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Originally Posted by chris1

Sounds like she's looking for sales leads.

I am looking for answers to my questions, thanks. I'm not too worried about sales right now, I would like to know the industry first. Trying to get sales without the knowledge didn't prove to be fruitful for me so far.

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You have to wonder about the broker that hires an agent that has no knowledge.

I've got to start somewhere don't I? 5 years from now I will know all the answers to my questions. I just have to ask the questions first.

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As to #4 has she ever heard of collect,prepaid,cod?

Honestly, no I don't. Do you mind kindly explaining, or would you prefer I ask my broker?

 

Oh believe me I am asking my broker. I believe it is good to get a wide array of opinions on any subject. I really want to know all the ins and outs of the business and not only from a broker's perspective.


Thanks all

 

hmm... ask the broker you "work for" or ask these questions on a internet board? Perhaps ask both!

 

I am asking in both places, but somehow seem to just be banging my head against a brick wall here...

 

Okay, now that you've provided some more information which you should have provided in the first place, I will attempt to answer your questions, knowing now that you are an agent for a broker, and not someone attempting to get into the brokerage business.

You need to find out all the regulations state by state as far as permits. Any motor carrier you hire will expect you to know what permits are needed. Any shipper who hires you will expect the same. As far as finding loads, you need to start knocking on doors.

Talk to the dealerships. Talk to the manufacturers.

The days of "self haul" are becoming fewer and fewer. Even companies who appear to be hauling their own freight aren't necessarily doing so. They may have contracts with motor carriers who are providing a dedicated fleet. As far as who to contact to try to get freight from the shippers, you need to talk to the shippers themselves.

They may be, and they may not be. In many instances, it may very well be the receiver who is arranging the shipping.

You can ask the shippers. They may provide some references, and they may not. This business is very cutthroat. Nobody is going to hold your hand and guide you through finding dedicated accounts. If you are making phone calls, you are already moving in the wrong direction. You need to get out there and pound the pavement. And you need to have a service you can sell them when you do. Shippers don't want to deal with someone who can "maybe" haul their freight. They need someone who can GUARANTEE their freight will be hauled.

 

Awesome thanks!!!

 

I will expand a bit on what I stated earlier.

Oversized loads - As Rev stated you need to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations on each state in which you will run. Each state is different. Permits are different in each state. You need to know when a pilot car or escort will be needed and what routes you need to travel. An over sized load may not be able to travel the same routes as a legal load. Rates can differ from one region of the country to another and the type of equipment needed. Over sized loads can go on a flat bed, step deck, double drop or RGN. Weight and height will determine the type of trailer and number of axles. Rates vary according to the complexity of the load.

Carhauling - As I stated earlier this is something that I would suggest you stay away from until you gain more experience. This is a specialized are of this industry and most who work with cars do nothing else. You will find it difficult to work with manufacturers directly. Your best bet would be to start working wholesale auctions and local dealers to get started. You may work with hot shots, step decks or trucks up to 10-11 vehicles. You will need to have some knowledge of staging of vehicles and putting loads together. Hauling cars is more involved than general freight. Again, if you want to broker cars then you need to concentrate on that area. I don't recall any brokers with whom I have worked over the years who did cars that also brokered other type of freight. I never dealt much with brokers when I hauled cars. I mostly had my own dealers with whom I worked.

Owner operators lease their equipment to a carrier. The carrier is responsible for finding loads for them. Some may use brokers but most try to use their own shippers. There are independents and smaller carriers who use brokers more than the larger carriers.

The best way to find new customers is to knock on doors. When you knock on enough doors one will open. If you are honest and treat your shippers and carriers fairly you can do well. There are too many brokers who are dishonest and try to skim too much profit off of the loads. I will pass one thing along to you. If the only thing you have to sell is a cheap price then you have nothing to sell. I NEVER try to undercut anyone on price. It is bad business. During this time when freight is sparse carriers and brokers seem to be bent on trying to sell freight at the cheapest price. When you have a cheap price then that is the type of service you will find in your carriers. Pay a decent rate and you can build a good following of trucks and shippers. One other thing. If you want to build a loyal following of carriers to haul your freight then you should not only be honest but make sure you pay them as agreed. You need shippers but without good carriers to haul the freight you have no business.

 

to answer #4
pre-paid paid by shipper or 3rd party sales
collect paid by reciever or 3rd party buyer
cod paid on delivery by reciever

You see the shipper doesn't always control the freight.

You say you work as an agent for a broker. That means you're on a percentage/sliding scale.(if you're paid hour/week you're an employee,not independent)
Why would he hire an agent with no experience and have no control over what you do?
Why not try one of the major brokerages to gain experience? They all have training programs.
Two things you want to do are very specialized and require a fair amount of knowledge.
To get shippers you should be making 75-80 calls per day. Shouldn't be more than 4-5 hours a day,plenty of time for other things.

 

See..You provided "The rest of the story" and got better information.

Funny how that works.

 

She is exhibiting the basic lack of sales ability by getting upset with what someone says.
If she can't learn to let remarks roll off her and keep smiling she's dead in the water with what she wants to do.