Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Freight Broker

💰 $55,000 - $85,000+ (plus commission)

LogisticsSupply ChainSalesTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

As a Freight Broker, you are the critical link in the supply chain, acting as the essential intermediary between companies that need to ship goods (shippers) and the transportation companies (carriers) that move that freight. This is a high-energy, relationship-driven sales role where you will build your own portfolio of clients and carriers. Your mission is to provide seamless, cost-effective, and reliable transportation solutions, ensuring goods are delivered on time and on budget. Success in this role is driven by your ability to negotiate effectively, solve complex logistical puzzles, and build lasting trust with both your customers and carrier partners.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Dispatcher
  • Inside or Outside Sales Representative
  • Recent Graduate (Business, Supply Chain)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Freight Broker / Account Executive
  • Carrier Sales Manager
  • Team Lead / Brokerage Manager
  • Branch Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Logistics Manager (for a shipper)
  • Account Manager (Logistics/3PL)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Actively prospect, cold call, and qualify new leads to generate a robust sales pipeline and build a personal book of business from the ground up.
  • Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with shipper clients by understanding their unique transportation needs and providing exceptional customer service.
  • Source, onboard, and cultivate a network of reliable and qualified motor carriers (FTL, LTL, Intermodal) to ensure consistent and available capacity for client freight.
  • Conduct daily rate negotiations with both shippers and carriers to secure competitive pricing that ensures profitability for the company and value for the client.
  • Manage the full lifecycle of a shipment, from quoting and booking to dispatching and final delivery, ensuring all operational details are flawlessly executed.
  • Proactively track and trace freight movements in real-time using TMS and other tracking technologies, providing customers with timely and accurate updates.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all parties, expertly communicating load requirements, pickup/delivery schedules, and special handling instructions.
  • Swiftly identify and resolve any in-transit issues, such as delays, breakdowns, or freight discrepancies, by developing creative and effective solutions.
  • Utilize industry-leading load boards (e.g., DAT, Truckstop.com) and our internal Transportation Management System (TMS) to match available freight with carrier capacity.
  • Analyze market trends, seasonality, and lane data to make informed pricing decisions and provide strategic advice to your clients.
  • Ensure all shipments comply with DOT regulations, insurance requirements, and any specific customer compliance standards.
  • Manage carrier payment and invoicing processes, ensuring accuracy and timely settlement to maintain positive carrier relationships.
  • Prepare and present quotes, proposals, and business reviews to prospective and existing customers, showcasing our value proposition.
  • Collaborate internally with carrier sales teams and operations support staff to streamline processes and ensure a high level of service.
  • Maintain meticulous records of all customer interactions, transactions, and shipment details within the company's CRM and TMS platforms.
  • Drive account growth by upselling and cross-selling additional logistics services and solutions to your existing client base.
  • Hold carriers accountable for on-time performance and professional service, addressing any performance issues as they arise.
  • Handle and assist in the resolution of freight claims, working as a liaison between the shipper and the carrier.
  • Continuously expand your knowledge of the transportation industry, including market dynamics, equipment types, and regional capacity fluctuations.
  • Meet and exceed established monthly and quarterly sales and margin targets through strategic account management and new business development.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory analysis on carrier performance, lane profitability, and market trends.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of our Transportation Management System (TMS) and internal data tools.
  • Collaborate with sales and operations teams to identify reporting needs and translate them into actionable requirements for our tech department.
  • Participate in team meetings and contribute to strategic initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and profitability.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) such as McLeod, TMW, or similar platforms.
  • Expertise using load boards like DAT Power, Truckstop.com, and other freight-matching technologies.
  • Strong negotiation, pricing, and margin calculation skills.
  • Deep understanding of transportation modes, including Full Truckload (FTL), LTL, Refrigerated, and Flatbed.
  • Knowledge of DOT regulations, hours-of-service (HOS) rules, and freight industry compliance.
  • Experience with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) for pipeline and customer management.
  • High proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
  • Sales prospecting techniques, including cold calling and lead generation.
  • Ability to analyze market data to understand lane pricing and capacity trends.
  • Basic understanding of freight claims and liability processes.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
  • Tenacious problem-solving abilities and a talent for thinking on your feet.
  • High degree of resilience and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
  • A competitive, self-motivated spirit with a strong sense of urgency and a "hunter" mentality.
  • Superior relationship-building and networking capabilities.
  • Excellent persuasion, influencing, and closing skills.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively.
  • Unwavering work ethic and a commitment to integrity and honesty.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Marketing
  • Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of experience in freight brokerage, 3PL, transportation sales, or a related logistics field.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of demonstrated success in a freight brokerage role with a verifiable book of business is highly desirable.
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