Freight Broker/dispatcher

A **Junior Freight Broker** plays an essential role in the logistics and transportation industry by acting as an intermediary between shippers and carriers. They help ensure goods are transported efficiently while meeting customer needs and maximizing profitability. Here’s a description of the key responsibilities and skills typically required for this role:
**Junior Freight Broker Job Description**

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Carrier Sourcing**: Identify and establish relationships with reliable carriers (trucking companies and freight companies.) to meet shippers' transportation needs.
- **Customer Service**: Assist in managing customer accounts by communicating shipping options, pricing, and scheduling, ensuring high satisfaction.
- **Freight Booking**: Work with senior brokers to secure transportation services and handle day-to-day freight bookings, ensuring timely delivery.
- **Price Negotiation**: Negotiate rates with carriers to ensure competitive pricing while maintaining profitability.
- **Documentation**: Ensure all relevant documents, including contracts, bills of lading, and shipping agreements, are accurate and in compliance with regulations.
- **Tracking and Monitoring**: Track freight in transit, provide regular updates to clients, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during transportation.
- **Sales Support**: Support the sales team by identifying potential clients, making cold calls, and helping to close deals.
- **Market Research**: Stay updated on market trends, fuel prices, and regulations that could affect the logistics process.
- **Problem Solving**: Assist with resolving transportation issues, such as delays, cargo damage, or compliance concerns.

**Required Skills and Qualifications**:

- **Communication Skills**: Strong verbal and written communication abilities for negotiating with carriers and providing updates to clients.
- **Customer Service**: A customer-focused approach to build and maintain relationships with both clients and carriers.
- **Attention to Detail**: Careful attention to ensure accuracy in documentation and scheduling.
- **Negotiation**: Ability to negotiate rates effectively to balance costs and profits.
- **Time Management**: The ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- **Sales Acumen**: A basic understanding of sales principles, with a proactive approach to finding and securing new business.
- **Problem-Solving**: Aptitude for quickly resolving issues as they arise to keep shipments on schedule.

**Education and Experience**:

- High school diploma or equivalent (required).
- A bachelor's degree in business, logistics, or a related field (preferred but not required).
- Previous experience in customer service, sales, or logistics (a plus but not mandatory).
- Knowledge of transportation management systems (TMS) and load boards like DAT or Truckstop (advantageous).

A **Junior Freight Broker** role typically offers an excellent entry point into the logistics industry, with opportunities for growth into senior broker positions as skills and experience develop.

**Experience**:

- Logistics: 1 year (required)