Are you considering working as a freight agent? Or maybe you have acquired some freight agent training and would like to know how to work from home as a freight agent?
Freight logistics is the process of managing the transportation of goods and materials. This includes planning, coordination, and execution of all aspects of shipping. Likewise, in business, logistics is the management of the flow of resources between the point of origin to the point of consumption in order to meet the requirements of customers or corporations.
Learning how to work from home as a freight agent can be a great way to get started in the freight logistics industry. It affords you an opportunity to build your client base and work on your own schedule. And, because you're not tied to a specific location, you can work with multiple clients from all over.
If you're interested in learning how to work from home as a freight agent, and learning how to work from home as a freight agent virtually, there is some essential freight agent info you should keep in mind. We'll discuss them as you read on.
Who is a Freight Agent?
A freight agent is someone who works within the freight logistics industry to coordinate the movement of goods and materials. They work with clients to determine their shipping needs and then find carriers and/or freight brokers that can provide the necessary services.
After finding a carrier, the freight agent will book the shipment and track it until delivery. Freight agents typically work for third-party logistics companies or freight brokers because FMCSA does not license them.
If you think working from home as a freight agent is right for you and you want to lean how to work from home as a freight agent, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, you'll need to have a good understanding of the freight logistics industry. This includes knowing how to find carriers, book shipments, and track deliveries.
Also, you're expected to know how to effectively communicate with trucking clients, understand their shipping needs, research the industry and familiarize yourself with the basics of freight logistics. Then, start networking with clients and carriers.
Another important consideration is learning how to work from home as a freight agent can be somewhat isolating. To be successful, you'll need to be self-motivated, disciplined, organized, able to handle multiple clients at once, and be comfortable working "independently" as a freight broker agent.
No doubt, working from home as a freight agent has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to advances in technology. learning how to work from home as a freight agent is becoming a perfect home based business idea. With internet access and a computer, freight agents can do their job from anywhere in the world and have the ability to move multiple freight loads right from their location virtually.
A day in the life of a person who works from home as a freight agent?
Have you ever imagined what a typical day or week of activities in the lives of freight agents would look like? Do you wonder how to work from home as a freight agent?
Well, here you have it:
Logistics: Part of the duties of a freight agent include dispatching trucks and solving any challenges that could affect the seamless pickup and delivery of shipment.
Sales: On a typical day, a freight agent can be found negotiating freight rates, bargaining with shippers and carriers, cold calling potential clients, working with other brokers, helping to build trucking companies, etc.
Adequate customer support: A freight agent ensures that customers are kept in the know concerning a shipment's progress. In addition, they make sure deliveries are scheduled and fulfilled promptly.
Some of the challenges shippers face with freight agents?
There are a few reasons why shippers look to work with professional freight agent brokers.
1. First, if you're not familiar with the freight logistics industry or do not have adequate freight agent training, it can be easy to make mistakes that cost your client money. Therefore, shippers want to work with highly educated persons before turning their freight shipments over to just any freight broker.
2. Second, because independent freight agents work with multiple clients, they can sometimes spread themselves too thin and miss important details. Shippers want to work with a freight agent who is not hypothetical, meaning they want to know that the freight agent’s carriers will actually show up and deliver the freight load.
3. Finally, independent freight agents must work under the authority of a licensed freight broker to discharge their duties of coordinating freight shipments; otherwise, it'll be considered illegal.
What are some skills and qualities that freight agents need when learning how to work from home as a freight agent ?
Some of the skills and qualities that people who work from home as a freight agent need include: knowledge of the freight logistics industry, ability to find carriers and book shipments, ability to track deliveries, and organization. Having discipline to work full time from home, and having the understanding that due diligence is critical.
Why become a freight agent?
There are various reasons to become a freight agent. Perhaps you're looking for a career change, or you're interested in the challenge of coordinating the logistics of complex shipments. Maybe you're attracted to the flexibility that comes with working from home. Whatever your reasons, if you're organized, detail-oriented, and good at multitasking, a career as a freight agent may be a good fit for you.
What do you need to become a freight agent?
While there are no formal education requirements to become a freight agent, most successful candidates have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Freight agents must be well-versed in the transportation and logistics industry, and they must have strong communication and customer service skills. In addition, freight agents must be able to effectively use computers and other technology to track shipments, prepare documentation, and communicate with clients.
How much do freight agents make?
Freight agents typically earn a commission on each shipment they coordinate, so their income depends on the volume of shipments they handle. Typical freight agents who apply themselves can easily make a six figured income.
Freight agents who are just starting out may earn around 20% of the total shipping cost per shipment, while more experienced agents may earn up to 30%.
Some freight agents also earn a base salary in addition to commissions.
Generally, they make sales by securing customers and locating the next available carrier to ship their client's freight.
What are the hours like for freight agents?
Freight agents typically work Monday through Friday during regular business hours. However, because they often coordinate shipments that take place outside of normal business hours, they may occasionally need to work evenings or weekends.
People who work from home as a freight agent have the most flexibility when it comes to setting their own hours.
Where do freight agents work?
Some freight agents work in an office environment, although others work from home. Freight agents who work in an office are typically employed by a freight company or a logistics company.
Freight agents who work from home are usually independent contractors, not direct employees but must have acquired the necessary freight agent training.
Freight agent vs. freight broker?
What's the difference between a freight agent and a freight broker?
A freight agent is mostly an independent contractor who works with a freight company to coordinate the logistics of shipments.
On the other hand, a freight broker is an FMCSA licensed professional who arranges the transportation of goods and materials on behalf of their clients. They see to it that trucks are available to transport the shipper's goods.
In addition, a freight broker is responsible for the company's financial requirements, which include paying carriers and agents, helping with claims, issuing an invoice to shippers, and extending credit.
More on who a freight broker is?
Freight brokers are in the business of connecting shippers and carriers. They play a major role in load matching, i,e they ensure that shippers get the right carrier at the best price.
Here is a scenario of how this transacts: When a company needs to transport a load, they mostly post their request to a load board. A load board is an internet-based marketplace where shippers and freight brokers can find carriers for their loads. On the other hand, carriers find loads to keep their trucks full and maximize profit.
After finding the right carrier, freight brokers manage the legal aspect of moving freight across the country, ensuring it scales through municipal, state, and federal regulations. Freight brokers typically work with multiple carriers to find the best rates and services for their clients.
FMCSA Vs. Freight brokers?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a government agency that regulates the trucking industry. Freight brokers are licensed professionals who coordinate the transportation of goods on behalf of their clients. While the FMCSA does not regulate freight brokers, they must adhere to the same rules and regulations as trucking companies.
What is the meaning of "Surety Bond?."
Typically, it is a type of insurance that protects the consumer from losses incurred due to fraudulent or dishonest behavior by the freight broker. The surety bond also protects the freight broker in the event that they are unable to pay for damages caused by their negligence. All freight brokers must have a surety bond in order to be licensed by the FMCSA.
Benefits of working with a freight broker?
Working from home as your own boss has its perks but what's even more important is when you can discharge your duties seamlessly and have a lineup of returning customers.
Well, that's where a freight broker comes to play. Here are some benefits freight agents stand to gain working with a broker:
1. Access readily available carriers
Most freight brokers have a standard and stable network of carriers. This means that when you bring in a load from a shipper, the broker can get their readily available carriers to haul the product. That way, you'll have completed a bulk part of the shipment and can source for more loads.
2. Get Expert Freight Info
Freight brokers are licensed professionals and experts in their field, and you should leverage that as a work from home freight agent. Their expertise in ensuring all carriers are adequately vetted for insurance and operating authority, and all essential information is gotten from the shipper, etc., can further earn you the trust of your shipper and give your business a great boost.
3. Multitask like a Pro
Working with the right freight broker is the way to go. As a freight agent, it'll be easier to serve more than one company; rest assured that you have the right backing to deliver on all shipments.
4. Financial gains
Many freight agents find themselves chasing down payments, but freight brokers/logistics companies like Logistical Forwarding Solutions (LFS) can completely take these hassles off you. How? They run a regular payment schedule that ensures freight agents get their commissions every week, without fail. Making it a win-win for these agents.
Final Remarks
As mentioned earlier, a freight agency is the perfect home-based business opportunity for those with an entrepreneurial mind and a desire to learn how to work from home as a freight agent and be their own boss. Freight agents work on behalf of shippers, connecting them with trucking companies that have available capacity. In return, they earn a commission from the trucking company based on the shipment's value.
If you're interested in learning how to work from home as a freight agent and a career as a freight agent, contact LFS to learn more about how to work from home as a freight agent and the requirements and steps involved in becoming their work-from-home freight agent. Once you have the necessary experience, qualifications, and freight agent training, you can begin working with clients to coordinate the logistics of their shipments.
Finally, find out more on how how to work from home as a freight agent. Contact LFS Today