Thursday, May 19, 2016

What You Require Before Starting A Freight Broker Business

By Deborah Walker


Starting an enterprise seems difficult when you are unaware of the requirements that entrepreneurs are mandated to meet. Opening up a shipping enterprise on the other hand requires a lot of resources and dedication from a businessperson. People therefore need to evaluate some factors before venturing into freight broker operations for profitable reasons. As a broker, your sole purpose is to link shippers to motor carriers.

To begin with, you require a lawful structure for your enterprise. This structure determines whether you will operate alone or with other people. When drafting a structure for your business, try to compare of the benefits of operating with other people and solo. Consult experts such as attorneys and accountants to learn about sole proprietorship and partnership in businesses.

The next step is to apply for operating authority from the federal department in charge of motor carriers. This application can be conducted online. An applicant is required to pay a non refundable fee of three hundred dollars when submitting the application form. Payments are also supposed to be made with a debit or credit card. Once an application has been accepted, you will be approved by the transportation authorities to ensure that your enterprise complies with safety standards.

As an aspiring entrepreneur, you require a legal counsel to represent you in court and receive court papers. This individual will always stand on your side to defend and present evidences in court that prove your innocence when faced with legal issues. It is mandatory to have a legal representative in every place or state where your services dominate. This is because jurisdictional laws of countries and states vary.

Smart entrepreneurs usually plan for trust funds and surety bonds. On average, freight dealers must have a trust fund that is worth seventy five thousand dollars. When a broker fails to live up to the agreements reached with a carrier or shipper, these funds are used for compensation purposes. You can obtain surety bonds from an insurance company. In this case, the insurance company requires proof that you are certified by the government.

Going through the state requirements for shipping middlemen is helpful especially when you want to venture into this business. In this case, you can visit the state department offices or log into their website to learn more about the requirements. Go through the taxation laws and ensure that they match your preferences as a new entrepreneur. It is advisable to abort doing business in areas where the taxation rates are high.

The next procedure is to set up an office that will act as a meeting point between you and your clients. It can be a commercial office space or home office depending on your preferences. At minimum, a fax, wired phone and computer will be required for your office. Additionally, try to budget for internet charges, rent, payroll for employees and other utilities such as heat, electricity and water.

The final step is to ensure that your office has sufficient paperwork for recording business transactions. In addition, carrier qualifications, contracts, receivables and payments should be documented well for future use. Market your enterprise and set an affordable price for your services.




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