- 1). Obtain work experience in the freight and cargo business. Work for a shipping, trucking or freight agent company in any capacity to begin learning the business side of freight transportation. Apprentice with an agent or a transportation brokerage company to gain firsthand knowledge about the job of a freight agent. Freight agent's must have a well-rounded understanding of what can and cannot be done in the freight business.
- 2). Specialize in a particular type of freight. Specializing makes the agent an expert and go-to person for freight companies handling that type of specialty. Oversize loads, perishable items and livestock are examples of freight specialties.
- 3). Develop a network of contacts. Agents are a point of contact for truckers and freight companies and enable the two groups to meet and work with each other. Making those connections requires networking skills and contacts. Daily contact with truckers and freight companies is often necessary to complete the work of a single shipment.
- 4). Get a freight broker's license from the federal government. Anyone working as a freight agent, whether independently or as an employee, must be licensed as a broker through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency within the DOT that manages the licensing department is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Contact the FMCSA at 800-832-5660 with questions about licensing or visit the FMCSA website for registration requirements. The broker license application requires a $300 fee and a $10,000 surety bond before being approved.
- 5). Negotiate a contract with a freight company. Contracts can clear up any confusion about fees and responsibility of the agent and the freight company. They can also lead to long-term business with an agreeable freight company.
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