🚚 Start a Freight Brokerage: The Definitive Launch Roadmap

• Step-by-step startup: legal setup, FMCSA filing, bonding, insurance, website, marketing, carriers, and shippers
• All essential links and tools—LLC, authority, website design, surety bond quote, shipper/carrier lists, TMS, phone, and plan generator
• Free expert guides and PDFs for compliance, registration, and cold calling new clients
• Avoid overwhelm: Learn from concise, actionable tutorials and downloadable templates

Expert Steps to Start Your Freight Brokerage

1. Set up your business entity:
   Determine legal structure and obtain required licenses/permits.
   File an LLC today
2. Get Your Surety Bond:
   Apply for your $75,000 FMCSA BMC-84 bond—a broker licensing must.
   Get a FREE Surety Bond Quote
3. Obtain all necessary licenses & permits:
   File with the FMCSA to get MC authority (Form OP-1), complete required background and bonding.
   File Your Authority Here
4. Create your website and marketing materials:
   Design a professional online presence to attract shippers and carriers.
   Get a FREE Website
5. Find reliable carriers:
   Build strong relationships by evaluating carrier safety, insurance, and coverage. Try our partner loadboard for sourcing.
   Sign Up with a Loadboard
6. Establish relationships with shippers:
   Network, join industry organizations, and promote your services to secure shipping clients.
   Access the 60,000 Shippers List
7. Understand freight industry regulations:
   Stay compliant with all safety, insurance, and goods transport rules.
   Start Your Training
8. Develop a strong business plan:
   Define target market, services, financials, and growth strategy. Use our easy generator.
   Get a FREE Business Plan