How to Start Your Own Freight Brokerage
A practical guide for experienced freight brokers ready to go independent, with SPI’s back-office support to streamline your transition.
Start Your Brokerage JourneyThis guide is designed for freight agents or brokers with existing industry experience.
For Freight Brokers Ready to Take Ownership
Transition to Independence with Confidence
You’ve built strong relationships and a solid book of business. Now, you’re considering taking the leap to operate independently. This guide is crafted specifically for experienced freight brokers like you, providing the roadmap and support needed to establish your own brokerage successfully.
Your Independent Freight Brokerage Startup Roadmap
Essential Steps to Launch Your Independent Brokerage
Starting your own brokerage involves several critical steps. Here’s what you need to know:
- Licensing and Authority: You’ll need to obtain your Motor Carrier (MC) number and register with the FMCSA.
- Business Structure: Decide on the appropriate legal structure for your business, such as LLC or corporation.
- Surety Bond: Secure the required $75,000 surety bond or trust fund.
- Process Agent: Designate a process agent and file Form BOC-3.
- Financial Planning: Develop a comprehensive financial plan to manage cash flow and expenses.
- Leverage Tech: Take the time to find the right freight broker technology that will make your life easier and your business more profitable.
Common Independent Freight Brokerage Startup Mistakes
Starting your own brokerage is exciting—but it’s also full of potential pitfalls. Learn from these common missteps so you can avoid costly detours.
- Underestimating Startup Costs: Without proper budgeting, early expenses can quickly strain your cash flow.
- Choosing the Wrong Partners: Poor choices in factoring, tech, or carrier partners can create long-term headaches.
- Skipping Legal or Insurance Requirements: Compliance gaps can delay your launch—or worse, result in penalties.
- Neglecting Customer Communication: Your shipper relationships are your biggest asset. Keep them informed and confident in your transition.
- Trying to Do it All Alone: Going solo doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. Delegating operations early ensures you stay focused on freight.
Compare Your Options
When ready to take take the leap to become an independent freight broker, it’s worth comparing the differences between going completely on your versus partnering with SPI for freight brokerage back-office support and freight broker solutions.
| Feature | Going Completely Independent | Partnering with SPI |
| Back-office setup | Manual and time-consuming | Fully handled for you |
| Carrier vetting and payment | DIY or paid tools | Fully handled for you |
| Compliance support | Learn-as-you-go | Expert-guided |
| Cash flow & billing | Delays common | Streamlined and fast |
| Tech stack | Find each solution and pay separately | Included TMS, load boards, and more |
SPI: Your Freight Brokerage Back-Office Partner
Focus on Growth While We Handle the Operations
SPI provides comprehensive freight brokerage back-office support, allowing you to concentrate on building relationships and moving freight. Our services include:
- Carrier Vetting and Compliance: We handle the vetting process to ensure you’re working with reliable carriers.
- Invoicing and Collections: Our team manages billing and collections, ensuring timely payments.
- Document Management: We organize and store all necessary documentation for easy access and compliance.
- Technology Access: Gain access to our integrated TMS and load boards to streamline your operations.
Why Experienced Brokers Choose SPI
Transitioning to independence doesn’t mean going it alone. Freight Brokers who partnered with SPI share why they chose SPI and how it helped them grow:
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“I want to thank you for all the GREAT support we get from you and the team. SPI is a first-class operation.”
Daniel P
“SPI is truly a first-class company – a leader in the freight industry. They take great pride in building strong relationships not only with their agents, but also with each transportation vendor. They have been a major asset in developing my business.”
John B
“With the help and support of my incredible family and the SPI family, I am working from home, exceeding my goals, and making more money than ever before. I am truly happy and can’t thank everyone enough who has helped me accomplish so much in such little time.”
Colette C.
Additional Freight Broker Resources
Starting your own brokerage comes with a learning curve—but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Explore these helpful independent freight broker resources to dig deeper into key topics and set yourself up for success.
Ready to Launch? Let’s Talk
If you’re an experienced freight broker with an existing book of business, SPI is here to support your transition to independence. Let’s discuss how we can partner to make your brokerage a success.
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This program is designed for freight agents or brokers with existing industry experience.