Whether you’re just setting up your first business or looking to expand an existing one, becoming a freight broker can be an excellent choice. Shipping and freight in the USA is an $8 billion industry, with a significant amount of money being spent by shippers on the transportation of goods. Become a Freight Broker firm help to connect shippers to consistent, qualified workers, while helping shoppers find the best deal for their loads getting their goods to their destinations as quickly and efficiently as possible. Here are several steps that you should take to become a freight broker in the USA.
If you’re considering establishing a new business of your own, it’s important to understand the processes involved in doing so properly. In order to get started in this field, you will have to obtain a license from the FMCSA – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Your company registration will come after this, but you need to get started soon, too. Don’t delay.
Once you’ve obtained the appropriate paperwork, it’s time to start networking. LinkedIn is the best way to do this, as there are dozens of professionals connected in profiles for freight brokers on the popular social network. Just search for “freight brokers” on LinkedIn and you’ll see a list of relevant profiles, which you can follow to learn more about the people behind the profiles.
Start Your Business
Once you’ve completed the networking process, it’s time to start working on your product. It’s best to start your business with a product you’re passionate about. That way you can ensure it gets put onto the market quickly and efficiently. You’ll also have a leg up on the competition since experienced freight brokers won’t have to worry about reviving an old product that no one wants. You’ll have a fresh angle on your niche.
While you’re doing that, you might want to consider joining an existing business entity. The easiest way to do that is by contacting a local association and requesting a meeting with the board of directors. You’ll probably be rejected for volunteer involvement, but remember – many successful freight brokering organizations operate at the state level. Once you’ve gotten a few phone calls back and you’ve met with a couple of board members, it’s time to meet with them in person to discuss your idea for your business entity. Remember to include your previous experience (if any) in the proposal you send them. This is your first step in formally beginning your business entity.
Freight Broker Training
After your initial contact with the board, you should have several meetings scheduled with them. During these meetings, ask for the current statistics on freight broker training graduates and jobs that are currently available. Ask for the job market trend analysis as well. Many times, a brokerage will tell you that they need more experienced shippers due to a downturn in shipper interest during the past year or so. Stay on top of industry news and discussions to see if there are any upcoming openings in your area that match the position you’re applying for.
After you have met with the board, you should have enough information gathered to apply for an FMCSA certification. Your formal application includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, financial statements, resumes, immunization records, and UsDT (Unified Transport Customer Number). Most US companies require that you submit one of the following: a VIN verification, a scanned, legible printout of your driver’s license, a scanned and hard copy of your federal ID, a scanned copy of a recent pay stub, a copy of a recent utility bill, or a current utility bill. Your US company needs this to verify your identification in case an accident occurs or if you have a complaint. You will also be required to provide a list of all the insurances you hold and a list of all of your past addresses.
Most US logistics companies require that you submit one of the following: a VIN verification, a scanned, legible printout of your driver’s license, a scanned and hard copy of your federal ID, a scanned copy of a recent pay stub, a copy of a recent utility bill, or a current utility bill. Your US company needs this to verify your identification in case an accident occurs or if you have a complaint. You will also be required to provide a list of all the insurances you hold and a list of all of your past addresses.
Ocean Freight
If you are approved, the next step is enrollment. The company will send you an application to mail into the FMCSA program. It is very important that you carefully review and complete the application packet, including the requirements and documents. After you complete the packet be sure to check in with the program office immediately and schedule an appointment to discuss your application. ocean freight Remember, once you complete your freight brokering freight training and meet the requirements to become a freight broker, it does not take long before you’re ready to hit the ground running!
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