Have you ever considered a complete change of career and moving into the freight industry? Perhaps you already have some idea of freight and shipping as a driver and are now looking for a new challenge with better hours. If so, becoming a freight broker in California might be the perfect choice.
Freight brokers are always in demand in California because the industry is so strong. There’s always a shipping company in need of a reliable carrier to get their goods from A to B. Without that fluid network and brokers in the middle to make the right deals, nothing would get anywhere. Here’s some information on why freight brokers are sought after and what it takes to become one.
The Growing Freight Broker in California
Freight isn’t the most glamorous industry associated with California. The state is more well-known for its laid-back lifestyle, coastal resorts, and Hollywood rather than blue-collar industries and services. Yet, there is a thriving freight industry working hard to connect businesses, suppliers, and clients in the most efficient way possible. In fact, statistics from 2022 show that there were 1.4 billion tons of freight moved from or across the state that year. Only Texas handles more.
The freight industry in California serves a wide area, with both domestic and international services. Carriers and shipping companies can work together to send those massive loads to their destinations by air, sea, rail, and road.
1. Air Freight
Air freight is a massive part of the industry, largely due to California’s reputation on the global stage and its many international airports. LAX alone can handle massive shipments across the country and into Asian markets.
2. Sea Freight
It’s a similar story with sea freight. California’s position on the West Coast makes it the first land mass between Asia and the rest of the United States. It makes sense for massive shipments on cargo ships to leave ports like Long Beach and head to foreign clients. Similarly, these ports receive foreign goods that require carriers to get them to warehouses and other clients.
3. Rail Freight
It can surprise people to learn that there are more than 5,000 miles of railroads in California. These domestic networks can handle 5.5 million loads a year and are a convenient way to send large quantities of goods, materials, and chemicals to other states.
4. Road Freight
Then, there’s the vital road network in California. This is essential not just for taking orders upstate from southern cities but also for reaching neighboring states and more remote destinations. Carriers can connect with shipping companies on different scales to reach all kinds of clients.
All That Freight Requires Careful Management
None of those goods are going to get anywhere from those Californian ports and depots without the right management teams handling the process. You have those in charge of goods with orders to fulfill, those who run the carrier services and fleets, and those acting as middlepeople in between. Those in the middle are the freight brokers. Brokers are essentially matchmakers in the freight industry, partnering goods providers with the right shipping company and vice versa. They will ensure that everyone gets the service they need at the right price.
Shippers will often turn to these professionals to find the right carrier because it’s an effective form of outsourcing. They can put the responsibility onto someone with better connections and turn their attention to fulfilling orders and satisfying customers. Those brokers can make a decent living from the trade when they get established and can earn a commission from each deal brokered. It’s an interesting career choice for those looking for something new, especially those craving a challenging and rewarding work-from-home role. Do you have what it takes?
What Does It Take To Become A Freight Broker?
You need to be pretty driven and keen to put in the work when starting as a freight broker. The success of the deals depends on your ability to negotiate, spot the right options, and build a network of contacts. It can be a great way to start a self-employment venture if you’re willing to learn all you need to about the industry and its practices.
The best Californian freight brokers are experienced and well-connected. They’ve spent years figuring out a wide network of leads and contacts they can rely on for future jobs. This makes it easier for them to broker lucrative deals with companies they can trust. This experience has also taught them some of the finer details about the market that newcomers might miss. It takes time to be considered an expert, but it is possible with the right training and experience.
Because there is so much to learn and so many skills to develop when working as a freight broker in California, it pays to enroll in professional training. There are some great online courses available that teach you all you need to know. This includes all the industry knowledge and software needed to handle deals, how to run a business that brings in regular orders, and the legalities of licensing and regulations.
You can find schools online offering various courses to become a freight broker in California. Some are more introductory options to give you a solid foundation. Others are more in-depth and could be worth the extra investment. Some of those comprehensive courses also offer instructor-led studies, which means more expert guidance.
Should You Become A Freight Broker In California?
Again, none of this has the glamor or the stereotypical chilled vibe of the perfect Californian job. However, nobody enjoying that perfect Californian lifestyle would be in that position without the freight industry getting everyone’s order to the right place. The efficiency and reliability of the industry aren’t possible without skilled freight brokers, and you could be one of them with the right training and outlook. Take a look at the role in more detail and check out those freight broker schools. It might just be the change you are looking for.
