And so it begins...

Well as it would turn out, I went for my first day of "training" today...

So basically this business is brand new and as I learned today has never booked a load, even one. Out of the three people starting it, only one has done this before or been in the industry and his knowledge seems limited at that. I guess he worked for a large brokerage company and is used to their systems. He isn't really sure where to find loads or freight at. It seems like they want me to do a lot of figuring out for them to build their business up. In fact, the guy who was suppose to train me today, I told him several things about booking freight that he didn't even know. The guy isn't stupid, but I felt like we were figuring things out together. They also don't have any contacts and the only load board they have access to is basically just where freight brokers put their loads up for truck drivers to bid on.

I mean, from what I see now, not to downplay it but I think I've been overthinking this whole thing. It's not rocket science and I really feel like if I just went and got my own authority, got myself a bond, set up a 3rd party escrow service to pay the carriers before the shippers paid that I would be better off just going at this myself. At least then I would be building up my own MC# rating. Also, they are giving 30% commission off of what they make, like for example if a load pays $3600, I get a carrier for $3300 and there is a $300 profit for the business, I make about what, $85 of that. Why not jump a few small hoops and make the full 100%? I mean, am I crazy or something? It just seems like it would be a better investment... I don't even make a salary, strait commission only and I won't get my first check until after the first shipper pays.

 

I completely realize that it takes time to get to greatness in anything you do in life, aside being handed some position or winning the lottery. I just want enough $$$ to be able to pay for a small apartment and basic living costs. I also don't mind putting long hours into it, who cares? At least you're at home, or near home all the time instead of out in the middle of who knows where wondering where the next restroom will be.

As far as the cash goes, no, I have 0, none really to work with. But I've been told there are escrow companies and banks who are willing to pay the carriers until you receive payment from the shippers. I'm not sure who these services are or how to go about getting in contact with them, I guess that will be part of my research today? I have experience in the industry and good credit, I think with those and some financial assistance, from what I've heard I can get this going.

 

I don't mind owing the bank and paying them bank, I'm sure I'll still make more than what that 30% will give me and in the end, I'll be building up my own name and reputation, putting the work into my own business. I want that, I really do. I don't want to spend hard work and time building up some one else's business from the ground up, it just seems counter productive. I'm guessing the Bond isn't what pays for the carriers until the shippers pay you and is more so just insurance in case of worst case scenarios, right? So correct me if I'm wrong here...

- I need to get an Authority
- I need to get a $75,000 Bond
- I need to set up a relationship with a escrow/bank to pay the carriers until I get paid

From there, everything else is minor, such as high speed internet, a phone and access to load boards. From what I understand, getting the Authority isn't that difficult and my two major challenges would be getting the $75,000 bond and the bank/escrow relationship. Can anyone shed some light on what I may can do for these two steps? Of course I'm doing my research but any opinions and ideas only helps.