When businesses are needing to ship their products across a great distance, they may outsource this work to a professional freight agent. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that these items reach their final destination on schedule and as efficiently as possible. Due to the important function that these professionals have, this may be an excellent career for those that are wanting better earnings and room for growth. Once you have a couple of basic questions about this career in shipping answered, you should be in a better position when deciding if this job is right for you. 

What Are the Working Conditions for Freight Agents Like?

Interestingly, this is a career that offers you the opportunity to work either with a large company or as an independent professional. Regardless of the option you choose, you should expect to get most of your work done during normal business hours because this is when most of the shipping companies you will be working with accept calls. 

However, it should be noted that you are ultimately responsible for cargo until it arrives at its destination. This means that you may need to work nights or weekends when problems with the shipment arise. However, this inconvenience may be a small price to pay for the financial rewards and professional freedom that can accompany this occupation. 

Why Are You Required to Be Bonded?

Before you can start working with customers, you will be required to be bonded. A bond is essentially an insurance policy that protects you and your customers from the financial consequences of mistakes on your part. For example, if you make the mistake of incorrectly scheduling your drive and the shipment arrives late, you may be responsible for any financial losses that the shipper suffered. 

Also, these policies will protect you in the event that these items are lost or damage through the fault of the shipping company. When you are choosing a policy, make sure that you opt for one that will provide more than enough coverage for the average price of the shipment you will be expecting to handle. If  you secure a contract for a much larger or more valuable shipment than your normal ones, you should consider upgrading your bond to account for this. 

Being a freight agent can be a great way of earning a comfortable living, but these careers may not be widely understood. Once you understand the working conditions that you can be expecting as well as the importance of being bonded, it is possible to make the right choice about pursuing this career. For more information, talk to a freight agent training professional.

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