North American Division

The old expression is to... "Learn To Walk - Before You Run". So many individuals go into this industry without a clue on how it all works. There are some Brokers that will even take on a new Agent - without any knowledge. But keep in mind that they usually only show you - what they want you to know - not always what you need to know. You need to know how to check a Broker to make sure they pay their bills and pay you on time.

We advise individuals who do not have any experience or knowledge in this industry to go to a Broker Agent School. They will show you how to do the paperwork that necessary to booking a load from start to finish. How to find shippers and carriers, negotiating pricing, how to use the load boards properly, how to pick and verify if the Broker to work for, or how to be your own Broker. These schools range in pricing. Call and ask them questions - if they won't answer you at that time - then what are they going to hide during training?

These Schools will educate you how and where to get your own Broker Authority. But keep in mind that if you wish to be a Broker you have to get the following: Brokers Authority, $10,000 Bond or Trust, Process Agent and Insurance if you want. The Broker takes care of the accounts payables and receivables. Note that more and more Shippers are expecting Brokers to carry their own Insurance - so be prepared for that too. Now... to be an Agent you do not have to have any of those items stated above. An Agent works under a Brokers Authority, Bond/Trust. The Agent usually gets paid weekly or bi-weekly by the Broker - whereas - a Broker has to wait 0-90 days to get paid by the Shipper.

A Broker keeps 100% of the earnings - The Broker carries 100% of the liability.

An Agent usually makes 50-70% of the earnings - Agents are not liable unless you sign a contract otherwise.