Freight Broker - Independent Contractor

Expressinternationalinc; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Expressinternationalinc in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Freight Broker to connect shippers with reliable transportation providers. The role involves negotiating rates, locating carriers, and managing loads end-to-end to ensure timely, cost-effective deliveries.

With 2+ years of broker experience, you will build and maintain a carrier database, screen insurance data, monitor carrier performance, and keep customers informed of delays.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience as a Broker.
• 5+ passes at CSEC or equivalent; Diploma preferred.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Protect company and customer information in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Locate suitable transportation carriers to facilitate freight movement.
• Build a database of carriers through daily prospecting.
• Create loads under correct customer category and close jobs accurately.
• Maintain and update carrier insurance data in the system.
• Screen carrier reviews for reliability before onboarding.
• Follow up on carrier payments with relevant personnel.
• Submit weekly carrier performance reviews.

Skills

Strong work ethic

People skills

Carrier sourcing

Rate negotiation

Shipment coordination

Education

CSEC passes (5+)

Diploma in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

NATURE AND SCOPE

The Freight Broker matches the shipper with transportation services in order to transport goods and vice versa. They act as liaisons, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and safe freight delivery while maintaining strong relationships with clients and transportation companies. This role involves negotiating rates, tracking shipments, and resolving issues, while adhering to all regulatory requirements.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Freight Brokers are required to apply the ‘Cradle to the Grave’ approach
• Locate suitable transportation carriers to facilitate freight movement from the point of origin to the destination.
• Based on assigned locations, build a database of carriers through daily prospecting to facilitate efficient and prompt movement of customers’ freight
• The database should include carriers with the capacity for the following:
  • Power Only
  • Dry van reefers
  • Drop trailers
  • Specialty equipment (Flatbed, Step decks and heavy haulers)
• Create the loads under the correct customer category
• Accurately build and close off all jobs within the system
• Ensure the database is updated to reflect the customer's required information
• Maintain carrier database
• Ensure each carrier's insurance data is updated within the system during setup
• Screen carrier reviews for unacceptable behaviors before onboarding a carrier
• Follow up on carrier payments with the relevant personnel
• Complete weekly carrier performance review and submit to relevant personnel
• Ensure carriers submit PODs within the specified time based on the customer’s requirement
• Build a database of manufacturers/distributors through daily prospecting to cater for opportunities to increase freight movement
• Communicate with customers on delays with any shipment.
• Customer should be informed of any delay or setbacks of load movement to minimize further escalation
• Ensure every driver is setup using the required system
• In the process of booking a load, brokers ensure that carriers understand the importance of tracking the shipment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• 2+ years’ experience as a Broker. Operations Management experience would be an asset.
• 5 successful passes or more at CSEC or equivalent. Diploma in a related field is preferred.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Protect company and customer information in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently

SKILLS

• A strong work ethic
• Outstanding people skills
• Knowledge of carrier sourcing, rate negotiation, and shipment coordination.