How To Become A Freight Agent
Freight agent positions are becoming in demand as more products are being shipped from manufacturers to consumers. Freight agents are responsible for coordinating freight shipments, and they interact both with shipping companies and with manufacturers.
Getting started as a freight agent is fairly simple, and the job can be lucrative if you have the aptitude for it. Here are some things to know about starting a freight agent career.
Who Do I Work For?
A freight agent can work as an independent contractor, finding their own manufacturing clients and helping to arrange transportation for their goods. Freight agents can also find jobs as representatives of large shipping companies, helping them to find new major clients. A freight agent may also work with a more established freight broker; freight brokers also handle the transport of goods, but they may be more involved with insuring the shipments and collecting payments. In short, there are many different types of opportunities that you can find if you have the right skills to be a freight agent.
What Skills Do I Need?
For one, freight agents need to have a solid knowledge of different types of freight shipping along with their costs, speed, and reliability. When a client describes their shipment to you, you must be able to walk them through different options and choose the most appropriate shipping company. You'll need solid sales skills in order to market yourself and attract new clients. A good management system is important in order to keep up with the demands of your clients' shipments, and some freight agents will seek out business training in order to be more efficient.
Training for Freight Agents
If you don't have enough experience related to manufacturing, sales, management, or shipping, then your best option is to take a freight agent training program. A good program will teach you everything you need to know to get started, including how to find and evaluate new shippers, how to coordinate between shippers and manufacturers, and how to manage the people involved in a shipment so that it goes out on time. There is a good mix of technical knowledge and people skills that go into this position, and employers are more likely to be impressed if you have specialized training for the job. When you are serious about becoming a freight agent, the right training program can help you show your aptitude for the field.