In order to become a broker for truck drivers, you need an understanding of the industry and how it operates. A broker can connect trucking companies with shippers or companies that have freight needs and wants. There are various levels of broker, so if you choose this as your career, you need to first decide how much time and effort you will put into it. If working part-time is what you envision, than doing business on a local level might be the right choice for you.”
how to become a broker for truck drivers
If you want to become a truck driver broker, you’ll need a license to do so. The requirements will vary depending on where you live, but the licensing process is similar for most places. To become a broker, you will usually have to pass the same exams that professional truck drivers must complete to drive on professional roads and highways.
What is a Freight Broker?
A freight broker is a person who helps shippers connect with qualified carriers when they have freight that is ready to be moved. A few examples of their everyday tasks include:
- Coordinate deals and rates between shippers or transportation companies and carriers
- Oversee each step of the delivery process
- Communicate status updates on the shipper’s load to necessary parties
Freight brokers play an important role in the transportation industry because they coordinate each step of the shipment process.
Now that you understand what a freight broker is, learn how to become a freight broker.
Table of contents:
- Step 1: Get Industry Experience
- Step 2: Develop a Solid Business Plan
- Step 3: Apply for a USDOT Number and Get Broker Authority
- Step 4: Satisfy the $75K Requirement
- Step 5: Get Your Unified Carrier Registration
- Step 6: Create a Strong Freight Brokerage Marketing Strategy
- How Long Does it Take to Become a Freight Broker?
- How Much Does it Cost to Be a Freight Broker?
- Why Should You Become a Freight Broker?
- How Much Do Freight Brokers Make?
- Infographic
Step 1: Get Industry Experience
The first step on your list should be to get experience in the freight industry. You can do this through formal training, classes, and independent study. Although training is not legally required, a combination of hands-on experience and formal education can get you up to speed with the industry.
Get On-The-Job Freight Broker Training
You can get freight broker training through other roles in the industry. For example, working as a truck drive gives you a solid glimpse at the trucking world. Here are a few examples:
- Truck driver: Working as a truck driver gives you first-hand experience of what a trucker experiences everyday when delivering cargo.
- Dispatcher with a trucking company: Dispatchers coordinates driver routes, schedules, and communicates status updates with shippers.
- Shipping logistics firm: Similar to a dispatcher, a logistics firm plans and executes movement of cargo within the supply chain.
Take a Freight Broker Class
If going through an apprenticeship or working for another freight business isn’t on your agenda, formal freight broker training is always a possibility. There are several freight broker schools offering online or in-person courses. Attending freight broker school helps you build the skills and knowledge needed to become a freight broker. You’ll also have the support of your peers and instructors.
Gain Industry Insights
You can also boost your knowledge through an in-depth study of the industry. The transportation, logistics, and shipping industries are constantly shifting each year. Staying on top of these changes helps you best serve your customers and clients while also avoiding legal trouble with any new rules.
Leading publications on trucking, shipping, or logistics, as well as online forums are good places to start. You can also chat with fellow freight brokers and other peers to hear what trends they’re seeing in the freight industry.
You need to get the proper computer systems in place to help out this process. This will allow you to find the trucking companies with ease and then help each driver find his or her next load. You’ll get to know all the information about your drivers, what kind of trucks they operate and what kind of miles they can put on a truck during a certain time. This information will come in real handy when looking for loads and making sure that everyone is upright and honest with everyone.