What do you want in a broker?

I am a retired driver, and have decided that I want to become a broker. I plan on starting as an agent for another broker to build my skills, reputation, finances, and client base.

I have read the comments about the bad brokers, and have gathered quite a bit of information from the Brokers 101 thread. I know a few drivers, and have heard what ticks them off about brokers. I have already developed some ideas on what to do and not to do from the research I have done so far. I have also been doing research online and have found some good sources of information and potential ways to obtain info on shippers and carriers.

I am up to the challenge, as I do have an understanding of the industry, though I realize there is always more to learn. My husband is a company driver. I try to keep up with what is going on in the industry.

I am capable of dealing with the pace as well as being able to talk to a variety of people. One particular job I held in the past entailed processing anywhere from 60 - 100 new construction homes through the building permit and certificate of occupancy process with two different county building departments, dealing with everyone from construction superintendents to the sales people, sub contractors, county officials, and the division president. There were a lot of steps involved in that, and I had to know what was going on with each house at every moment - copies of blueprints, truss layouts and various other documents required by the building departments, checks to pay for everything with the counties, etc. I also had to learn that job completely on the fly - it became an individual position when I was hired, as business was booming.

Ok, I rambled a bit there. I feel it was a very useful experience for me. I do not plan on having to learn brokering completely on the fly as I did with the permitting job, but I know that I will be learning as I go, as one does in just about everything.

What I would like to know, so that I can work to become one of the 'good' brokers is this - What would you like to see in a broker? What makes a good broker to you.

 

5mouths - I like that "Broker like you're still the one behind the wheel". My hubby is driving, and I still think I'm behind the wheel!

bullhaulerswife - AMEN on the fuel surcharge! I already had that philosophy in my head. I like the rest of your points, and they go along with my thinking very well.

Thanks to both of you for the input!

 

Thanks Brickman! Yes, I know it is going to be an uphill battle, but I've always been a bit of a maverick. I'm in my very early 40's, and have held about three jobs in my life that would be considered the normal track for women! Because of the influence of parents and grandparents, I have a high work ethic. I pay close attention to details, and believe in doing things right the first time.

 

550hpW900L - I understand, and don't take very many things personal. As a former driver who had to give it up due to physical reasons (bad shoulder and back) I still think like a driver, and plan on treating my drivers well.

Some of the suggestions I have read so far were already part of my game plan, such as 100% of the fuel surcharge going to the carrier/driver, getting and passing along all necessary info regarding the load, and having seen the comments here and in Broker 101 about full disclosure I agree with that completely as well.