New Broker Certification – Module 1
Start Your Journey in the World of Logistics
Welcome to the first step of your certification journey — where you’ll discover how freight brokers keep the economy moving. Whether you’re here to start your own brokerage, explore a new career path, or meet TIA membership requirements, this module will help you understand exactly how the industry works and where you fit within it.
Freight brokers are the matchmakers of the supply chain. They connect shippers who need freight moved with carriers who have the capacity to move it — without ever touching the freight themselves. In this opening module, you’ll learn the fundamentals that every successful broker must master:
What a freight broker does and how the brokerage process works from quote to delivery
How industry deregulation in the 1980s reshaped trucking and made brokers indispensable
The legal boundaries between carriers, brokers, and agents — and how to stay compliant
Key freight terms, shipment types, and modes you’ll use every day
The core steps and costs involved in launching your own brokerage or agency
Proven strategies for marketing your services and building lasting business relationships
As you move through the lessons, you’ll begin to see the broker’s role as more than a middleman — it’s a blend of problem-solver, strategist, and trusted partner. You’ll explore real scenarios, test your knowledge, and connect the dots between regulation, operations, and entrepreneurship.
Pro Tip: Write down your personal goal for this course — whether it’s earning your certificate, building confidence, or launching your own company. You’ll revisit that goal in your coaching sessions as you measure your growth.
By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear picture of how freight brokerage works, the history that shaped it, and the professional mindset required to succeed. Let’s get started — your path to becoming a certified freight broker begins here.
M1: Welcome to Freight Brokerage1:39
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New Broker Certification – Module 1
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New Broker Certification – Module 1
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Topic: New Broker Certification – Module 1
Knowledge Check:
New Broker Certification – Module 1
New Broker Certification – Module 1
Knowledge Check:
New Broker Certification – Module 1
Knowledge Check:
New Broker Certification – Module 1
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New Broker Certification – M1 Coaching Primer Video11:08
New Broker Certification – Module 2
Welcome to Module 2! In this module, we move from the concept of being a freight broker to the practice of operating as one. You will learn what it truly means to act as the central logistics professional in the supply chain—from understanding your role in customer and carrier relationships, to protecting your business through contracts, and finally, leveraging technology to scale and automate your operations.
This module is designed to equip you with the operational mindset and tools used by the most successful brokers in the industry. You will see how every decision—from how you quote freight to how you select carriers—directly impacts your profitability, credibility, and long-term growth. By the end of this module, you will not only understand the broker’s responsibilities, but you will be able to execute them confidently using industry-leading tools and best practices.
You’re not just learning how to move freight. You’re learning how to build a brokerage that is efficient, compliant, scalable, and built for long-term success.
Introduction to Module 22:09
Module Overview, Learning Objectives & Required Resources
Downloads & Templates
How This Module is Structured To Help You Succeed
Section 1: It’s Your Business
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Wrap-Up & Workbook Application
Section 2: Finding a Customer and Freight
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Wrap-Up & Workbook Application
Section 3: Customer Relationships
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Wrap-Up & Workbook Application
Section 4: Contract Basics
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Wrap-Up & Workbook Application
Section 5: Contract Details
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Coaching Check-in #1 (Sections 1-5)
Section 6: TIA Broker-Carrier Agreement
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Section 7: Common Problem Clauses in Shipper Contracts
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Section 8: TIA–NITL Broker/Shipper Contract
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Section 9: Negotiating Rates
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Section 10: Demand Drivers in Rate Setting
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Coaching Check-in #2 (Sections 6-10)
Section 11: Finding Carriers
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Section 12: Covering Freight
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Section 13: The Load Sheet – Your Operational Command Center
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Section 14 – Negotiating with a Carrier
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Section 15 – Carrier Strategies
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Coaching Check-in #3 (Sections 11-15)
Section 16 – Technology Basics to Know
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Section 17 – Transportation Management Systems (TMS) & Rate Confirmations
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Section 18 – EDI, API & Digital Integrations
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Section 19 – Customer Communication Technologies
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Section 20 – Back-Office Operations, Software & Financial Systems
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Coaching Check-in #4 (Sections 16-20)
New Broker Certification – Module 2 Coaching Primer Video11:08
New Broker Certification – Module 3
Welcome to Module 3—the foundation of your legal credibility as a freight broker. In this module, you will learn what it truly means to operate as a licensed, compliant, and protected transportation professional in the eyes of federal law and the marketplace.
This isn’t just about paperwork or regulations—it’s about protecting your business, your reputation, and your ability to grow. You will discover the rules that govern freight brokerage, how to properly establish and maintain your authority, and how to avoid the costly mistakes that lead to fines, revoked authority, or legal liability.
By the end of this module, you will know how to:
Legally establish your brokerage with the FMCSA
Protect your company from misrepresentation and liability
Ensure customers pay you on time using contracts and credit controls
Maintain compliance with federal regulations that build trust and credibility in the marketplace
Compliance is not just a requirement—it is your competitive advantage. Let’s build the regulatory foundation that ensures you don’t just enter the industry, but succeed in it with confidence and integrity.
Section 1 – Introduction to Basic Rules, Regulations, and Broker Authority1:53
Section 2 – Module Overview & Learning Objectives
Section 3 – How This Module is Structured
Section 4 – FMCSA & Broker Authority
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Section 5 – Liability and Misrepresentations
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Coaching Check-in #1
Section 6 – Credit Applications, Payments, and Use of Contracts
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Section 7 – Regulatory Structure & Compliance Requirements
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Section 8 – Key Legal Requirements & Broker Obligations
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Section 9 – Records, Advertising, & Compensation Rules
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Section 10 – Antitrust Compliance & Industry Protections
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Coaching Check-in #2
NBC – M3 Coaching Primer Video10:40
New Broker Certificate – Module 4: Marketing and Sales
Welcome to Module 4: Marketing and Sales, where we shift from simply running a brokerage to growing a brokerage. You can have your authority, systems, and compliance in place—but your business only moves forward when you consistently win freight, build relationships, and create loyalty with shippers.
This module teaches you how to do exactly that.
As a freight broker, you are not just moving loads—you are managing relationships, solving supply chain challenges, and positioning yourself as a trusted logistics partner. Marketing introduces your value. Sales converts that value into revenue. Together, they form the foundation of long-term success in this industry.
🔑 In this module, you will learn how to:
Identify your ideal shippers and market segments
Communicate what sets you apart from competitors
Prepare for sales conversations with confidence and clarity
Sell on value—not price—and win meaningful business
Follow up with purpose to turn opportunities into recurring revenue
By the end of this module, you won’t be “hoping” customers give you freight—you will be using a repeatable process to attract, win, and retain profitable business.
This is where your brokerage starts to grow intentionally, strategically, and sustainably.
Let’s get started building your revenue engine.
Section 1 – Introduction to Marketing & Sales1:43
Section 2 – Overview & Learning Objectives
Section 3 – How This Module is Structured
Section 4 – What is Marketing in a Freight Brokerage?
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Section 5 – Identifying Your Target Markets
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Section 6 – The Sales Process: Pre-Call Planning
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Coaching Check-in #1
Section 7 – Value-Based Selling vs Price-Based Selling
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Section 8 – Marketing in 3 Steps
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Section 9 – Closing & Follow-Up: Turning Opportunities Into Revenue
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Coaching Check-in #2
New Broker Certification – M4 Coaching Primer Video10:47
New Broker Certification – Module 5: Responsibilities for Cargo Loss & Damage
Every shipment you broker represents both opportunity and obligation. When freight moves smoothly, your brokerage earns revenue and builds trust. But when something goes wrong—when a shipment is delayed, damaged, or lost—the question quickly becomes: Who is responsible?
This module will help you answer that question with confidence.
You’ll explore how legal and operational responsibilities are divided among shippers, carriers, consignees, and brokers, and how the Bill of Lading (BOL) defines those relationships. You’ll learn how liability is determined, how documentation drives accountability, and how proactive communication and proper insurance protect your brokerage from unnecessary exposure.
More importantly, you’ll develop the judgment to recognize risk before it turns into a claim. Through real-world examples, guided workbook prompts, and reflection exercises, you’ll connect legal principles to practical decisions you make every day.
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:
Explain how the Bill of Lading functions as the contract of carriage
Identify the specific responsibilities of each party in the freight chain
Recognize how broker negligence or poor documentation can create liability
Apply best practices for recordkeeping, communication, and claims prevention
Evaluate insurance solutions to strengthen your brokerage’s risk management
Your reputation as a broker depends on your ability to manage risk, communicate clearly, and protect all parties involved. This module ensures you understand exactly where your responsibilities begin—and how to prevent them from ending in a claim.
Section 1 – Introduction2:23
Section 2 – Module Overview & Learning Objectives
Section 3 – How This Module Is Structured
Section 4 – Responsibilities for Cargo Loss and Damage
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Section 5 – Shipper Responsibilities
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Section 6 – Carrier Responsibilities
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Coaching Check-in #1
Section 7 – Consignee Responsibilities
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Section 8 – Freight Broker Responsibilities
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Section 9 -Liabilities Faced by Brokers
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Section 10 – Insurance Solutions
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Section 11 – Additional Insurance Solutions
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Section 12 – Additional Issues to Consider
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Coaching Check-in #2
New Broker Certification – M5 Coaching Primer Video8:43
New Broker Certification – Module 6: Finance 101
Every freight brokerage—no matter how experienced or well-connected—depends on one thing above all else: cash flow.
Without it, even the busiest operation can grind to a halt.
In this module, you’ll learn how to take command of your financial foundation—from managing cash inflows and outflows to building the professional relationships that protect your business from risk. You’ll see how financial discipline, accurate processes, and proactive planning create not just stability, but sustainable growth.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this module, you’ll know how to:
Manage Cash Flow and Debt
Understand the difference between profit and liquidity, forecast financial needs, and avoid the cash crunches that derail operations.
Establish Credit and Risk Controls
Create a structured process for approving customers, setting limits, and managing financial risk with confidence.
Execute Billing, Collections, and Payables Efficiently
Design systems that keep payments moving—both incoming and outgoing—while maintaining trust with shippers and carriers.
Control Expenses and Optimize Time
Identify waste, improve efficiency, and build routines that make your brokerage more profitable and your workday more productive.
Plan for Taxes and Build Financial Partnerships
Understand your business structure, prepare for tax season, and cultivate key relationships with professionals who keep your brokerage compliant and protected.
How You’ll Learn
This module combines:
Real-world examples from successful brokerages
Practical templates and financial tools (income statement, balance sheet, payables checklist)
Workbook prompts to help you apply each concept directly to your business
Coaching checkpoints to guide reflection and reinforce progress
Each lesson builds toward a simple goal: giving you the confidence to run your brokerage like a business—predictable, profitable, and financially strong.
Why It Matters
In the fast-moving world of freight, money moves just as quickly—and sometimes just as unpredictably.
Understanding how to manage your financial operations doesn’t just protect your brokerage; it gives you the power to grow on your own terms.
Section 1 – Introduction2:27
Section 2 – Module Overview & Learning Objectives
Section 3 – How This Module Is Structured
Section 4 – Cash Flow and Debt
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Section 5 – Credit Approval Process
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Section 6 – Billing and Collections
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Section 7 – Payables Management
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Section 8 – Expense & Time Management
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Section 9 – Taxes & Important Relationships
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Coaching Check-in: Finance 101
Additional Financial Resources
New Broker Certification – M6 Coaching Primer Video8:43
New Broker Certification – Module 7 Ethics
Every decision a freight broker makes—whether it’s how to handle a double-booked load, what to tell a shipper, or which carriers to partner with—carries an ethical dimension. In this module, you’ll explore how personal values, company culture, and industry standards shape the way brokers operate in today’s complex logistics environment.
Ethics isn’t just about following laws—it’s about doing what’s right when no one’s watching. You’ll examine how ethical frameworks apply to real-world brokerage dilemmas like unauthorized re-brokering, load transparency, and client communication. You’ll also see how a clearly defined code of conduct can protect both your reputation and your business.
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:
Understand the key theories and terminology behind ethical decision-making.
Recognize how personal ethics and organizational culture interact.
Analyze ethical issues unique to transportation brokerage—like double brokering, “booking and bouncing,” and keeping shippers fully informed.
Evaluate how to apply ethical reasoning to your own professional decisions.
This module challenges you to think not only about what’s legal—but what’s fair, transparent, and aligned with your professional integrity.
Learning Objectives
An Introduction to Ethics in Transportation Brokerage
An Introduction to Ethics in Transportation Brokerage Part 2
An Introduction to Ethics in Transportation Brokerage Part 3
Alternative Approaches to Ethics in Transportation Brokerage
Alternative Approaches to Ethics in Transportation Brokerage Part 2
Alternative Approaches to Ethics in Transportation Brokerage Part 3
Alternative Approaches to Ethics in Transportation Brokerage Part 4
Alternative Approaches to Ethics in Transportation Brokerage Part 7
Alternative Approaches to Ethics in Transportation Brokerage Part 6
Alternative Approaches to Ethics in Transportation Brokerage Part 5
The Ethics of “Booking and Bouncing” and Keeping Shippers Fully Informed Part 1
The Ethics of “Booking and Bouncing” and Keeping Shippers Fully Informed Part 2
The Ethics of “Booking and Bouncing” and Keeping Shippers Fully Informed Part 3
The State of Ethics in Transportation Brokerage
The State of Ethics in Transportation Brokerage Part 2
Applying Ethics to the Transportation Brokerage Industry
Ethics and the Transportation Brokerage Company
New Broker Certification – M7 Coaching Primer Video10:46
New Broker Certification – Module 8: Scalable Growth Strategies & Systems for Small Business Success
Welcome to Module 8: Scalable Growth Strategies for Freight Brokers.
In freight brokerage, growth can be exciting—and risky. Many new brokers hit a wall when demand increases faster than their systems can handle. This module will help you design your business to grow on purpose, not by accident.
You’ll explore how to strengthen your operations, align your team and technology, and create repeatable systems that scale without sacrificing service or profit. Through practical lessons and real-world examples, you’ll learn to think like a business owner who’s building a scalable brokerage—one that thrives under pressure and keeps customers coming back.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:
Differentiate Between Growth and Scalability
Understand why adding more loads isn’t the same as scaling—and how scalable brokers grow profitably without burning out their teams or draining cash flow.
Assess and Strengthen Your Systems
Evaluate your readiness for growth by reviewing key elements like process standardization, automation, financial stability, and team capability.
Align Operations with Customer Experience
Learn how to expand while maintaining your reputation for reliability, responsiveness, and trust—your most valuable assets in a crowded market.
Implement and Monitor Growth Initiatives
Build repeatable systems, measure what matters, and use data-driven insights to continuously improve your brokerage’s performance.
How You’ll Learn
This module blends strategy with execution—helping you move from theory to action through:
Practical examples from real brokerage growth stories
Step-by-step frameworks for assessing scalability
Guided workbook reflections to apply each lesson
Coaching check-ins to refine your systems and identify next steps
Why It Matters
Growth that isn’t scalable can break your brokerage. But scalable growth—rooted in process, technology, and people—creates lasting freedom.
It’s how successful brokers move from doing everything themselves to building a business that runs on systems instead of stress.
This is your roadmap to building a brokerage that doesn’t just grow—it endures.
Section 1 – Introduction1:38
Section 2 – Module Overview & Learning Objectives
Section 3 – How This Module Is Structured
Section 4 – Foundations of Scalable Business Growth
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Section 5 – Building Systems & Processes That Scale
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Section 6 – Aligning Operations with Customer Experience
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Section 7 – Scaling Through People & Leadership
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Section 8 – Financial Readiness for Growth
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Section 9 – Strategic Growth Planning
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Section 10 – Coaching Check-in
New Broker Certification – M8 Coaching Primer Video11:05
New Broker Certification – Session 2: Live Coaching Recordings
Live Coaching Recording: March 11 – Lead Generation56:46
Live Coaching Recording: March 18 – Technology & Tools57:29