Freight brokers are key constituents of the transportation and trucking sectors. The core requirements to become a logistics broker often are ill defined to aspirants and as such they fail to live up to the expectations of potential recruiters.
Basic requirements
Employers usually seek candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree in logistics, business management or allied fields. Certain entry level positions pertaining to freight broker agent’s job are open to prospects with a high school diploma and significant experience under the belt. The aspirant should try to excel in fields such as materials and inventory handling, supply chain management, logistics, distribution, accounting, business ethics and project management.
Candidates who have completed an internship in a freight broker training program definitely have a competitive edge over other persons running for the same post. The programs are tailor made to develop the competency level of candidate about key aspects governing the freight brokerage sector. Certain prominent topics that are generally covered during the program include arrangement of pickups, delivery of goods and materials, resolving customer service problems, shipping charges calculation and systematically record shipments’ details.
Professional certification
The certification provided by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) will serve the purpose as the logistics industry is regulated. An aspirant can become a certified broker by passing a four hour long, a multiple choice examination that seeks to test the depth of knowledge pertaining to legal and regulatory aspects of the logistics industry, traffic management and the business aspects of freight brokerage agencies.
Work experience
Work experience equips potential candidates with the cutting edge that the recruiters will find hard to overlook. The candidate can persuade recruiters with cost-effective angle wherein the hiring firm need not open the mouth of the purse to train the candidate extensively on the hands-on aspect of the business. The candidate can easily secure entry level jobs related to attending to administrative tasks and providing real time support for freight agents. The skills get progressively honed in the job and with experience piling up the candidate may be deemed suitable to assume more critical responsibilities that will open up the doors of career advancement.
Core skills expected
The aspirant should be inherently gifted with key skills of negotiation, split second decision making, reasoning, problem solving, time management and critical thinking. With time and experience, the orientation to serve customers better and handle sales, transportation and marketing will develop.
Computer knowledge
A basic working knowledge of the computer is no longer a qualification. Candidates should be adept in the advanced techniques of spreadsheet or macro management and presentation skills. Focused software knowledge relevant to the industry is critical. Hands on knowledge about procurement software, inventory management software and transportation management software will be crucial in gaining entry to this supply chain management industry.
The freight forwarding firms have become extremely choosy with candidates seeking a lucrative stint with them. The aspirant should stay in touch with industry experts to gain critical insights into the functioning of this industry. Staying hooked to the internet will keep one updated with the contemporary trends.