If you're a person with a disability looking for work you can do from home, freight brokerage is worth a look. Much of the work happens by phone and computer, and it suits people who are organized, good with others and comfortable working on their own. This article explains what a freight broker does, how to learn the work and what it takes to set up a home-based business.
What is a freight broker?
A freight broker arranges truck transportation for shippers. The broker finds a qualified motor carrier, agrees on a rate, and follows the load from pickup to delivery. Brokers must register with FMCSA and hold broker authority.
Many people start as a freight agent instead. An agent works under an established brokerage's authority, which can be a simpler way to learn the business before deciding whether to start your own.
How do I learn freight brokerage?
Start with training. Freight University offers online freight broker and agent training, including its Professional Logistics Service Provider (PLSP) program, a three-month course with live sessions twice a week. The live sessions are online, so you can take part from home.
Why it can work well for people with disabilities
Working from home lets you set up a space that fits your needs, avoid a daily commute and manage your own schedule within the demands of the work. Since the pandemic, remote work has become much more common, including for people with disabilities, and home-based businesses are widely accepted.
Freight work does have demands to consider. It involves a lot of phone time, quick decisions and problem solving when loads run into delays. Think about how those demands fit your situation, and what tools or accommodations would help.
Steps toward your own freight broker business
If you decide to start your own brokerage, two early steps apply to almost any business: market research and business formation.
Market research
Market research means studying your target customers and competitors before you begin. Qualtrics has a useful guide to the basics. For a brokerage, that means learning which shippers in your area need freight moved, which lanes they use and which equipment they need.
Business formation
Most new brokerages form an LLC or another business entity. Rules vary by state, but you'll generally need a business name, a registered agent, formation documents filed with your state, an operating agreement and an EIN. Your state's business filing office has the official requirements. A formal business structure can also help separate your personal and business finances. Talk with an accountant or attorney about which structure fits you.
You'll also need to meet the federal broker requirements, including registration and financial security. LFS helps clients set up brokerages under their own authority through freight brokerage setup consulting.
Your home office
Freight brokerage involves a lot of phone calls, data and fast decisions, so set up your office for comfort and long stretches of work. That means a reliable computer, a good phone setup, a comfortable desk and good lighting. If you use assistive technology, make sure it works well with the software you'll be using. Everyday Sight has a guide to computers for blind and low-vision users.
Set clear working hours. Shippers and carriers expect you to be reachable during the business day, and loads in transit can need attention outside those hours. Plan how you'll handle that in a way that fits your health and schedule.
Community and support
You won't be the only person with a disability running a business. Abilities.com lists community resources for entrepreneurs with disabilities, and connecting with others who have done it can help as you get started.
Getting started
If freight brokerage sounds like a fit, start with training at Freight University. If you later decide to start your own brokerage, LFS can help with setup and consulting.
