Question for freight agents

Discussion in 'Freight Broker Forum' started by Ben Grinev, Mar 1, 2017.

  1. Mar 1, 2017 #1
    Ben Grinev

    Ben Grinev Light Load Member

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    So I know there are a few freight agents on this website. I have a few questions about how it all works because I am interested in becoming one. My current dilemma is that I have a decent carrier database (most of that I know personally), guys that call me every so often asking if I have anything in X city to take them home or outbound. BUT I do not have a strong customer base so there is not much that I can do for them except find something on the load board under their authority. My question, if I apply to become an agent, what do they provide for me? A Customer/shipper base? Carrier base? Or I just bring them my customers and they get money from my loads by doing nothing.
     
    Ben Grinev, Mar 1, 2017
    Ben Grinev, Mar 1, 2017
    #1
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  3. Mar 1, 2017 #2
    boredsocial

    boredsocial Road Train Member

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    They lend your customers money, handle all billing, and setup new carriers. They also had better have a good reputation and an older authority. For all of that they get paid. Most of them won't give you any customers, but you're more than welcome to use any carrier they have setup.

    Customers are what this whole thing is about. Freight broker is primarily a sales role. After a while it becomes less sales oriented but the difference between someone who covers loads and someone who has control of decent freight is six figures a year.
     
    boredsocial, Mar 1, 2017
    boredsocial, Mar 1, 2017
    #2
    Ben Grinev Thanks this.
  4. Mar 1, 2017 #3
    Ben Grinev

    Ben Grinev Light Load Member

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    I was looking for you reply. So pretty much it's like an owner operator with his own truck and trailer that leases on to another company, right? Pretty much until I have a solid customer base I have no reason to try and get into a freight agency?
     
    Ben Grinev, Mar 1, 2017
    Ben Grinev, Mar 1, 2017
    #3
  5. Mar 1, 2017 #4
    boredsocial

    boredsocial Road Train Member

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    I mean it doesn't cost you much. Going out and getting a customer base is a full time job.
     
    boredsocial, Mar 1, 2017
    boredsocial, Mar 1, 2017
    #4
    Ben Grinev Thanks this.
  6. Jul 28, 2017 #6
    dmjtransport 1984

    dmjtransport 1984 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 28, 2017
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    THAT IS CORRECT, HOW CAN YOU MOVE FREIGHT IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANY. THAT'S LIKE WANTING A GLASS OF MILK BUT DON'T HAVE ANY MILK. SOUNDS LIKE YOU NEED TO JUST GO GET A JOB. IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE IN THIS FIELD TRUCKS WILL NOT LOAD FOR YOU. YOU NEED TO KNOW THE MARKET AND SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE NO CLUE.
     
    dmjtransport 1984, Jul 28, 2017
    dmjtransport 1984, Jul 28, 2017
    #6
  7. Jul 28, 2017 #6
    Ben Grinev

    Ben Grinev Light Load Member

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    Well I do have a bit of experience. I do understand the basics of this market, please do not go around telling people what they do or do not understand.
     
    Ben Grinev, Jul 28, 2017
    Ben Grinev, Jul 28, 2017
    #6
  8. Jul 28, 2017 #7
    flatbeb mac

    flatbeb mac Medium Load Member

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    Looks like the fella joined, just to tell ya that. Aside from that, I got nothing...
     
    flatbeb mac, Jul 28, 2017
    flatbeb mac, Jul 28, 2017
    #7
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