The freight brokerage business is a vital, expansive, and profitable component of the shipping logistics industry. Classified as a transportation intermediary, freight franchises are respected, professional companies providing a valuable line of communication between companies shipping products and goods to their customers, and the trucking agencies or actual drivers that manually load, transport, and complete the haul. As an industry that manufacturers and consumers will always depend on for basic functioning, the tremendous earning potential for freight franchises is enough to entice anyone. From stay at home moms to corporate savvy entrepreneurs, the trillion dollar logistics industry represents undeniable opportunities that are worth much more than a second glance. Distinguishing each specific role within the transportation industry will help you decide if your best chance is to become involved to gain more experience, or if you’re ready to shop around for freight franchises right now.

Logistics Agent

The role of a logistics agent is to analyze the specific load requirements of a manufacturer to find an adequate trucking delivery. Agents must possess advanced communicative, organizational, and cognitive skills in order to become irreplaceable assets to the cargo transport community. Agents are technically considered sales representatives within the transportation field, earning a commission with each negotiated shipment. However, agents are also required to provide a substantial amount of customer service and technical knowledge that is uncommon for the majority of sales positions among outside industries. The process of receiving accurate product information is lengthy for quality control and satisfaction purposes, which mutually benefit both the customer and the carrier.

Shipments are guaranteed to range in dimensional size, weight, skid quantities, and item classifications in a field that transports everything under the sun. The ideal skill-set for a shipping representative or employee includes the ability to gather, calculate, transfer, and schedule load information. The ability to complete these specific tasks, while maintaining a positive and personal report with each party involved, resulting in highly competitive customer rates, is what makes an agent’s career incredibly inspiring and financially rewarding.

Logistics Broker

Logistics agents are employed by transportation brokers. The role of a logistics broker is to provide mediation between customers and carriers without physically possessing any goods, just like a sales agent. The main differences between the two are the administrative duties and financial responsibilities exclusively assigned to brokers owning freight franchises. Becoming a licensed broker requires authorization from the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), obtaining a liability insurance policy, and the strategic establishment and maintenance of excellent credit among trucking companies to avoid losing manufacturers from payment issues. The broker is responsible for state and federal tax documentation, ethical payable and receivable practices, employing quality sales agents, and managing every aspect of their shipping service investment.

Many people have discovered the benefits of freight franchises to be very profitable and worthwhile. Professionals considering a career in the exciting shipping industry are strongly encouraged to investigate sales agent opportunities offered by established leaders of the freight brokerage business. Gaining first-hand experience is the best preparation before making a final investment decision.