New (potential) Broker Question

Hi All,

As I am a disabled Vet, I find it tough to find work in most companies. I served in the infantry mostly, but I was also an Embarkation Specialist (0431) in the Marine Corps for several years, and have moved beans, bullets, and badges to several countries, by air, land, or sea. Learning the trucking business is somewhat of a different world, almost. Even though it still boils down to moving freight from point A to B, there are quite a few parameters to study and get under my belt before I can move forward. I would definitely consider driving just to get the feet wet, but unfortunately, can't. So it looks like a home office is the best choice for me, and my family.

From my general observations, the following is what I am seeing from both sides: The carrier or O/O despises the broker, and I believe I have a handle on why. Overall, it looks like "some" brokers don't look out for the carrier's welfare, just their pockets. I would imagine that most of them didn't have a good ethical upbringing for starters. I also understand that if all the brokers were to stop doing business all at once, our country would go into chaos overnight. Most O/O's want to get rid of the middle man, in order to increase profits. I get that too. I am sure I have left out numerous reasons that most O/O's would have distrust or otherwise against brokers, but I wanted to throw some of my own observations out there, so you wouldn't think I had a blind eye.

Overall I will tell the O/O that reads this, first I am a mission oriented planner, and in each mission, I ALWAYS ensure my troops are taken care of. Without my Marines (aka...Owner Operators), there is no support for that mission. If my troops don't have water on the front line, I will haul it to them myself, or I would at least be kicking someone's ### because they weren't doing their job. The best thing to tell you, is that I AM blatantly honest in all that I do in life. I would never cheat anyone, and if I cannot cover my own expense with a reasonable profit, while simultaneously ensuring you are taken care of correctly, then I would not waste your time, period.

So here are my questions, and I really would appreciate honest answers if you can spare the time.

1. Due to my disability, would it be difficult to obtain shipper prospects over the phone or email? I understand that I could hire an agent to help in this area, or even spend a few on marketing on the net, etc., but would my inability to drive to the customer be a losing battle? The wife has her own job, and we can't risk her losing that right now.

2. Is it entirely necessary to buy into training programs out there? I have mostly learned that what's inside a book or on a computer screen, is not the same as what you will see in the real world. I have also been known to be wrong too.

3. I have done cost estimates on getting cranked up in this business, and I keep adding to it, especially when I see all the newer technology options out there. Outside of six months living expenses, what would be an "average" first month out of pocket? I have thus far made inclusive (Bond, Cargo Insurance, License, Software or other technology, DOT Authority, and ensuring drivers are paid fast, which currently I can only see Factoring as a short term solution).

I will also add, I am not looking to get rich guys. My main focal is to earn enough (net after tax profit) of roughly $3,000 monthly. This would help with our insurance, kids, 401k, etc. Just want to earn an honest living, make new friends, and help others in anyway I can. I have thick skin, so if you wish to bash my goal of being a broker, that's okay, speak your mind. I prefer optimism, but overall I am seeking down to earth and honest advice. Take care, and hope to hear from you guys. Semper Fi!

 

I forgot to add one more question. Currently I fortunately have a great credit score, but in order to get a bond, as well as being looked at by O/O's or the shipper, is this a different credit score they look at? Thanks

 

Thanks to you also sir! Rode on Inchon, Iwo Jima, and a couple more. Shellback and Blue Nose, lol. Miss a whole lot for sure.

 

Thanks for input Astanbrough. You are right. This applies to anything you do in business. My wife was at a garden nursery the other day, and the employee kept giving her different price ranges on specific plants, and then the price for delivery was conveyed as $35-$50, and she said that the nursery sales associate kept talking on the radio, multi tasking on everything, except for paying attention to my wife. This sales associate was basically fishing for what my wife was willing to pay. Seriously? If you have a business, you SHOULD not do this! So to sum things up, my wife left and went to Lowes instead. Overall, the customer service today is pathetic. You have to learn to "listen" and respond to customer concerns, and treat them just like a friend. Overall, yes, honesty is the best policy. Thanks