Becoming a broker

LsAgent you make it sound like its the end of days for Brokers because of the new requirement... It will make it better I think.

 

Of course there is alot of money to made screwing drivers out of there money.

 

How so? You think a $75K broker bond is not the same illusion of security that a $10K one was?

 

it is easy to be a broker. rent a rat costume. crawl around on your belly like a snake. Learn to speak out of both sides of your mouth and your set.

 

I have seen many folks with not a lot to offer as the intelligence goes, but they know some one in the big corporate or gov agency, doing great. It does not matter how smart some one is unless you are ready to suck up some big people you are not going to make it. I can speak from my own experience, that even being very out going and peoples person and a true friend, Computer system Administration, College sports and Olympics level sports, college debates, Project managements and small business experienced and the list goes on. But I do not have any one nor I am interested in having a known person in the under cover industry, so here is me. Can't even drive a truck there are no loads in the whole USA. I sit for weeks to pick up a cheap and tired load. I can't imagine being a broker. After year 2000 it has been all downhill and it appears to be a curse of GOD, and obviously I wish the same to the folks who caused it to us.

 

Sounds like you're talking about politicians, not brokers.

 

The question is how do you find shippers? Just walk into a warehouse and offer them "freight management solutions?" I want to become a broker but don't know how to get my feet wet in the business.

 

Before getting to give the original poster my opinion, please allow me to comment on all these truckers calling brokers the worse scum of the Earth: DO NOT USE BROKERS. Best thing you can do is take them out of the equation. That will teach them. Let me tell you how.

a) Get the required insurance for the freight you are about to haul. Most customers will not let you move their freight with a Mickey Mouse insurer.
b) Find your customer. Take the time to find a decision maker that will negotiate with you only good paying lanes that can give you enough freight to make money but not too much to overwhelm you, because it only takes a couple of service failures to lose that account forever.
c) Find yourself plenty of money. Most customers will take 30-60 days terms to even start speaking with you about their freight, but you see 90 days terms in the industry more and more often. Make sure you can finance them that pretty payable.
d) Get ready to afford claims. Regardless of the bull you might have heard, insurance companies have an army of people and experience who's jobs are find a legal reason to deny your claim once you need them. Don't take it personal; it is their job.

Now you see it, Mr. truck owner. As easy as abcd points are met, you just got rid of the spineless brokers. Now if you still have to use them, that is because you have fall short of being the smart, savvy and responsible business owner you portray yourself to be, so QUIT YOUR MOANING, move your rear and get it done, or be a fat lazy whiner, use brokers because you ain't got what it takes and posts your pathetic boohoo junk here.

Moving on, there is money on brokering. You have to find the right tools to get into the business, so find yourself a job on a 3pl that does not require you to sign a non-compete. They won't pay you much but you'll learn a lot, and after it you can make a more educated choice if you want to start a career in it. I was working with a 3pl / asset based agent until last month and I like it very much. Just know it is a 24/7 business, so if you are married and have kids that is something you might want to share with your people. I'm looking forward to an opportunity in the industry again and making my applications now. Good luck to you.