Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

 

I recently started my own business as a freight agent and have found that there is no one to turn to for questions. It is hard to get any shippers to sign a contract with me to move their freight. I would love to talk to another agent to see how they were able to get over this hurdle and get their business moving. Any advice would be welcomed!

Thanks,

Chantel

Good Morning, Chantel!

I am not an agent - but I am a freight broker.  You are correct.  It is a tough industry to make a dent in.  We are also a carrier, which has made things a bit easier on us when it comes to working with clients. 

There are a lot of variables that go into the customer equation in the freight business.  Are you seeking general freight, or have you opted specialize?  (Focus on reefer commodities, or flatbed freight, or the produce market, etc.?)  Are you working with one of the `big box` brokerages or a smaller independent outfit?  What is your background?  Were you previously in trucking or shipping, or did you work in sales somewhere?  Feel free to PM if you would like to chat about your current situation.

~Tracy

Hello ya`ll.  I just joined the site.  I have been tremendously successful in the freight business  (brag brag)...and it was started off by just one customer who was nice enough to "give me a shot" on a urgent shipment, the consignee was happy so they started using me, they had a sister office who started using me, then they started to buy from other suppliers and they started to use me, and it just continues to grow.  I spend time marketing to each contact I get to make sure they have all our contact info, literature, and good understanding of all the services we provide globally.  Now I work primarily with fortune 100 energy companies at the top of the supply chain who dictate that I am used by all their suppliers down the chain.  We are a carrier, customs broker, truck broker, air and ocean forwarder, expedite truck broker, air charter broker, 3pl, and more. 

Thank you so much for you advice Tracy. Any and all is appreciated.

Chantel

Hey Freight Guy,

Toss some of your good luck towards my way I could really use it.

Chantel

What kind of services are you well versed in, and where are you located geographically?  maybe I can come up with something.  do you have a website?

I have just begun this venture and I know that I have a lot to  learn. I am moving along slowly as I learn as much as I can, however; I have learned that most people in this industry are not willing to openly give advice on how to get started on actually moving freight. I have found that shippers are hesitant and there lies the difficult process to have access to ANY freight. I am so determined to make this work for me I just have no where to turn for direction when I hit those many road bumps.

I am in SC, I don`t have a website yet. Any advice would be great . I have read several of your posts and I can tell you sleep, eat and breathe it. You can PM if you`d like.

I don`t want to rain on your parade, but as Tracy stated above, the independant freight broker/agent is a VERY tough route to go these days.  Most shippers want to deal with a big company and you get better buying power and resources that way also (and sales leads).  There are many franchise type organizations out there that offer amazing technology, buying power, training, factoring, and other resources.  I can`t imagine going out on my own.  I currently am just an employee of one of these franchise type organizations, and will soon be opening my own. 

You have got to establish a niche either by industry or by your service offering, this will take time, years maybe.  One possible place to start is with small UPS Store type facilities who REALLY don`t know what they doing when it comes to shipping real freight.  This can do two things, one get you quoting so you get comfortable with the process and #2 perfect your sales techniques before you go infront of a traffic manager with a $million logistics budget.  Also, you might, not sure in SC, find any one of several transportation associations where people offer trainging and meetings and newsletters, golf tournaments etc.  And another, is talk to some trucking companies in your area, ask who some small shippers are that they don`t want to deal with directly, I would avoid the big guys if you are not polished yet on the sales pitch.  You have to know what you are doing and be able to sell to make it happen.  From your other emails, I am wondering why you chose this business without any knowledge of it?  I would PM, but feel this could be possibly helping other people.

 "I am wondering why you chose this business without any knowledge of it?"

Thank you for your advice. I normally find that it is arrogance of one to question why a person starts something with no knowledge. I did not say that I have no knowledge of it, I am venturing out of one part of trucking into another part which is new to me.

This is a site where we uplift each other not tear each other down. Helping others does not mean questioning when one is asking for help.  Did you not have to start somewhere? Did you not ask questions along the way?

 

wow, I apparently struck a cord, unintentionally, I assure you.  Maybe I should have left off the unecessary part about "without any knowledge" and just simply asked "what lead you to decide to open your business, what about it interests you and drives you to make it work?"  Have you done a business plan?  My intent was simply to gain greater insight into your background in order that maybe I would be able to help further.

I am not sure why you are so defensive to me asking you a question.  I like it when I am asked tough questions particularly when I am showing someone my business plan.  I want them to try and poke holes in it, so I can prove to them and myself that I have a rock solid business plan.

have a good weekend.  I do apoligize for upsetting you, good luck on your business.