- 1). Obtain a job in the freight brokerage industry. Use the experience to learn what it takes to be successful in the field. You could also use it to start building connections with truckers, brokers and people who need material shipped.
- 2). Talk with shippers and truckers working in your area. Find out what material business and individuals in the region need shipped, and if there are market niches the established brokerage industry doesn't cover.
- 3). Draw up a business plan for your freight brokerage. A good plan will show your financial goals and projections for the first few years of your business, and detail what sort of shipments your business will deal with -- whether you'll handle general consignments or specialize in hazardous materials, for instance.
- 4). Apply to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for a freight broker license. To broker freight legally, you'll need the FMCSA to issue a Broker's Authority and a processing agent license, which cost a total $350 as of 2011. To get your license, you'll need to show proof you have a $10,000 surety bond to cover claims against your business.
- 5). Request your bank to authorize a line of credit for your firm. You may need as much as $250,000 to make sure you can pay your truckers, without waiting on customers to pay you first. Use your business plan to show the bank that you're a serious business and a safe candidate for credit.
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