We highly recommend that before you choose to attend any broker or agent training that you read the following information.  These facts may help you in making an informed decision.

MYTHS & TRUTHS

Myth # 1: You need expert representation (such as a DOT practitioner, lawyer, accountant, etc.) to file for motor carrier and/or property broker authority.
Truth: The documents you need in order to file for motor carrier and/or property broker authority are readily available at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website. Instructions on completing these forms are provided, and if additional help is required, you can contact the FMCSA directly.

Myth # 2: An expert can get your authority faster than if you file yourself.
Truth: No matter who files for your authority, you will be given a temporary MC number instantly. That MC number will become permanent and active after a 10 day waiting period and after you have met the bond and BOC-3 requirements. There is no special filing method that can make this sequence of events happen any faster.

Myth # 3: An instructor who is not actively engaged in brokering freight can provide you with practical and up-to-date knowledge about the industry.
Truth: All instructors at TTA are actively involved in brokering freight. This provides their students with the advantage of receiving the best education possible. Therefore, we at TTA believe that before you invest your hard earned money in a freight broker training program, you should ask for the name of the brokerage (and its MC number) with which the instructor is affiliated. You can verify whether or not a brokerage has active authority (using its MC number) through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

Myth # 4: The ability to teach requires no formal training.
Truth: Teaching is a skill that requires formal training. It requires well developed skills in curriculum development, lesson preparation, lesson delivery, and appropriate evaluation. All instructors at TTA hold at least Bachelor’s degrees and have extensive classroom teaching experience.
 

FAQ'S

What is a Freight Broker (Property Broker)?

Property Broker is the correct terminology for many names used in the business to identify what we do. Truck Broker, Freight Broker, Freight Agent, Transportation Broker or Agent are all interchangeable terms synonymous with ‘Property Broker’. Property Broker Authority allows a third-party to arrange pick up and delivery of a Shipper's product by a Carrier without ever having physical control of the shipment.
 
What are the legal requirements to operate as a Freight Broker?
 
You must apply for your authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) allowing you to act as a freight broker, post a $10,000 Surety Bond and file your BOC-3.

How much does it cost to apply for your authority?

The FMCSA charges $300.00 to apply for operating authority (motor property carrier, motor passenger carrier, freight forwarder, broker). It requires that you fill out a 4 page form. You can do it online or by mail. When filing for motor carrier authority, there is no additional fee for a USDOT #. Notice of name change is $14.00.
Transport Training International will file for your operating authority with the FMCSA for a service fee of $150.00.

How much is a surety bond?

You must post a bond of at least $10,000. The amount you pay for your bond depends on a number of factors including the type of bond you choose and the programs provided by the financial institution you choose to use.

What is a BOC-3?

A BOC-3 is a processing agent. This is a representative upon whom court papers may be served in any proceeding brought against a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder.

Is there a need for more Freight Brokers in the industry?

U.S. Bureau of the Census County Business Patterns indicate that agricultural and manufacturing businesses are growing exponentially every year. Today, it is estimated that there are close to a million shippers.   Needless to say, there is a very large market for brokers and agents.  It has recently been estimated that freight transportation cost in the US is well over the multi billion dollar range annually and is rising. The amount of freight being moved by third parties such as freight brokers is currently estimated in the 20-30% range and growing. More shippers are using brokers & forwarders each year since it is usually much less expensive for a shipper to use an outsource, such as you and me, than to fund and maintain an in-house staff functioning as a transportation department. Employee-related costs are usually the most expensive part of any business operation. Paying a broker on a performance-only basis is the trend of the future with many shippers.

What is the difference in being a Freight Broker or a Freight Broker Agent?

A broker is the owner of his or her own company. They are required to meet all legal requirements (Authority, Bond, BOC-3) to operate as a broker.
An agent works under the authority of the broker and typically receives a percentage of the brokerage fee.

Can I work from home?

Yes! In fact, when starting your business it is recommended that you start from a home office to keep your expenses low while you grow and expand your business.

What do I need to get started?
The following are the basic office tools required for either broker or agent startup:
1. High speed internet access
2. State of the art computer
3. A fax/copy machine
4. A telephone with at least two lines (one dedicated to the fax, one dedicated for voice.)
5. A high quality broker software program

How much can I earn as a Freight Broker and how soon can I start earning?

Freight brokering is an excellent business and the agents and brokers that are successful are making anywhere from $40,000.00 to upwards of six figures per year depending upon the decision to work as an agent or broker and whether to operate a home-based business versus a larger office with employees. This business is based on contacts and relationships. It takes time to build contacts and relationships and turn them into paying customers. Sometimes it can take six months or longer to establish a solid customer base to see a profitable income, but it can be done in less time. Overall time lengths vary primarily on the individual’s determination and desire to succeed in this business.

Is Freight Broker Training School required?

Freight Broker Training School is not required to receive your property broker authority. However, the failure rate for those who attempt this business without freight broker training is high. In order for a broker to be successful in any industry (stock broker, real estate broker, etc.), formal training is a must. Transport Training of America will prepare you to perform broker duties in a profitable, ethical manner, giving you the tools needed to be successful in the field.

Why should I attend Transport Training of America, Inc. versus other Broker training schools?

Transport Training of America or (TTA) will arm you with the necessary knowledge you need to succeed in this business and we will motivate you to become a true professional in the field. Transport Training of America is the number one trainer of freight brokers in the nation. They have earned that position by training scores of future brokers and agents and delivering training that consistently exceeds student expectations. Our instructors have a combined experience of over 30 years in the transportation industry and hold at least Bachelor’s degrees with extensive classroom teaching experience.

Transport Training of America, Inc. is the only freight broker training school licensed by a State Department of Education. We are members of the Better Business Bureau, OOIDA, and the Alabama Trucking Association. We are pleased to provide our training in association with some of the largest names in transportation such as H.I.S., Inc, GetLoaded.com, TruckloadRate.com, Arcline (2000) Inc.–Transportation Software Specialists, Pacific Financial Associates, XFactors, ContingentCargo.com, & PC Miler. We work with the Department of Labor through Vocational Rehabilitation and the Workforce Investment Act. 

While there are many training companies offering freight broker training, and some at cheaper prices, this is an instance where you truly get what you pay for. Be sure to do your homework before agreeing to attend any school, including Transport Training of America. When talking to a school’s representative ask about credentials, associations, available placement, brokerage practices, instructor qualifications, and business standings. You may even want to ask to speak with past graduates. You are embarking on a new career; if you want to be successful seek out the best training, not the cheapest.

At TTA, we offer our students comprehensive training followed by available full-time agent placement. We also offer graduate perks on software including discounts on Brokerage software. While all of these are great benefits to attending our training, the greatest benefit is the education we offer combined with our emphasis on honesty, integrity and service.

How long has TTA been in business?

TTA held its first freight broker training class in June 2002 in Alabama. We have since expanded to include class locations in Dallas, TX, Atlanta, GA, San Jose, CA, various other U.S. cites, and Canada.  Our instructors hold at least Bachelor’s degrees. They not only have extensive teaching experience, but also over 30 years of transportation experience.

Does TTA offer any support after completion of the training program?

Not only does TTA offer support to those who decide to be brokers in addition, agent placement in a licensed freight brokerage firm is available. As an agent, you do not have to get your authority, bond or BOC-3, so start up costs are lower, plus you can still work from home. In addition, the brokerage will help you take care of the typical mistakes made by individuals new in the field. You will receive phone support from brokerage staff, assistance with paperwork and common load problems, and many other advantages. Most importantly, the brokerage allows you to take any customer (shipper) you obtain while working as an agent with you when you decide to become a broker – they are your client to keep.
 
Should a freight broker school be affiliated with a freight brokerage?

Yes! And the instructors should be actively engaged in brokering freight. How can an instructor teach something they don’t do themselves? When a school tells you they are affiliated with a brokerage ask for the brokerage name and MC # so you can check their authority and make sure it is current.