Start Your Career as a Freight Broker / Agent

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!  

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  • The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists freight broker/agent as a “Bright Outlook” career area, with over 30% job growth expected in the next five years.  
  • According to the US Bureau 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. 

  • 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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There are no prerequisites 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. 

  • 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 broker freight 

  • 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 

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. 

This course is 100% online.  

Start anytime with 6 months to complete.  

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Contact us

24/7 ce@broward.edu 

Monday-Friday 10am-2pm 954-201-7800

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

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.  

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. 

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. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates and provides safety oversight for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).