Furniture shipped
Before you begin following the appropriate steps on this page to assist you to begin your new career as a freight broker, you must first understand a couple of basic things about a freight broker’s job. In addition to being an exciting and lucrative profession (some brokers earn over $90,000 a year), freight brokerage is require by many shippers. These shippers range from companies that import goods in bulk to those that exclusively specialize in the transportation of one type of item over another. For example, if a company needs a truck to transport appliances, they will often require a licensed truck driver and a freight brokerage firm. Likewise, if a company needs a large amount of furniture shipped from one location to another, Become a Freight Broker they will likely require a freight brokerage firm that specializes in shipping large amounts of furniture.
Solid business plans
To become a freight broker, it is important that you have solid business plans that include projections for the future, a sound understanding of the shipping industry, and a strong sense of self. You must not only be excited about starting a new career, but you must also believe that you have what it takes to succeed. Many freight brokers have started out by operating their own business. However, there are also numerous examples of brokers that have become very successful carriers without ever having operated a business of their own. Regardless of how you choose to start your new career, if you have a solid business plan, enjoy the challenges and rewards of logistics, and are prepared to work hard, you can become a freight broker and make a very good living.
Logistics industry
Brokers play a key role as shippers interact with the logistics industry. An individual or corporation that wishes to become a freight agent will need to have obtained an Individual License (ILC) from the Federal Maritime Commission (FMCC). When you apply for an ILC, the FMCSA will review your application to ensure that it fits into the definition of an individual carrier. If your application is rejected, you can try again until you receive a positive response.
Carrier license
When you are prepared to submit your application for your motor carrier license, the first thing you need to do is fill out a commercially available freight broker license form that is available from the FMCC. The application will require you to answer a series of questions about your background and education. Be sure that all information requested is true and accurate. You can obtain more detailed information about your background and education by contacting the FMCC.
FMCSA regulations
Once you receive your license. It is important that you immediately take steps to prepare for the examinations. That will be require from the FMCC. The examination is divide into two parts, namely, a written part and an operational part. You must pass both parts in order to become a licensed freight broker with an unlimited carrier type. The exam will also cover the topics that are addressed in the FMCSA regulations.
Article marketing
After passing the FMCSA exams, you can now look for an experienced shipper and find clients through the Internet. There are many online marketing strategies that can help you get started in this business. One way is through using the Internet to advertise your services. You can use the popular online marketing strategy called article marketing. Article marketing is one of the easiest ways to attract customers.
Freight brokers
You can also look for shippers on online forums and there are also independent review sites. That you can post your articles to. Freight brokers looking to promote their businesses. Often leave review comments on the sites. These comments can often attract interested shippers to sign up with your carrier. If they like what they read. Freight brokers also frequently participate in discussions on online forums and online community boards where they discuss issues related to their businesses.
Established companies
Another great way to get started as a freight broker is to become linked up with an establish company. Establish companies often have a lot of the same contacts and experience that you do. When you become linked up with such a company, your name and contacts to start getting a lot of traffic. So you can get start building up your client list right away. When you build up your list of contacts. It is a good idea to make sure that you keep in touch with them. On a regular basis to keep them updated. On your progress with the shippers that you represent. Your clients will appreciate that sea shipper are responsive to their needs.