The goal of being successful in the freight business is informed by what you know about how to become an independent freight agent. Arguably, the freight business is labelled a lucrative one especially when it is done in just the right way, or through the right channel.
Quite a lot of business organizations have channels of profit through which they run the transportation of their products across all the corners of the world. Barely, a large international companies run low on the importation or exportation of some products that can serve as useful condiments in production process.
To add little stature to the hints which is being given about what freight could mean, freight is simply defined as a collection of goods and products which are transported through different means. It can consist of goods conveyed by water, air, or land, while cargo refers specifically to freight when conveyed via water or air. In economics, freight refers to goods transported at a freight rate for commercial gain.
The freight business department is laced with various trade intentions. As a result of that, there are different sections into which the freight business is compartmentalized. We have the Air freight shipment, Rail freight transport, Truckload Freight, among others.
As said earlier, having calculated the market capital of the industry over the last few years, the industry is a mightily profitable one which if gone into, especially as an independent freight agent, there is the promise of a brilliantly rich future that awaits. The decision to go into this requires you have some substantial understanding of how to become an independent freight agent. So check below the step-by-step approach:
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Research for the Needed Skills
To become a freight agent, a person needs to have the interest, initiative, and applicable skill set. Excellent communication, time-management, and organization skills are necessary to become a freight agent.
While it is helpful to have existing relationships with shippers and some relevant industry experience, all a person needs to do is research freight companies, find the ideal partner, set up an office, and possibly hire employees.
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Get Some Training
As with any career, to become a successful Freight Agent you need training. If you already have experience as an Independent Freight Agent or a background in logistics, this might just mean learning new software and processes. For others who are new to freight, you can think of this as career education that is opening opportunities for future success.
Read Also: Examples of Manufacturing Companies
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Draw a Plan for your Business
Like any successful business, a Freight Agent needs a business plan; so, before starting your dream career begin working on a business plan. Having a business plan will help you steer your business as you start and grow. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers. Part of your business plan may develop as you receive training. It’s not as hard as you think.
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Go Legal and Document Your Business
When it comes to the legal process, you need to obtain your broker authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). But before that, make sure to get a USDOT number. While it’s not required to become a broker, it is included in the application form for your license.
Your next step is to start the registration process and fill in the OP-1 application in order to get your MC authority. The fee for filing your application is $300. You can find instructions on the FMCSA website.
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Associate Yourself with Experienced and Reputable Freight Company
One of the best career tips we can share with those wishing to become an Independent Freight Agent is to find a reputable Freight Broker.
Working with an experienced, established, and reputable Freight Broker like Kopf Logistics Group will assist you in growing every aspect of your business and equip you with the support, expertise, and financial backing you need to succeed. Working with Kopf Logistics means you’ll have a large network of carriers at your fingertips. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with industry experts who can share years of industry knowledge with you.
