QuestionHi Jim, Thanks for all the answers you've been giving here, just found this site myself.
I've been doing some research into opening a Brokerage, and I have quite a bit of information, but I went and looked at the TIA website and checked out the New Broker Kit. I'm just wondering how necessary it is, it is $350 and seems like it's the same info I'm finding elsewhere? Just wondering if this is material you have seen yourself and if you have seen it work...Thanks for your help :)
AnswerRita, I have not seen the material but TIA is the leading industry association for Brokers so I would have some confidence that the material would be beneficial for someone getting started. I looked at the $350 "kit" which includes:
Transportation Broker's Manual; FMCSA Applications; Sample Contracts; TIA Membership Directory; TIA Membership Information, Resource Library, and much more. and I think the main item of value would be the 165 page Transportation Broker's Manual which you can buy individually for $60.
I think this will have enough information "An Overview of Business Strategy for Brokers; Strategic Planning; Fundamentals of Marketing for Brokers; Fundamentals of Accounting; Basic Financial Management Concepts; Overview of Logistics and Outsourcing.." that will allow you to make a decision if you want to proceed.
The FMCSA forms can be downloaded free from the FMCSA website and in fact you can apply on-line. The TIA Sample contratct is also available free. http://www.p3program.com/Model.Contract.Info.html
You can definitely supplement this with material you find elswhere. Best of luck. Jim
