Becoming a Freight Agent: Six Signs You're Ready to Get Started
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Thanks to steady growth and plenty of market opportunities, freight agents have found a solid place in the logistics industry. Freight agent jobs are quickly growing in popularity as more people recognize how important these jobs are. But how do you know if this is the right career for you? If you've been thinking about becoming a freight broker agent, here are six signs that you're ready to get started.
You Enjoy Problem Solving
A good freight agent is someone who can embrace a challenge. Getting freight from one place to another is no simple task. Freight industry trends change all the time, and every freight agent should expect the unexpected.
As a freight agent, you'll be responsible for making sure that goods move in a way that works for everyone involved. To do that successfully, you'll have to be ready to think on your feet.
Your carriers may deal with unexpected roadblocks, weather issues, or other disruptions that could make the journey more complicated than usual. The most successful freight agents are great problem solvers. When the unexpected happens, they come up with solutions that work for everyone.
You're Always Learning about the Freight Broker Industry
Freight agents are always learning on the job. You may specialize in one product or type of transportation, but there are always other products and other ways to move goods from point A to point B. The more knowledgeable you are, the more trust you can gain from your client base.
But it’s not just the products or transportation methods you need to familiarize yourself with. You also need to know the regulations surrounding the transportation of goods. Your job will be harder if you don’t know the rules, so you need to be a quick learner who can get up to speed on any given subject when you need to.
You Have Excellent Freight Agent Communication Skills
Freight agents work with people from all walks of life and experience levels. Your clients will all have different expectations, needs, and communication styles. At times, you may work with a shipper and a carrier who each communicate very differently.
During these times, your most important task as a freight agent is to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
You Have the Freight Agent Tools of the Trade
If you're going to build an extensive network of shippers and carriers, you'll need the right tools to operate your business.
When you become a freight agent, some of the things you'll need include:
a contacts list to build your customer base
a workspace to provide services
license and insurance
a computer and office phone
transportation management software
You Have a Freight Agent Business Plan
Becoming an independent contractor can be an exciting thing. The pathway is full of possibilities, and the leap of faith can be a thrilling experience. When you start your own business, you may find more freedom and flexibility than you've had in the past.
Still, when you become a freight agent, you'll also need a plan. Financial stability doesn't happen overnight, so you'll need to be prepared. The right freight agent training can help you get started. As you learn about the trucking industry and shipper solutions, you'll also learn each step you'll need to get started.
When freight agents start their own business, the agents with a step-by-step plan can avoid confusion and focus on building a customer base. An overarching plan can make the day to day operations much easier.
You Have Support from a Parent Company
For freight agents, the support of a parent company can make a big difference. For example, freight brokers can help freight agents save a lot of time.
When you become a freight agent, if you work with a freight broker, you can still enjoy all of the benefits of having your own business. You'll build relationships with clients, maintain control over your business, and you can keep your company as large or small as you would like.
Logistics companies can help you save time by providing non-sales support. You'll benefit from a built-in infrastructure.
Basically, when you work with a freight broker business, you can start focusing on clients and shipments right away.
Starting Your Own Freight Agency?
If you're ready to become a freight agent, you'll want to work with a freight broker that empowers you and your business. Pearce Worldwide Logistics is ready to help.
Our back office team is here to manage administrative needs, including customer setup, accounts payable and receivable, freight claims, and more.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with us today.
