Major Myths about the Profession of a Logistic Broker

Nowadays everyone is able to find an occupation that will bring money and give pleasure. Yet, it’s not an easy task. It often happens that the profession you have dream about is absolutely different from your perception of it.

The following information may be interesting and useful for those who want to devote his life to freight forwarding. Although this occupation is rather popular these days, there are 6 significant myths you should know about before you start looking for your first shipper.   

1. It’s possible to obtain all the needed knowledge and skills online.

It’s a big mistake to believe that you do not need any training or qualifications to provide freight delivery services. Although on the Internet it’s possible to find lots of thematic papers and researches, the greater part of them is absolutely useless without practice.   

2. A freight broker and an owner of the logistics company are one and the same person.

The wrong use of terms or confusions often leads to misunderstanding. Thus, if you think that a freight broker actually owns a logistics firm and is to grab all the profits, you are wrong. Brokers are usually workers whose aim is to organize the process of cargo transportation from start to finish. The owner of the firm may have no idea how the shipping is organized. If you are interested in the very process, it’s better to start your career as a broker.    

3. It’s enough to buy a couple of trucks and rent warehouse capacities to start working.

Depending on the area you are going to work in, there are lots of documents and permissions you have to gather before you can fulfill your first order. Moreover, it’s a must to have a significant amount of money in your account to get a license.  

4. You are to cope with heavy freights all the time.

Of course, it’s necessary to understand what the difference between standard and non-standard cargo is. Yet, it doesn’t matter that you have to load and pack all the boxes on your own. Moreover, freight brokers are not likely to work with cargo at all. 

5. There are lots of strange clients you have to deal with.

Working with people is always challenging. It’s necessary to find a common language with a client. Some shippers need expedite transportation while others are more interested in international shipping. Your task is to understand what services the customers want and to provide them with the best possible solutions.    

6. You are to earn money without effort.

If you think that you are to make a couple of calls, rent a warehouse, order a container, and a huge sum will be enrolled in your bank account, you are wrong. Shipping is always connected with risks, thus with stress.

So, being a freight broker is an awesome experience. This profession requires profound knowledge, excellent communication skills, and abilities to manage versatile situations. It’s a good idea to get acquainted with all the peculiarities of this job before you dive into the world of bills of lading and codes of federal regulations.