Freight brokers handle the transportation of goods by negotiating rates, scheduling pick-ups, and handling all aspects of the trucking or shipping business. Academic training in logistics is becoming more important for job seekers. Excellent communication and language skills are preferred.
Freight brokers are responsible for importing and exporting a large percentage of the world’s goods. These professionals know all the ins and outs of the transportation industry, thanks to hands-on training and some academic skills. Most freight broker jobs are basically the same, although some of these positions are slightly different.
Brokers working in the trucking industry deal with trucking companies on a regular basis. These brokers negotiate rates, schedule returns and pick-ups, and handle all aspects of the trucking business. Many of these brokers do not have formal academic training in the transportation industry, although most have some university experience in other fields.
Some freight broker jobs are entirely focused on shipping. These individuals help facilitate the transition of goods from one country to another via ship. Brokers working in this field must know international maritime trade laws, must be able to trade in multiple languages and travel to distant countries when necessary.
While land and sea freight broker jobs are the most common, some transport professionals work with all types of transport – including land, rail and sea. In most cases, these professionals have been working in the transportation field for many years. Freight brokers can work independently or within a larger shipping company.
There are a few shipping companies that currently dominate this industry. Unlike other companies, the vast majority of these transport companies do not own anything. While a company can have many different departments, with thousands of offices around the world, this type of company does not own trucks, boats or trains.
Getting freight broker jobs is a lot harder than it used to be. As this sector has grown a lot in recent years, more and more transport companies require job seekers to have a specific degree in logistics. This type of degree can be earned by enrolling in a university-level logistics program. In some cases, a logistics certificate may be sufficient, although this type of certificate is not widely accepted.
To find freight broker jobs, apply directly to a large logistics company. Alternatively, various internet job sites list many freight broker jobs around the world. Candidates who have excellent communication, negotiation and language skills are generally preferred over other candidates. While becoming a freight broker can be lucrative, this job is highly stressful.
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