One of the most frequent questions I get my community is, “How to become a freight agent with no experience?” So I put together this 5 step guide that anyone interested in becoming a freight agent can use to save time and frustration.
This post is based upon over 20 years of experience in hiring, training and managing freight agents. In addition I have done extensive research, including 100’s of conversations with new freight agents and those freight brokers interested in hiring agent.
If you are looking for a job as a freight broker agent or looking to hire freight agents, my freight agent job board listed below can help provide for anyone looking to hire or be hired.
If you want to get hired as a freight agent follow the steps in this article and you will find success!
Click Here For FREE Cheat Sheet – “How to Get Hired as a Freight Agent with NO Experience!”
How to Become a Freight Agent with No Experience or “Book of Business!
1. Get trained by someone that has done what you are looking to do!
Some of the most trusted logistics companies in the transportation industry follow an agent-based model. They hire freight agents as independent contractors who operate under their freight broker license.
This means that the first step in how to become an independent freight agent is to get properly trained by an experience and successful freight broker.
Freight broker training can come in many forms:
- You can do online training like my Freight Broker Boot Camp Course
- You can travel and do an onsite classroom style training
- You can also get hired as an entry level employee at a local freight brokerage.
Getting trained is important for a variety of reason..
First, you gain valuable knowledge from an expert that has already done what you are looking to do.
Secondly, it builds your confidence to get started on your journey. Last but not least it shows potential freight brokers that might be interested in hiring you that you are willing to invest your time and money.
These are all good ways to show you are an ideal candidate and that you are very serious about your career as a freight agent!
Best practices when looking for independent freight agents or freight broker jobs without prior experience, you need to show you are a good fit.
2. Create a list of potential Freight Broker partners
This list should start in your local area, preferably within driving distance but do not limit yourself to just local brokers. You should also try to focus on smaller companies because they are the most likely to give a new freight agent with no experience or customer base the opportunity to become an freight agent.
Do not focus on large companies like CH Robinson, Total Quality Logistics, XPO Logistics, Coyote Logistics or any other large brokerage as they will rarely hire inexperienced freight agents.
On the other hand if you are sharp and are open to an entry level w2 type job to gain some great experience as these companies are regularly hiring.
Here are some resources to search for freight brokers:
- Check out our new freight agent job board. Many of the job post DO NOT require experience.
- Google (search: freight broker, freight broker agent, freight brokers wanted, freight broker directory
- Search freight broker load boards like Truckstop.com or DAT.com, etc.
- www.thomasnet.com is also a great directory to search for businesses freight brokers and beyond
3. Create a professional LinkedIn profile
When creating your profile make sure to highlight your qualifications, experience and any and all training you have taken to qualify you for the position.
Relevant training includes: sales, marketing, negotiation, customer service, Microsoft Office, leadership, management, social media, public speaking, call center training, etc.
Most of all design your profile to position you as someone that has a positive attitude, works hard and is willing to prove
his/her value to a potential freight broker partner.
You can also use LinkedIn to show your dedication to the industry. You can use LinkedIn to build your professional brand and stand out as an aspiring leader in your niche by making connections with industry professionals, joining discussion groups and making yourself and your perspective known.
CLICK HERE for an article I wrote on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile for sales!
CLICK HERE to connect with me personally on LinkedIn
4. Make contact with your potential Freight Broker partners!
Making contact can come in many forms:
- You can search for and connect with people that work for your target company on LinkedIn. This will help get you on their radar. After connecting, just message them and ask ”what is the best way to get started as a freight broker or freight agent for your company?” The objective is to develop some rapport and relationship so you can convert that conversation offline into a phone call or face to face meeting.
- You can ask people you know for referrals into companies that could make good potential freight broker partners. Have them do an email or phone intro to you.
- You can cold email or call the sales manager and inquire if they have a freight agent program and what are the qualifications.
Click Here For FREE Cheat Sheet – “How to Get Hired as a Freight Agent with NO Experience!”
5. Ask for an Opportunity!
Set up a call or face to face meeting with your connection and explain the fact that you are looking for an opportunity to become a broker/agent for their company.
Then explain WHY this is your goal/dream and that you have been researching the industry and have even taken some courses. Let them know that you are willing to prove yourself by working on straight commission and will only get paid if you bring NEW customers to their company!
The fact is, not everyone is going to say yes but I am confident that if you do this with 10-20 smaller/newer freight brokers you will get an opportunity.
Please note, it is very important that you share your story on WHY you want to be a freight agent and that you are willing to prove yourself at NO RISK to them.
Let your passion and conviction show and it will help you become a freight agent.
BONUS STRATEGY: Become a Freight Sub-Agent
If you follow my 5 step plan above and for some reason you do not get hired don’t worry I have a plan.
Next search LinkedIn, Google or a load boards to find 10 experienced “Freight Agents” who are already established with a reputable freight broker and ask them to become what is known as a sub agent.
A sub-agent is simply an agent of an existing freight agent. Sub-agents work with freight agents and are independent contractors authorized to handle tasks and duties on behalf of the freight agent.
Freight sub-agents earn a portion of the commissions of the transactions they oversee. Commissions vary but range from 25-50%. They often have to do similar tasks as freight agents, including managing customers, managing freight, developing new business and benefit from on the job training.
Sub-agents usually have a certain level of freedom in how they manage their clients and deals and is a great way to learn the skills needed if you don’t have any prior experience.
One of the benefits of hiring sub-agents is the freight agent is able to take on more customers, expand their services, and provide better customer service.
So while you may not get the full commission on the transactions you manage as a freight sub-agent, you should be able to get some great experience and mentoring as you gather your first customers.
Once you get a small customer base you will be able to transition to your own agency in the future, if you choose.
How to Become A Freight Agent without Experience in Just 6 Steps!
- Get trained by an experienced agent
- Create your list of potential Freight Broker partners
- Set up your professional LinkedIn profile
- Contact your potential Freight Broker partners
- Ask for an opportunity
- Become a subagent
Would you like me to write more articles like this? Do me favor and comment below then SHARE my article on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
P.S. Ask yourself a question…Why haven’t you started your Freight Brokerage or Freight Agency yet? Get started in under 30 days with my online Freight Broker Boot Camp!
Good Afternoon Mr.Brown. My regards to you. Sir I found your website and you tube videos looking for information in order to become Freight Agent. I am a Cuban American and the President of Louisiana’s Cuban Club. As an association of Cuban Families living in Louisiana we are working to help our state engage in business trade with Cuba. For that reason, I believe that Cuba and the Caribbean islands can be a big market for many companies. Could you please become my mentor or coach to get the knowledge and experience that I need to become and agent? Thank you. Waiting for your kind response, Sincerely, Fernando
June 6, 2017 at 7:12 pmHi i just want to know if you can take the curse any time during the day
July 11, 2018 at 9:51 pmHello Mr. Brown,
October 21, 2018 at 1:41 pmI am a retired accountant who’s looking to start a new career as a freight broker. I’m at a loss as to what to do in order to get the training needed in order to become a licensed agent. I need your assistance and will take advantage of any data you have available on your website. I’m excited to learn from your experience and appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
To get enrolled in my online training go to http://www.freightbrokerbootcamp.com Hope this helps you on your journey as knowledge is the key to getting started!
October 29, 2018 at 6:29 pm[…] as effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are equally important. You need to learn more about each aspect, whether that’s freight operation, warehousing, or transportation […]
January 20, 2024 at 11:48 pmGood afternoon :
September 9, 2024 at 3:25 pmI already did the course Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and
Freight Broker/Agent Training , what do you recommend for me to find a job.
I have been in he industry for 20 years as a dispatcher and I have a lot o experience.
Thank you in advance
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