mardi 17 mai 2016

How To Start A Freight Broker Enterprise

By Deborah Walker


Venturing into the freight shipping business can be quite an ordeal for most people. Shippers around the world contract trucking companies to ferry their goods. In addition, people prefer hiring a freight broker for truck transportation services. This individual acts as a link between shippers who have goods and carriers who offer truck transport. There are several requirements that you should meet before pursuing this career.

To begin with, you require a lawful structure for your enterprise. This structure determines whether you will operate alone or with other people. When drafting a structure for your business, try to compare of the benefits of operating with other people and solo. Consult experts such as attorneys and accountants to learn about sole proprietorship and partnership in businesses.

The federal agencies that oversee motor carriers mandate shipping dealers to register for operating authority. This registration is deemed lawful because it is a mechanism adopted by the government to mitigate crime in the shipping industry. Registration for operating authority is normally done online. Furthermore, applicants pay a varying amount of cash every time they submit and request for application forms.

The third procedure is to choose a process agent. This agent acts as a recipient of court papers whenever cases have been filed against a carrier or broker. If you want to operate in multiple states, you must choose a process agent in every state. The federal agency responsible for motor carriers will always ask whether you have a representative before approving your application.

Smart entrepreneurs have surety bonds and trust funds to act as contingency plans. According to the motor carrier policies, freight dealers require trust funds worth seventy thousand dollars. These funds are used to compensate clients who have incurred losses when a broker has failed to perform his services. Surety bonds can be obtained from insurance companies. Prior to obtaining them, you should present certification documents to the insurance company.

Reviewing the minimum requirements for shipping businessmen is advantageous because every state or country has its own requirements. One way of finding out what you are required to meet as an aspiring entrepreneur is by visiting government offices. Another way is by browsing the federal websites and paying more attention to the web pages that focus on the shipping industry.

The next procedure is to set up an office that will act as a meeting point between you and your clients. It can be a commercial office space or home office depending on your preferences. At minimum, a fax, wired phone and computer will be required for your office. Additionally, try to budget for internet charges, rent, payroll for employees and other utilities such as heat, electricity and water.

The final step is to ensure that your office has sufficient paperwork for recording business transactions. In addition, carrier qualifications, contracts, receivables and payments should be documented well for future use. Market your enterprise and set an affordable price for your services.




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