Most of this blog will be related to my efforts to become a freight broker. I will periodically make entries that have nothing to do with being a freight broker. I'm just that way.
Freight Broker continued
Posted 01.07.2009 at 02.42 PM by Lilbit
Well, I decided not to go on as an agent for another broker. I couldn't find one that had the same ideas and principles that I have. I have been researching the things necessary to start my own brokerage from scratch, putting together figures, writing a business plan. It's been interesting to say the least, and I think it would be easier to buy a truck and go owner-operator than it is to start a brokerage!
The nice thing is I won't have to pay someone to design forms, create a website, or do any of the graphics related stuff for me.
I have been researching transportation software, insurance and bonds, lawyers, and several other things. I already have an accountant that is a good friend and very knowledgeable. What an asset! He was my accountant for my cleaning business years ago, so I am familiar with his work. He is also familiar with the trucking industry.
The lawyer I found has pretty much specialized in the transportation industry, which is really cool. That will be very helpful when it comes to creating contracts.
It's been an interesting journey so far, and is nowhere near done yet! I forget the hassles of starting a business at times, but this process has brought them all back.
The nice thing is I won't have to pay someone to design forms, create a website, or do any of the graphics related stuff for me.
I have been researching transportation software, insurance and bonds, lawyers, and several other things. I already have an accountant that is a good friend and very knowledgeable. What an asset! He was my accountant for my cleaning business years ago, so I am familiar with his work. He is also familiar with the trucking industry.
The lawyer I found has pretty much specialized in the transportation industry, which is really cool. That will be very helpful when it comes to creating contracts.
It's been an interesting journey so far, and is nowhere near done yet! I forget the hassles of starting a business at times, but this process has brought them all back.
Total Comments 5
Comments
 |  being the curious person that i am, i have to ask... why do you want to become a broker? |
Posted 01.10.2009 at 01.53 PM by luvtheroad  |
| |  To answer your question luvtheroad, there are several reasons. 1. Most of the brokers out there are crooks to put it simply. Search the forum for threads on brokers, and you'll find plenty to support that. 2. I cannot go back to driving because of physical health issues (bad right shoulder and back), and I honestly love the trucking industry. It's in my blood. 3. Starting my own brokerage is a business I can start without needing office space, employees, and a lot of the other headaches that normally go along with owning a business. That said, there are always headaches that go with owning a business, no matter what. Those are the three basic reasons behind wanting to do this. Did I satisfy your curiosity enough? If not, please feel free to ask me other questions . . . except what I'm going to be calling the biz. I will not be promoting it on here because I play by the rules! |
| Posted 01.10.2009 at 03.51 PM by Lilbit |
| | Please dont think I'm attacking you but asking these questions. What do you mean when you say most brokers are crooks? The way they do business or what? Could you better explain how they are crooks? I understand completely about staying in the industry, you are coming out of the truck and my wish is to drive after being involved in transportation for over 30 yrs. Do you have a shipper who is going to let you broker their freight or are you going to make sales calls to get business? Have you ever worked for a brokerage before? I have to give you all the credit in the world for going into this. I have brokerage experience and if there is anything I can do to help you, I sure will. Best of luck. |
| Posted 01.10.2009 at 08.11 PM by luvtheroad |
| | I didn't figure you were attacking me. Your questions didn't come across that way at all. As far as the crooks comment, it refers to the way some of them work their commission, keep part of the fuel surcharge, etc. I actually started a thread when I first joined here to find out some of the things that would make a good broker in the eyes of the o/o's on here. I got some great feedback and input. Don't have any shippers lined up. Will be doing sales calls and mailers. Since I have some graphic design experience, I can put together my own stuff and just have to pay printing costs. I've also done website design, so I can take care of that aspect as well. I'll work in some other advertising and marketing ideas along the way. Haven't worked for a brokerage before. I did start and run my own cleaning biz years ago, and was able to hook some good, difficult clients including the woman who runs one of the top women owned businesses in my state! When I lived in Florida, I worked for a national home builder doing building permit applications. I worked almost daily with two county building departments, and had great relationships developed with all the people there. |
| Posted 01.10.2009 at 08.42 PM by Lilbit |
| | Hi lilbit, wondering how the brokering thing is going. I have some info you could use if you are still considering getting in that field. |
| Posted 3 Weeks Ago at 10.19 AM by 535790 |
Recent Blog Entries by Lilbit
- Freight Broker continued (01.07.2009)
- War on the Roads: Part 3 (08.30.2008)
- War on the Roads: Part 2 (08.23.2008)
- War on the Roads: Part 1 (08.16.2008)
- The paper I wrote for a college class (08.16.2008)
