FREIGHT AGENT TRAINING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why is the price so low?
A: We have priced our online classes and courses at a level that ensures the highest benefit to the most students. Many are looking for a legitimate home business and we understand what it’s like to be the one ‘just starting out’. Therefore, we want to give you the best chance for success. We have never liked greedy people, so we try to lead by example.  In addition, we just REDUCED the price because we are only offering email support.

Q: What does an Independent Freight Agent (IFA) do?
A: Independent Freight Agents (IFA’s) book freight for shippers and licensed motor carriers throughout the U.S. and Canada. On a day-to-day basis, they rate loads, dispatch trucks, cultivate new business, follow-up with current and prospective clients, track loads, and resolve any problems that arise. 

Because the IFA will generate their own book of business, an entrepreneurial personality, solid work ethic, and excellent communication skills are essential to success. 

Q: If I want to be a freight broker, so why should I work as an IFA?
A: Being a freight broker means thousands of dollars in start-up costs. You will also need to acquire governmental authority and bonding. In addition, unless you hire a support staff, you’ll spend a great deal of time on administration and paperwork and have to purchase expensive freight broker software — time that could be spent booking freight and making money. Freight broker training itself is also expensive.

Q: Why do you hate cheap freight?
A: Cheap freight may be good for the shipper, but cheap freight is NEVER good for the truck.  And ultimately, you work for the truck.  Transportation brokers, freight brokers and freight forwarders don't mind cheap freight because of the spread, but you must avoid cheap freight if you want to be a successful independent freight agent.  Good-paying freight shows the truck that you are legitimate. 

Q: I have a non-compete agreement with my current employer and am concerned about starting as an Independent Freight Agent.  How can you help?
A: Non-competes agreements are common in this industry, and we know it can be a challenge building a client base from the ground up. 

After you complete the IFA Complete™ training course, you can use the five methods we teach in order to generate freight leads. 

If you have specific questions about a non-compete you may have with a current employer, please consult your attorney. 

Q: What equipment will I need to get started?
A: To open an independent freight agency, you will need a computer with high speed internet, a fax machine, a telephone with unlimited long distance and a couple of subscription tools that we discuss in the course and classes. This business allows you to work from home which affords several tax advantages to starting your independent freight agent business. 

Question: How do I find shippers and carriers?
A: When you enroll in the training course, we will show you the most effective means to build both shipper and carrier databases. This is at the heart of your independent freight agent business. 

Q: How do I find a broker to work for if I wish to become an agent after training?
A: You will not need to worry about so-called “placement” after your training because you will be totally and completely independent! This is yet another benefit of the IFA. You don’t have to worry about begging someone to invest their time in you or to simply give you a chance. You have job certainty from the day you finish the class.  No freight broker training program can promise you that. 

Q: Are you affiliated with other training programs that I have found on the internet?
A: Absolutely Not! All of our training programs and our amazing Toolbox materials were created by our company for ourselves and our students and are copyrighted and trademarked by IFA Complete™. 

Q: What is the difference between a freight broker & freight agent?
A: A freight broker assumes all legal and financial responsibilities for the movement of the load. They must meet the FMCSA Guidelines to legally operate as a property broker in the United States.  

A freight agent can either be a contractor for a freight broker or work independently.  But in either case, serves in the same capacity. Typically, new freight agents will receive a commission of 50% of the gross profit from every load. An agent who is established with a book of business can get as much as 75%. The agent in return does not assume any responsibility for insurance, authority, bonding, claims or collections on freight bills. 

Q: How do I get paid?
A: You will receive your pay from the carrier.  In the online class and the solo course, we teach you how to bind the truck and use multiple methods to ensure that you get paid.  Yet another benefit of the independent freight agent is that you will never have to split your earnings. 

Q: Can I work from home?
A: Absolutely. However, you must be willing to establish and maintain work from home boundaries with yourself and your family. Many independent freight agents find this difficult and in those cases it would be advisable to set up a small office outside of their home, away from distractions.