If you’re considering getting into freight brokering, you’ve probably got plenty of questions. What does a broker actually do all day? Is it a stressful job? Is it worth it?
Let’s be honest: this job is not for everyone. It’s fast, it’s unpredictable, and you’re constantly on the hook to get things done. But if you’ve got the discipline to follow through, the hustle to keep up, and the mindset to learn fast, you’ll find opportunity here.
It’s important to note that every day as a freight broker is different, depending on their niche. But the basics are the same: manage freight, solve problems, and keep trucks moving. If you like variety, don’t mind a few curveballs, and thrive in a fast-paced setting, it might just be the gig for you.
To see if this career suits you, join us as we walk you through a day in the life of a freight broker.
Morning: Start Strong, Stay Ahead
Freight doesn’t sleep, especially when you’re dealing with clients and carriers across time zones. That’s why a freight broker’s day starts early.
By 7:30 or 8 am, many freight brokers are already on calls. Shippers want updates. Carriers are asking for load info. Additionally, any overnight developments demand immediate attention before they escalate into larger issues, like a missed delivery, a schedule change, or a broken-down truck.
Many brokers also check weather and traffic reports first thing, especially for high-risk routes. A delay due to snow in Denver or traffic in LA can derail the entire day’s plan if you don’t see it coming.
Morning activities typically include:
- Checking overnight emails and voicemails
- Reviewing loads booked for the day
- Following up on outstanding pickups or deliveries for ETAs or delivery confirmations
- Identifying uncovered loads that need trucks ASAP
An early start is important because in this job, small delays early on can snowball fast. So you need to stay on the front foot.
Mid-Morning: Matching Freight with Trucks
By now, you’re deep into the work: sourcing trucks, locking in rates, and confirming load details. This is where you win or lose margin, and where building relationships really matters.
Mid-morning activities typically include:
- Posting cargo to load boards (DAT, Truckstop, etc.)
- Calling carriers or owner-operators to confirm availability
- Negotiating rates and firming up pickup windows
- Coordinating with shippers to get all details lined up
Each load is a mini deal, and the more you understand your lanes, market rates, and carrier network, the better your outcomes. It’s not just transactional, either. Good brokers build long-term partnerships on both sides. That trust helps when issues come up (and they will).
For example, you post a reefer load from Dallas to Phoenix and get three offers within 10 minutes, but two don’t have the right equipment. Knowing which carriers you can trust saves you hours.
Afternoon: Keep the Cargo Moving
Once you book the day’s load, your next focus is execution. Freight’s on the road, and it needs to be kept on track.
Afternoon activities typically include:
- Checking in with drivers to confirm status and ETAs
- Relaying updates to shippers
- Troubleshooting any hiccups (late pickup, driver delay, weather, etc.)
- Coordinating delivery instructions and making sure all paperwork is in order
This is where you set yourself apart. Anyone can post a load and book a truck, but a good broker manages the freight from end to end. If something goes wrong (and something always does), your clients are counting on you to fix it.
For example, you might get a call at 2:15 pm to learn that the driver missed his window at the receiver. You need to coordinate a reschedule, calm the shipper, and make sure detention fees are documented.
Late Afternoon: Wrap Up and Get Ahead
As the day winds down, it’s time to close out completed tasks and start prepping for tomorrow.
End-of-day activities typically include:
- Updating records in your TMS (transportation management system—Tailwind, AscendTMS, etc.)
- Sending PODs and invoicing for completed loads
- Following up on any unresolved issues
- Reviewing available freight for the next day
- Pre-booking trucks for high-priority loads.
- Logging off, though some brokers may remain on-call for after-hours situations
A clean wrap-up means a cleaner start tomorrow. Staying organized here helps keep your inbox from getting chaotic the next morning, and it’s fundamental to maintaining operational efficiency.
Tools and Time Management
Hustle is important, but you also need to work smart. The right tools and habits make a big difference when juggling multiple loads, calls, and deadlines.
Tools brokers often use include:
- TMS (Transportation Management Systems): Platforms like AscendTMS or Tailwind help manage loads, track shipments, send invoices, and communicate with carriers, all in one place.
- Load boards and rate indexes: DAT, Truckstop, and other platforms help you monitor market rates and match freight with trucks quickly.
- CRM software: Used to track shipper leads, log calls, set reminders, and follow up with prospects.
- Calendar and task management tools: Simple setups like Google Calendar, ClickUp, or even time blocking on paper can help structure the day.
Time management habits that make a difference include:
- Block time for prospecting: Don’t leave sales to chance. Put outbound calls and follow-ups on the calendar.
- Batch similar tasks: Grouping admin work, invoicing, or check calls helps reduce mental switching.
- Use call and email templates: Saves time and ensures nothing gets missed.
- Build routines: Having a structured workflow helps keep things moving, especially when the unexpected hits.
Beyond the Clock: What Makes a Great Broker?
As a freight broker, you’re making dozens of decisions a day that affect real people, real cargo, and real money. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but successful brokers tend to have a few things in common.
- Excellent communication skills: Clear, fast, and responsive.
- Calm under pressure: Don’t get rattled when a load goes sideways.
- Persistently organised: You might have to juggle 10 conversations and 50 loads without losing track.
- Good problem-solving skills: Unexpected challenges will arise, and you have to be prepared.
- Always learning: About the market, rates, routes, and how to serve your clients better.
The job rewards consistency, follow-through, and hustle. If you are able to hit all those, there’s no cap on what you can earn.
Growing the Business: Generating Leads and Prospecting
Booking freight is only half the job; the other half is finding it. Proactively building relationships with shippers who need reliable transport solutions is an essential part of the job.
This includes:
- Prospecting: Researching potential shippers in niche industries (e.g. produce, construction materials, furniture)
- Cold outreach: Making cold calls or sending cold emails to introduce your services
- Following up: Checking in with past contacts and leads you didn’t close last month
- CRM tracking: Logging calls, managing contacts, and noting follow-up dates in your TMS or CRM
The more consistent you are with outreach, the more consistent your freight flow becomes. This is what turns this from a one-person hustle into a scalable business.
Most Common Challenges
No two loads are the same. That’s part of the draw. As a freight broker, you’ll be dealing with plenty of moving parts and unpredictable issues, like:
Market swings: Freight rates can change week to week depending on demand, fuel costs, and capacity. Good brokers stay close to the market and stay flexible with pricing and margins.
Carrier reliability: Not every carrier shows up when they say they will. That’s why strong relationships (and proper vetting) matter. Having a backup ready can save the day.
Double brokering: This is one of the biggest headaches in the industry. A carrier takes your load and then passes it to another carrier without telling you or the shipper, causing risk, confusion, and payment disputes. Vetting and trust are your safeguards.
Time pressure and multitasking: Brokers often manage 10–30 loads at once. That means constant calls, texts, and updates.
Where to Start to Become a Freight Broker
Freight brokering isn’t just a job, it’s a business. And like any business, the better your foundation, the faster you grow. If you’re ready to tackle the whirlwind world of a freight brokerage, the 90-Day Freight Broker Course gives you everything you need to launch your own business.
It’s the most comprehensive freight broker training available to take you from “just getting started” to fully operational in 90 days or less.
You’ll get:
- Step-by-step guidance on setting up your freight brokerage
- Real-world insight from working brokers
- Flexible learning formats: Lessons in video, audio, and text
- Full toolkit included: Templates, checklists, contract samples, and workflow systems
You’ll learn about:
- Licensing, bonding, and getting your authority
- Choosing the right software for operations and accounting
- Transportation law and freight insurance essentials
- How to find and win shippers
- Vetting carriers and understanding equipment types
- Rate negotiation, load boards, and covering tough lanes
- Tracking freight, handling issues, and communicating with drivers
- Invoicing, cash flow, and invoice factoring
- The full freight broker sales funnel: prospecting, cold calling, lead generation, and closing business
- LTL vs FTL — and when to offer each
Final Thoughts
As you can see, a freight broker’s day is a whirlwind of calls, coordination, and problem-solving, blending hustle with strategy. It’s challenging but rewarding for those who love variety and thrive under pressure.
With discipline, organization, and the right tools, you can turn chaos into opportunity, building a profitable brokerage. Ready to dive in? Join the waitlist now to become a freight broker in 90 days or less!