Transitioning Out of a Career in Sales

Top Insights

Transferable sales skills: Lead generation, deal closing, negotiation, client communication, and relationship building give you a head start in brokering.
High‑growth market: The global freight transport industry is projected to reach $72.98 billion by 2030, with many brokers working remotely.
Learn the basics: Master broker duties, industry terms (e.g., backhauling, MC number), and legal requirements like authority and bonds.
Understand startup costs: Budget $300 for FMCSA authority, $75 K bond (≈$938–$9 000/yr), up to $300 for registration, plus $1 000–$3 000 software fees.
Invest in training: Enroll in a structured freight‑broker course to accelerate your learning curve and ensure compliance.
Build your network: Start with local shippers, online directories, and industry groups to establish carrier and shipper relationships.
Alternate career paths: If brokering isn’t a fit, consider real estate, account management, talent acquisition, or project management.

Considering a career change after working in sales?

If you’ve been wondering what’s next, freight brokering could be the right move. With your background in sales, you already have many of the skills needed to succeed.

This article will show you how to make the switch from sales to other career paths like freight brokering, highlighting the steps and training needed to build a successful new career.

Benefits of Switching From Sales to Freight Brokering

Ever-growing industry. The global freight transport market is projected to reach $72.98 billion by 2030, a 136% increase since 2022. This shows that the demand for freight services and brokers continues to rise.
Remote work opportunities. Many freight brokers work from home, allowing you to build a career that fits your lifestyle without being tied to an office.
High earning potential. With the right clients and steady shipments, your earning potential can keep growing.
Entrepreneurship. As a freight broker, you can build your own business. You’re not limited by someone else’s targets or commission structure.

How to Switch From Sales to Freight Brokering

Step 1: Assess your transferable skills

Before diving into the industry, note the specific skills you’ve built in the sales position. Transferable skills from your sales role include:

Generating leads and closing deals.
Creating long-term partnerships with customers and carriers.
Negotiating higher rates.
Handling communication with clients.
Managing daily tasks like client meetings.

These sales skills and knowledge will make the transition smoother than you might expect.

Step 2: Learn the basics of freight brokerage

While the skills you’ve acquired from your sales job are beneficial, you also need to learn about the freight brokerage industry. Essentials to know include:

What freight brokers do and how they connect carriers and shippers.
Industry terms and basics, like backhauling, hot shipment, and MC number.
Licensing and legal requirements, like getting a broker authority and surety bond.
Finding job opportunities and building your carrier network.

If you’re ready to learn all of this and more, the 90-Day Freight Broker Course breaks it down step-by-step.

Step 3: Understand startup costs and licensing

Starting a freight brokerage does require some upfront investment. Startup costs include:

A $300 broker authority application fee.
A $75,000 broker bond, costing around $938 to $9,000 annually.
Business registration, which costs less than $300.
Freight brokerage software, priced at around $1,000 to $3,000 annually.

Step 4: Choose the right freight broker training

Quality training makes a big difference in how quickly you can get started. The 90-Day Freight Broker Course offers a complete roadmap, guiding you through every stage of starting and growing your brokerage.

Step 5: Build a network of shippers and carriers

Finding reliable carriers and trustworthy shippers is key. Many new brokers start by reaching out to local businesses, using online directories, and joining industry groups.

Step 6: Start prospecting and booking loads

Finally, it’s time to put your sales process skills to work. Prospect for new business by making calls, sending emails, and using load boards to find shipments. As you start booking loads and closing deals, you’ll build a steady stream of business and income.

Other Careers After Sales

If freight brokering doesn’t suit your job search, your sales skills open doors to other fields. These paths offer diverse options for sales transitioning to a fulfilling career:

Real estate agent. Real estate is a natural fit for salespeople. It requires strong negotiation, relationship-building, and sales skills. Plus, it offers flexible hours and the potential for high commissions.
Account manager. You can focus on maintaining and growing relationships with existing clients instead of chasing new sales.
Talent acquisition. Many sales professionals move into recruiting, where they help companies find and hire top talent.
Project management. If you prefer non-sales jobs, consider project management, where you lead teams in executing business projects.
Corporate strategist. You can use your sales experience to develop business growth strategies and analyze customer needs.

FAQs

1. What are the most common reasons people leave sales careers?

The most common reasons include:

Better benefits, pay and job satisfaction
Work-life balance
Unrealistic quota assignments
Burnout or constant pressure from current work
Desire to start a business
Interest in industries with more potential for growth

2. What skills from sales are most useful in freight brokering?

The most valuable skills from sales include:

Negotiation and people skills
Cold calling and closing deals
Building and managing relationships

Final Thoughts

People change careers all the time, so transitioning out of your current job doesn’t have to be a difficult move. With the right skills and guidance, becoming a freight broker can open the door to a rewarding and flexible career.

Ready to start a career in freight brokerage? Take the 90-Day Freight Broker Course, which gives you everything you need to get started in 90 days or less.

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