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introduction to freight brokering

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Frequently Asked Questions

How To Become a Truck Broker or Freight Broker

Is there an age limit for those wanting to become freight brokers?

There is no minimum age requirement to register a company with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), but age may be a factor if contracts are used in the business. Contracts would most likely fall under state law and each state is different.

Do I have to come out of a trucking background to be successful in brokering?

Successful freight brokers probably come from a variety of backgrounds. A trucking background may help, but, perhaps more importantly for success is how good is the broker at running a business.

Do I have to take any exams to become a freight broker?

No, there are no exams. Freight brokers are required to get their broker authority which involves four separate items none of which requires an exam.

I cannot come up with the $75,000 for the surety bond or trust fund right now. What do I do?

We use a financial service that specializes in freight broker trust funds and surety bonds. They are considered the best in the industry. They will put up the $75,000 and you may have the option to pay quarterly installments or so much upfront for the entire year at a discount. Quarterly installments may run as low as $995. I have over twenty years’ relationship with this company and they treat my clients right.

How can I reach these people for more information on the trust fund?

Send an email to John with “Trust Fund” in the subject line. I’ll reply with a document that provides their contact info plus a run down on what documents you need to work with them. Or, find a link for this further down.

What types of training programs do you offer?

We have the Freight or Truck broker training with unlimited support (1) via Zoom and Internet. Then, we have the (2) LIVE training right here in El Paso, Texas also with unlimited support. There is the (3) Home Study which includes the same materials as in the two options above, and you have limited support. Each of the above options comes with about 40 handouts. Some you will modify and use in your own brokerage. You also receive about 30 videos.

What about the LIVE training in El Paso, Texas?

This is customized training, face-to-face here in El Paso. You can bring your spouse or partner at no extra cost with shared materials. Check out the several web pages on the website for more details or call John at 1-888-526-ATEX(2839). This is probably the most powerful way to train. My clients love it.

Who should attend the Live Training in El Paso, Texas?

Live training is for people who want to get fully informed in a matter of several days, not weeks or months. Live training is for those who need and thrive on personal, face-to-face communication. In other words they want to “press the flesh”, so to speak. Live training is for those who want a little “get away” where they can focus solely on learning how to broker freight. Live training is for those who value the idea of working “On” the business, not always “In” the business. In other words, they see the value in “taking a break now and then”.

I can’t travel to El Paso. What if I can’t decide between the home study or the Zoom and online training?

You may choose the home study first and if later on you decide you want more contact, just pay the difference and we’ll start on the one-on-one sessions over the Zoom and Internet. You’ve already got the materials

Really, just how good IS the Home Study option?

Fewer people take the Home Study program but if you are on a budget, you do not want to pass this up. The Bonuses alone are almost worth the entire cost of the Home Study and, as mentioned above, you get the same materials as the other two training options. You have up to 3 months of email Q&A support. You can actually get your own broker authority on your own by following these materials. In my opinion, the Home Study is often overlooked as a viable option – yet, you can always upgrade to the Zoom and online training by just paying the difference.

What ARE the Bonuses?

You have a Sample Freight Broker Business Plan, you have a ready-made Broker-Carrier Agreement, you have Load Manager spreadsheets where you will record and monitor all your load activity, you have two, ready-made shipper and carrier database templates where you will collect detailed information from your customers and carriers, you have an eBook, “Insider Secrets to Successful Freight Brokering” and you have another eBook on request, “The Definitive Guide to Growing Your Freight or Truck Broker Business Using Broker Agents.”

How does the Zoom and online training work?

Zoom training is one-on-one and is almost like being in the same room together. As your instructor, John can address your questions real time and can give immediate feedback. The sessions are interactive, spontaneous and uninterrupted . For each training session, you will be called at an agreed upon time. Training sessions usually last 3 hours or so and John will try to accommodate YOUR schedule rather than vice versa. Training sessions may be done 1-3 times per week, depending upon your availability and our scheduling.

Should I bring a laptop to the live training?

Yes. Although Atex will provide a 23” monitor for the bulk of the training, we may need the laptop on the third day if we have time to call on some potential customers. You’ll use your laptop to start searching for potential customers.

How many days or weeks does it take to go through Freight Broker Training via Zoom and Internet with unlimited support?

It depends on your schedule primarily. Usually it takes about 3-4 days. It’s your call for the most part. You tell us how fast or slow you want to go and we will try to accommodate your desires. The more time you have available, the faster and more intensely we can train. There is a LOT of information and you will definitely need time on your own to absorb all the information and to get yourself set-up.

When does the support end for the Zoom/online training or the live sessions in El Paso?

There is no time limit for support. However, usually at some point, you will know what you need to know. And you are the one that makes that decision. Telephone support usually gives way to email contact. Lastly, support is not retraining – it is Q&A support after you get started.

Why should I train with you and not someone else?

My clients are looking for some type of business relationship – someone they can come to long after formal training is complete. John is not so much sales oriented as he is service oriented. The payoff is good for both my clients and myself. You will not get dropped or ignored after I collect your money. In fact, this is just the beginning.

Do I work on my own during any Freight Broker Training?

Yes, you will need some time on your own to absorb the information (there is a lot of it). Freight or Truck brokering involves many procedures and you should review the materials throughout training to reinforce what we have already gone over. And you will use the materials as a resource after formal training as well. Some people, definitely not all, start moving loads before training is complete.

When formal Freight or Truck Broker Training is substantially finished, will I know everything I need to actively work as a freight broker?

Yes. If you apply yourself and study the materials and procedures, you will know what to do, when to do it, how to do it and why you are doing it. Then, once you actually put to use what you have learned, you will build more confidence with each day. Actually, in brokering, you usually learn something new every week or every month for years.

How do I apply for this $75,000 trust fund if I’m starting as a sole proprietor?

If you begin as a sole proprietor, you will need copies of most recent year personal tax return and contact information for your personal banker.

How do I apply for this $75,000 trust fund if I’m starting as a corporation or LLC?

If you begin as a corporation or LLC, you will need contact information for your personal banker plus your Articles of Organization/Incorporation.

Go here to learn how to prepare for your trust fund application

What kind of money can I expect to make as a freight broker and how long will it take?

If you are new to the industry, you will most likely NOT make $50K-$100 the first year as some broker schools advertise. It’s unrealistic to expect to make that much the first year and unrealistic goals lead to frustration and burnout. However, after you get established, these figures are within reach.

How long will it take me to get established in this business?

The time it takes to get established will vary with each individual. This is a service business and, as such, it will just take some time. How much time? It depends on a number of factors such as, Do you have help, Do you have any shippers or drivers ready to work with, Are you willing to work weekends, Are you using creative search strategies to find customers, Are you willing to work 10-12 hours per day, Are you well organized, Can you juggle multiple demands in a fast paced setting, Can you manage cash flow, Can you negotiate, How well can you handle frustration, etc., etc.

Why would I consider or select a freight broker vocation over any other?

First, there IS a high income potential in this business after you get established. Second, your overhead costs are minimal. Third, the start-up costs are minimal. Fourth, if you provide good service and pay your drivers on a timely basis, you will get repeat business. It’s the repeat business that will catapult you to success. Fifth, your business can be home based. Sixth, you will build many rewarding and satisfying relationships over the telephone. Plus much more. Your feeling of exercising control and of completing transactions will be a thrill that only truly independent people experience.

What are some of the negative factors to consider before I enter this business?

As a service business, you need to give yourself time to get established. You will then need capital to cover your basic living expenses until you get established. Also, it takes time and effort to find shippers who pay well and who are really enjoyable to work with. Then, there are many trucks out there, but it is sometimes difficult to find a truck when and where you want them. Lastly, it gets very hectic at times – phone calls, faxes, interruptions, etc., etc. It takes a lot of effort and perseverance to succeed in this business.

What do I do if I am ready to order one of the training programs?

Some people place their order from the website using their credit card. You would go to the home page, scroll all the way to the bottom and click on the Order Now link for whichever option you desire. You will be taken to PayPal where you will place your order. More and more people ask me to invoice them. Either way is safe and secure. Not too many people print out the Order Form and mail in a check or money order. When John is notified of receiving payment or has completed processing a payment, an email will be sent out that includes a link to download the materials.

What materials will I receive and when can I expect them after I place my order?

You will receive an email, sometimes within 20 minutes if John is in the office. The email will contain a link and a password. The link will enable you to download the eBook training materials. Once you open the eBook, you will have access to the entire training manual plus the handouts and video presentations. The handouts are in either MSWord, MSExcel or PDF format. THE TRAINING MANUAL WILL NOT WORK ON A MAC – YOU NEED A PC COMPUTER.

What can I expect from your Freight or Truck Broker Training Program that I might not receive from other training?

You can expect honest and upfront information BEFORE you begin. You may even want to talk to the trust fund provider BEFORE you spend a nickel on any training. You can also expect comprehensive, detailed, nuts and bolts, step-by-step instruction with whichever training option you choose. You can also expect to reap the benefit of John’s 35+ years in business and accounting, working with established and small business start-ups. The sample business plan included in the handouts as well as the cash flow templates are extremely valuable. They can even be used for other ventures outside of Freight or Truck brokering.

Why don’t you provide for any refunds?

My materials are sent in electronic form and are not returnable. They are considered proprietary, intellectual creations. Further, there is a lot of information on the website plus other related materials, either free or low-cost, that enable a person to make an informed decision as to whether any of the programs are for them or not. This is not a try it and see what happens type of business.

If you have any questions, please call us at 888-526-ATEX (2839), Or

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