Role a transportation broker plays in the industry

Advantages and disadvantages of starting your own brokerage

History of the transportation industry

Processes necessary to have a successful transportation brokerage

Key types of freight and how to properly handle each in a proper and profitable manner

Rules, regulations, government filings, and types of liability protection required

Key business processes of a legally compliant and financially successful brokerage

Role of technology

Varieties of risk and liability faced by a transportation broker

Types of insurance available to help protect transportation brokers

Business and organizational issues to consider

Responsibilities of the carrier, shipper, and broker

Legal transportation documentation

Tasks the broker must accomplish to succeed

Insights and examples on how to match freight effectively

Information on transportation rates, calculations of appropriate broker price, and how to negotiate with customers including shippers and freight service providers

Insight into contract processes

Contractual and regulatory documentation

Equipment, software, and knowledge necessary for successful operation

Internal and external resources available to a transportation broker

Business and financial operations of a transportation brokerage operation

Key assets, liabilities, and equity financial measures

Credit, receivables, payables, gross and net sales, methods of payment, non-payment, debt and effective expense management

Tips on what to review when establishing a new account, managing an existing account, approving customers for credit, collecting due or overdue payments, and maximizing cash flow

Example of a multi-step process that illustrates the successful handling of a load so the shipper, carrier and broker are all satisfied with the outcome of the relationship

Insight into various types of accounting

Definition and solid understanding of ethical business practices

Examples of ethical (unethical) business behavior

Impacts of ethical practices on business relationships and compliance with legal and regulatory statutes such as the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act

Introduction of marketing and sales practices

Simple steps and suggestions to identify target markets, practice effective communications, properly plan for a sales encounter, execute the sales process, close on the sale, and follow up with customers

Important elements of information required for successful dispatch operations

Troubleshoot and effectively correct shipments

Defining who your customer is and how or when you may need to alter the relationship