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How to Start a Profitable Freight Brokerage Business at Home
How to Start a Profitable Freight Brokerage Business at Home.
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[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he freight broker business is a growing field, as more companies are leaning on intermediaries to help in the often complex process of getting products from one location to the next. Licensed freight brokers work to make these connections between manufacturers and shippers, and they are an integral part of keeping the transportation industry moving forward.
Today, there are more than 13,000 freight brokers operating in the United States alone, and the market offers many opportunities for those who want to participate. How to Start a Profitable Freight Brokerage Business at Home.
While starting a successful freight brokerage business can be done from the comfort of your own home, there are certain steps you must take in order to set the stage for a profitable, reputable business operation.
How to Start a Profitable Freight Brokerage Business at Home.
Here are the things you need to consider and plan for as a new freight broker working from home.
Understand the Licensing Requirements
Starting your own freight brokerage business from home takes several steps, the most important involving the licensing process. All freight brokers operating in the United States must have a motor carrier authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA. This authority makes it legal for you to operate legally, and it can take some time to acquire. Once you have it, you will need to secure the right insurance, a processing agent, and your freight broker bond or trust fund. Each of these steps needs to be completed in full before you start working with customers.
Stay on Top of Training
Many freight brokers who successfully begin a business from home use their industry experience and knowledge of the transportation market to do so. However, training is an important aspect of becoming a successful freight broker as well. Training and education can come in the form of formal classes and coursework, either done in-person at a local school or college, or from the comfort of home through an online program. Regardless of how you complete your training, it is important to ensure it is up to date so you can work effectively with your customers while remaining compliant with federal and state laws. How to Start a Profitable Freight Brokerage Business at Home.
Read Also: 10 Proven Tips on How to Be a Successful Freight Broker
Know the Numbers
In addition to understanding the licensing requirements and training recommendations as a new freight broker, you also need to spend some time breaking down your business numbers. Starting a freight brokerage from home comes with fewer expenses than other business endeavors, but expenses still exist. Your freight brokerage bond, for instance, represents a cost to your business, calculated as a percentage of the total bond amount you need. You will also need to consider your costs for equipment, like a laptop and smartphone, software to manage your freight customers and loads, and business registration and licensing fees. Each of these can and will add up quickly, so be sure to know your numbers before embarking on your new freight business.
Find Customers
Once you have established your freight broker business from home, your next step is finding customers. Many freight brokers use load boards to search for and connect with shippers to move products for you, and these boards can make it far easier to get started in the business than word of mouth connections. Load boards are available for a fee or at no cost, so be sure to do your research to find which boards will be most beneficial and cost-effective in your business model.
Read Also: Finding Work-Life Balance as a Freight Broker
Have a Growth Strategy
Finally, starting a freight broker business requires an ongoing strategy for growth. Not only does this mean you need to stay up to date with your licensing requirements, education opportunities, and expense management, but you also need to ensure you have a plan for maintaining customer relationships. Be sure to communicate with your manufacturers and shippers professionally at all times, and keep them up to date on the status of loads before problems arise. Successful freight brokers also work diligently to maintain their market share through digital and other marketing strategies to keep new customers coming in the door.
Although starting a freight broker business from home can be a lucrative career choice, the most successful brokers know the steps required to get the job done correctly. Take the time to understand the requirements of a freight brokerage business, from licensing and bonding to education and marketing, to set yourself up for a profitable, lasting business.
How to Start a Profitable Freight Brokerage Business at Home
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