broker School Case Studies
Let’s assume you found the perfect online freight broker training or online freight broker school near you. What kind of results can you expect if you follow the course diligently?
Read the case studies below to discover some students have accomplished after going through Freight Broker Boot Camp online training.
Franklin N. from California: From Zero to $25,000 in 2 Months
Franklin was in the trucking industry before he joined Freight Broker Boot Camp. He acquired 9 trucks and worked towards his dream to become a millionaire business owner. But he soon found himself $300,000 in debt. He joined Freight Broker Boot Camp to get a proven system that helps him build a successful freight brokerage.
The next few months, Franklin doubled down on the course materials. He focused on his core skill set and prospecting. His hard work paid off. In his second month as a freight broker, Franklin made $25,000 in profit.
He found success because he kept his focus and was willing to put in the work. Any freight broker or freight agent training gives you back as much as you put in. If you treat it as a hobby, it will pay you like a hobby. If you treat it as a full-time business, it can generate life-changing money.
Yogi G. from India: From Zero to 7-Figures in 1 Year
Yogi is based in India and he went from having no experience to making over 7 figures in his first year as a freight broker. He discovered Freight Broker Boot Camp because he was looking for freight broker schools online.
He took the training, researched the industry, and now runs a highly profitable freight brokerage from India. Yogi put in the work early and learned how to get new customers and serve their needs. He is now in a position where he takes on freight agents with little experience and trains them.
How did Yogi get to 7 figures within a year? He decided to go all-in and remove all obstacles. He lives in India, but he is never reluctant to learn from people in the U.S.—even if it means he has to get up at 4 a.m.
Online freight broker training is always a great option. But it’s particularly good if you are in a location that doesn’t have any reputable freight broker schools.
Monica G. from Texas: $300,000 Freight Broker Agent
Monica started her journey into freight brokerage about 10 years ago. After getting trained, she steadily grew her business as a freight broker agent. Now earns over $300,000 per year in commissions.
As a freight agent, she work under a licensed freight broker where she as well manages her customer’s freight and a small team that she has built.
In the last few years, Monica faced an important decision. Does she switch over to her own freight brokerage or does she stay a freight broker agent? She ultimately decided that, for her, being a freight broker agent is more aligned with her goals.
I think her path shows that you can own and build a highly profitable freight agent business, even if you choose not to start your own freight brokerage.
For More Freight Broker Success Interviews Click Here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Reading this far, you might already have an idea if you’d prefer online freight broker training, a local school, or on the job training. But you might have some remaining questions.
I collected the questions people always ask me below.
Is a freight broker the same as a load broker, truck broker, transportation broker, logistics broker?
YES the job and requirements of a freight broker are the same as a truck broker, load broker and transportation broker. The training for each is identical.
Can I do freight broker or freight agent training from home?
Yes, any online freight broker or freight agent training can be taken from home. All you need is internet access, a computer and the willingness to learn.
Can I do training part time?
If you choose online training, yes. You can go through it at your own pace based upon your schedule.
Freight broker schools usually have set classes you have to attend at specific days and times.
On the job training is the least flexible. You might be required to do it full time as well as a possible commute back and forth to the job.
Will I be a certified freight broker after completing a course?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does not require freight brokers to be certified or take any licensing test to become a licensed freight broker.
Although many freight broker training programs, including Freight Broker Boot Camp, will provide a certificate of completion after your training is complete.
Why is online freight brokerage training less expensive than schools?
Physical schools need to pay instructors for their time as well as provide classrooms for students. An online course is less expensive to host and manage, so they are typically more affordable.
I want to take online school but I need added accountability. What can I do?
Students who go for online freight broker courses enjoy the freedom to go through the materials at their own pace 24/7/365. If you need additional accountability, a school with a set schedule might be a better fit for you.
NOTE: Freight Broker Boot Camp does offer an online community for students as well as regular live trainings that are streamed online. Both tools are helpful when it comes to accountability.
I’m already a licensed freight broker and looking to educate my freight agents. What’s the best option?
Which strategy to use will depend on your agents. Do they want to go to freight broker school? Do they want to learn online?
The cost of the course is also something to consider. How much do you want to invest in their training?
Do truck drivers and owner operators make good freight brokers or freight agents?
Yes, going through freight broker training and becoming a freight broker or freight agent makes perfect sense. After all, it allows you to utilize much of what you have learned as a truck driver, while getting off the road and working from home. You can build on your existing experience and maximize your income.
How much does freight broker or freight agent training cost?
Online classes typically cost between $185 – $500. Freight broker schools can range from $1,000 – $5,000. And on the job training can allow you to get paid to learn, but it takes significantly longer and opportunities may be limited.
How much can a freight broker or freight agent make?
To better understand how much a freight broker can make, I wrote a full article on this topic – read it here.
Top freight agents can make between $100,000 – $500,000+ per year with about 80% of them working from home.
Have More Question? Check Out My FAQ Videos on YouTube!
Conclusion
Becoming a freight broker or freight broker agent can be a very lucrative business. Personally, I have generated over $200 million in sales with my own freight brokerage.
I have also taught over 10,000 students, many of which are now running successful freight brokerage and earning significant incomes.
BUT regardless of the training method you choose, I want you to understand one thing. Like anything worthwhile, it requires an investment in time, resources, and money.
The freight broker business is not some get rich quick scheme, it’s a real business.
If you treat it like a million-dollar opportunity, it can provide millions in return. If you treat it like a nickel and dime hobby, it will give you just that…nickels and dimes!
The secret is to find someone who has already achieved what you are looking to do and learn as much as you can from them before starting your own business.
P.S. Click here to learn why over 10,000 freight brokers and agents have chosen me to help them start their businesses.
Cheers!
Dennis Brown
7X Inc Magazine Fastest Growing Freight Broker
www.FreightBrokerBootCamp.com
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to accurately represent this data, our products and their potential. There is no guarantee that you will earn any money using the techniques and ideas in these materials. Examples in these materials are not to be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of earnings. Earning potential is entirely dependent on the person using our product, ideas and techniques. We do not purport this as a “get rich scheme.” Individual results may vary.
