Every year, hundreds and thousands of shipments across the country. Now, that's a large number that needs structured organizing. And that's where our freight broker agents come in. They are an essential part of the entire transportation industry. They manage the entire process and make sure everything runs smoothly.
However, before diving into their job details, let's discuss what a freight broker agent is.
What is a Freight Broker Agent?
A freight broker links shippers and carriers and organizes jobs for truckers, similar to how a media manager would help find their client gigs. The agents help connect trucks to loads and vice versa, source clients, negotiate prices, and plan deliveries and pickups. They also step in to provide a solution if any issues arise with the cargo.
Independent Freight Agent
An independent freight agent is similar to a standard freight broker agent; however, they work under several freight brokers and are not employees of any company. In short, they are freelance agents who can enter into a contract with any carrier, shipper, or broker. They don't have a restriction when it comes to career opportunities and client acquisition.
Freight Broker Agents Jobs Responsibilities
Freight brokers are the building blocks of shipments and delivery. Sometimes, they work for a company or run their own businesses. Following are the responsibilities of top freight broker agent jobs in Vancouver:
- Sourcing clients for delivery services.
- Marketing to attract potential leads and prospects that may require transportation services.
- Find truckers for shipments.
- Generating sales pipelines.
- Locating and choosing safe and efficient freight carriers.
- Booking carriers for transportation.
- Assisting in preparing carriers for loading.
- Negotiating shipping costs and contracts for customers.
- Provide special promotions and discounts to the customer.
- Keeping customers updated on shipping status and assisting with relevant queries and requests.
- Coordinating with shippers, carriers, and dispatchers to do pickups and drop-offs.
- Ensuring the goods get delivered securely and on time.
- Keeping comprehensive records of all the activities.
- Upholding knowledge regarding current market trends in the shipping industry.
- Maintaining relationships with different carriers.
- Optimizing loads for efficient shipping.
- Solving arising problems with the carrier company, shipping company and other parties involved in the shipment process.
- Additional responsibilities such as customer service and administration duties.
How Does a Freight Broker Agent Make Money?
Freight broker agents a basic salary, which can vary, plus commissions depending on their sales. To be successful in the freight brokerage business, a freight agent needs to be effective with their negotiations. They should tackle the spread efficiently in order to earn good money. The spread is the difference between actual shipping rates negotiated and the amount a customer is willing to pay for the shipment.
Moreover, experience level also plays a role in determining how much money one can make doing freight broker agent jobs. Someone who has extensive experience will earn more as compared to an agent who is just starting out.
Josh Manning is the author of this article. To know more about Logistics specialist Jobs in Vancouver please visit our website: spi3pl.com
The number one question that is asked to me today is how much money can I make as a freight broker agent?
This question is the deciding factor for almost everyone getting into the industry and it drives us to try to do our best in being a successful Freight Broker Agent.
There are some determining factors that can shape how much your salary or income can be when you start off as a freight broker or freight agent.
Consider what type industry you are looking to market and work in and then draft a solid business plan from that perspective.
A few ideas to have in your business planned that will determine how successful you want to be.
There are a lot of freight brokers who are happy moving a few loads daily and enjoying a very relaxed life style.Factors to consider:Am I a freight broker owner or a Freight Agent?How many hours am I going to invest daily?What key industry or niche am I looking to move freight in?What percentage is my commission when I move freight as an agent?How much am I willing to invest financially in tools to help me move freight?
