Successful freight brokers don't start with a broker license and hope for the best. They start with relationships.
The first 90 days separate brokers who thrive from those who fail in year one. Here's the FAM methodology:
- Days 1–30: Foundation. Identify your operating region's freight flows. Which shippers move volume? Which carriers have capacity? Build a contact map—this is your starting point.
- Days 31–60: Connect. Make 50 verified carrier calls. Make 30 shipper calls. Offer no loads yet. Just learn. Document what moves, what pays, what hurts.
- Days 61–90: Execute. Match your first 5 loads. Track margin, carrier feedback, shipper satisfaction. Refine for the next 90 days.
Brokers who skip this process and jump to load boards fail because they have no relationships backing the margin.
Your network is your business. Build it first.