New Freight Brokers

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We finished up our last beginner freight broker class in 2013.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to these most recent graduates.  As I read through the words this students wrote about the class I am encouraged by their reminder that our school is helpful, informative and even life changing.  The course exceeds expectations and builds confidence.  We seem to have the nicest group of attendees who are eager to learn and eager to encourage each other. These are not my words but the words of those who have been through the course.  Read through these testimonials of Brooke Transportation Training December graduates.  Thinking about adding freight brokering to your list of credentials?  Come join us for one of 2014 courses or let me know if you’d like me to send a consultant trainer out to you.   

 

More than I expected.  I liked the classes overall and the testimonials from the agents.  I would recommend this course to anyone.  The people in class were nice. -- Mariana Hernandez

I feel that I have gained confidence in dealing with sales and lost a lot of fear of dealing with people on the other end of the phone.  The instructors were all very helpful and accommodating to my personal needs. This was a good start.  Good luck and God Bless!  -- Jeff Blackwell

Informative course.  I am new to the transportation industry.  I have learned all I need to get started as an agent.  I gained several pointers in sales as well as the operation side of the business.  I am excited to get started. 

I like that brokers and agents were brought in so we can contact them to get started.  --Abbey Williams

I enjoy the class and I feel strong about starting to work.  The class opened my eye to a different look on life.  I'm blessed to come into the class and learn what I have in completing the course.  Thanks.  --Barbara Randle

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach

www.transportationtraining.com

A Stable

Tonight is the night we celebrate a miraculous night 2,000 years ago.  The night a precious young lady delivered a baby who would become the Savior of the world.  This historical event happened in a plain stable where all those who got a room in the inn kept their animals, their vehicles of the day.  Had it been today I suppose baby Jesus would have been born in the parking garage of a hotel.  God had planned this evening since the beginning of time.  He created the world, then created a couple of people who would sire a population in need of hope, love, peace and forgiveness.  We need hope, love, peace and forgiveness all the more today. 

I plan on enjoying some time with my family opening gifts, eating lots of delicious foods and watching a little football.  But I also plan and encourage you to plan on reflecting on what happened this day and night in another land at another time.  Be thankful for all your blessings and spread this hope, love, peace and forgiveness in your circle of the world.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.transportationtraining.com

Inspire Higher

Need some motivation and inspiration?  Don’t we all?   I can motivate myself and must motivate myself to make the calls and do the work I need to do in order to succeed as a freight broker.  Sometimes I need some outside motivation to help in the process.  That is one of the things I value in our freight broker instructors, they are not just imparting knowledge they are inspiring the students.  I received this testimonial from a recent graduate of our basic freight broker class taught by Vinny

Class was very upbeat.  Vinny is a very inspirational and motivating instructor.

Winfred Denson

That kind of feedback is music to my ears.  I purposed to build a school that did more that impart knowledge.  I wanted a school that inspires.  I want graduates that achieve more than they think they can because we inspire them to work a little bit harder.  I thrive on listening to graduate success stories and their creative approaches to work challenges.  I wanted students who forge ahead with new purpose to build a business, a better life and outreach to others.

So especially in this season of giving, give of yourself.  Those we meet will remember your time and your kind words a lot longer than any material gift.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach

www.transportationtraining.com

Judge Others

 from Becoming a minimalist  article  

Do not judge from mere appearances…” – Edwin Hubbel Chapin

For too long our world has made judgments about others on faulty criteria. As a result, we’ve championed, promoted, and followed some wrong people along the way. We’ve judged others on the color of their skin, symmetry of their cheek bones, salary package, neighborhood of residence, eloquence of speech, designer of clothing, or model of car. We’ve been focused on the wrong things. And have made some terribly awful judgments along the way – both personally and collectively.
Might I take a moment and recommend some new measurements? Some new measurements that are not external in nature, but are internal… measurements that weigh the very heart and soul of humanity. And begin to give us a far better sense of who to trust, who to follow, and who to champion.

20 New Ways to Judge Others.

1. Character in solitude. Our character is best revealed not in the the public eye, but in private. What we do when nobody is looking is the truest mark of our character. And those who display character in the dark will always reflect it in the light.
2. Contentment in circumstance. Often times, contentment remains elusive for both the rich and the poor. It is a struggle for humanity no matter their lot in life. Rich is the man or woman who can find contentment in either circumstance.
3. Courage during adversity. Courage can only be revealed when it is required. And only those who have displayed it and acted upon it during adversity can lay claim to its possession. This adversity can take on many different forms, but courage will always look the same: action in the face of fear.
4. Faithfulness in commitment. Those whose words are true ought to be highly lifted up in our world today. Whether our word is given with a handshake, a contract, or a wedding ring, those who hold true to their oaths are worthy of commendation.
5. Generosity in abundance. To those who have received much, much should be given away. Often times, this abundance comes in forms other than material possessions. And in that way, we each have been given much… and each ought to be generous in our use of it.
6. Graciousness towards others. Those who routinely extend grace to others are among my greatest heroes. They have a healthy realization that this world is largely unfair, that people come from a variety of backgrounds, and that nobody is truly self-made… even themselves. As a result, they are quick to extend grace and mercy to others.
7. Gratitude despite circumstance. Those who can find enough good in any circumstance to express gratitude are typically focused on the right things. And those who are focused on the right things tend to bend their lives towards those things… and draw others along with them.
8. Honesty in deprivation. It is when we are deprived of something desired that honesty is the most difficult. Whether we are deprived of something physical or intangible (like a desired outcome), dishonesty is often used to quickly take gain of something. Those who show honesty during deprivation reveal how highly they esteem it.
9. Hope during heartache. When heartache cuts at such a deep level that simple optimism is not enough… only hope can emerge. When it does, it is undeniably from a source far greater than ourselves. And those who find it, discover one of the greatest powers in the universe.
10. Humility in accomplishment. Those who are quick to deflect praise in accomplishment ought to be first in receiving it.
11. Inspiration in relationship. We are all in relationship with others – sometimes in person, sometimes in print, sometimes in other ways. These relationships should not be used solely for personal gain but for bringing out the best in others. And those who inspire others to become the best they can be should be gifted with more and more and more relationships.
12. Integrity in the details. Integrity is found in the details. Those who show integrity in the little things of life will typically display it in the bigger things as well.
13. Kindness to the weak. It is usually the weakest among us that are in most need of our kindness… and yet they receive it the least because they have no way to immediately repay it. When kindness is only shown for the sake of repayment, it becomes an investment and is no longer true kindness. Our true measure of kindness is shown in how we treat those who will never repay us.
14. Love for enemies. Anybody can love a friend. Anybody can love those who treat us well… and everybody does. But it takes a special type of person to extend love towards those who treat us unjustly.
15. Optimism towards others. See the good in everyone. There is simply no way to bring out the best in others if you haven’t seen it first.
16. Perseverance in failure. Failure reveals much about our heart. It reveals our character, our humility, and our perseverance. We will all at some point face failure. And those who get back up and try again ought to be esteemed in our mind.
17. Purity in opportunity. While character is revealed in solitude and integrity is revealed in the details, purity is revealed in the face of opportunity. When dishonest gain (money, power, sex, etc.) presents itself, those who choose purity ought to be praised. Not only do they personally sleep better at night, but they make this world a better place for all of us.
18.Respect for authority. Authority brings order to a world of disorder. Certainly there are numerous examples throughout history (and today) of proper timing in overthrowing authority that oppresses its subjects. But in most cases, authority brings reason and order… and it should be allowed to do so.
19. Responsibility for mistake. From the weakest to the strongest, we all love to pass the blame. I can see it in my 5-year old daughter and I can see it in my government leaders. We are a people that are slow to accept responsibility for our mistakes. This is unfortunate. Because only those who can admit their mistakes have the opportunity to learn from them.
20. Self-control in addiction. We are a people that too often give control of our most precious asset to another. We fall under the influence of substances, possessions, or entertainment. When we do, our life is no longer our own. And those who retain self-control in the face of addiction ought to be recognized as unique and judged accordingly.
And when we all begin to properly esteem, champion, and follow those who lead from the inside… we will make far less mistakes in choosing who to follow.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.transportationtraining.com

BRRRR

This is the view outside my home office window.  I usually see grass under the trees.  For you folk up North hours upon hours of freezing rain may be no big deal...but for us in Texas it is a challenge.  It took my daughter 8 hours to get home from work (she may have exaggerated a bit).   I heard on the radio 500 flights out of Dallas Fort Worth Airport were cancelled.  That translates into a lot of irritated businessmen late for their out of town meetings.

When we have this much ice I think about how much freight is out there being slowed down from delivery.  So I know some of you freight brokers are having to do some explaining to your customers about why their products have not arrived.  No matter what business you are in, problems will arise.  When a problem arises be the first to speak out. Don't wait for your customer to call you, hopping mad.  Beat him to the phone and make him aware of the delay, why there is a delay and your best estimate on when his product will arrive.  Promise small and deliver big.  In other words if you think the delay will be 1 day tell your customer 3 days. Then when it arrives in one day, he will be ecstatic.

I sent a gift via Amazon this past week.  They sent me an email that the product would arrive December 10th....well it arrived December 5th.  That made my recipient very happy.  Now that is smart customer service.  

Stay warm and dry.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.transportationtraining.com

Bless Others

The news we heard about the Typhoon that hit the Philippines was dramatic and heart renching.  But as the news reporting over the devastation left by Typhoon Haiyan has settled down, the people in the Philippines continue to clean up the mess.  

God blesses us not so we can get more stuff but so that we can bless others.  When I truly recognize how much I have been given in education, encouragement, in food, shelter and clothes I then can give out of my surplus.  As I give out of my surplus and find more contentment I can then give sacrificially.

As I think through what to give as Christmas gifts I'd much rather donate in someone's name rather than buy some gift they probably don't need.  So find a cause you believe in and give as we celebrate the greatest gift ever. 

I recently received this plea from a linked in associate:

Joel Escol SEO and Internet Marketing Top Contributor

My country was devastated by the strong Typhoon Haiyan. 10,000 people are feared dead and millions of my fellow countrymen are now homeless.

We are currently holding a crowd funding campaign here:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/support-typhoon-haiyan-victims-in-the-philippines-and-make-a-difference


Moving forward,


Jeff Roach
www.transportationtraining.com

National Day of Giving

Today, December 3rd is the National Day of Giving.  I started my school to give others some of the knowledge I've learned along the way and to help them get ahead in life.  Zig Ziglar's words have encouraged me in that:  "You will get what you want in life if you help others get what they want."  I learned in Sunday school many decades ago, "Do unto others as you would have done to me."  A great program that practices this mantra is the Prison Entrepreneur Program (PEP).    They give those in prison the opportunity to turn their skills into a positive.  Since few employers will hire someone with a record, the PEP trains them to be an entrepreneur.  I was waiting on my car to get an oil change when I struck up a conversation with the man next to me.  Turns out he was in prison for dealing drugs and now is an entrepreneur in the automobile industry.  He told me that as a drug dealer I
he was running a small business.  He had "employees", budgets, distribution, inventory, balance sheets, etc.  He just needed encouragement to use his skills on the "right" side of the law.  You may be sitting next to an ex-felon and not even know it.  I've been given plenty of second chances so I feel obligated to do the same.

Think through how you can give of your time, money and kindness today.  Practice Radom Acts of Kindness.  Hopefully others will catch on and follow your lead.  At the end of the day assess how you feel after spending a day unselfishly. 

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.transportationtraining.com

Thanksgiving

An attitude of gratitude is key in finding contentment in life.  Gratitude trumps grumpiness every day of the week.  Take time to list all that you have for which to be thankful.  It is the season to be thankful.  I have been so blessed in my life with a great family, successful business, wonderful activities, and days full of hope.  Thank you, my blog readers, for indulging me by reading my entries and commenting graciously.  I'm very thankful for all the students who have come through our school.  I never have a dull day because I am always meeting students hungry to learn.  I enjoy hearing all their stories about where they've been and what goals they have for the future.   I have an incredible group of people in my life.  Think through your life and be thankful.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.transportationtraining.com

R U effected by Map -21?

I found a great synopsis of how Map -21 (Moving ahead for progress in the 21st Century) will impact our part of the transportation industry. I thought would be of great interest to my readers.  Click on the link to read the whole article by Adam Robinson.

The Effect of Map - 21 on Freight Brokers and Freight Forwarders 

Map-21 includes many important provisions intended to help the Federal  Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)  in its mission to reduce  crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. The FMCSA  does have its work cut out for them to educate on Map-21. Many of  the provisions in MAP-21 track the FMCSA’s strategic framework to improve  commercial motor vehicle safety by supporting three core principles:

• Raise the bar to enter the industry and operate on our roads;  
• Hold motor carrier and drivers to the highest safety standards to  continue operations; and  
• Remove the highest risk drivers, vehicles, and carriers from our roads  and prevent them from operating.
  

So, in a nutshell, what does this mean to those in  the transportation industry? These are 8 impacts on your business and the  industry as a whole:

1. Requires disclosure of family ownership of multiple transportation  companies: Carriers, brokers and freight forwarders must disclose any  familial relationships with owners of other transportation companies.  
2. Includes a ban on “reincarnated” carriers. DOT can revoke  registration or authority of a “reincarnated” carrier or levy a fine. This  also applies to failure to disclose important facts.  
3. Requires event-on-board-recorders (EOBRs) on all interstate commercial  motor vehicles (CMVs) within 2 years: The Department of Transportation (DOT)  will issue rules within a year, so that by 2014, CMVs will install an  “electronic logging device” to “improve compliance” with hours of service  (HOS).  
4. Establishes a national driver registry: There will be a national  registry of drivers with CDLs, including driving history and drug and  alcohol test results.  
5. Imposes minimum driver training standards: Within one year, the DOT will  establish national driver training standards for a commercial driver’s  license.  
6. Creates a Unified Registration System (URS): All motor carriers, brokers  and freight forwarders must register, and carriers and brokers must register  with separate authority for each function.  
7. Increases  the broker bond to $75,000 <http://cerasis.com/2013/01/10/freight-broker-surety-bond/> : Brokers are required to post a bond or other  financial security of at least $75,000, starting October 1, 2013. The  original version had a $100,000 minimum.  
8. Imposes stricter regulation of bond and trust companies: More  transparency and fairness are required in the payment of claims by bond and  trust companies.
   

Hope that was informative.  If you have any questions or need some training give me a call.

Moving forward, 

Jeff Roach – President

Brooke  Transportation Training Solutions
Phone 214-206-1169
Fax   469-327-2712
jroach@transportationtraining.com
www.brooketraining.com <http://www.brooketraining.com>
www.justintimefreight.com <http://www.justintimefreight.com>

Winner

There are some challenges running a freight broker training school of course.  Handing training resposibilites off to my very able instructors is never a challenge.  Susie Moore one of our super instructors is amazing.  I recently received this testimonial from one of her recent graduates.  Endulge me in sharing this praise of her talents:

I have been honored to take this freight broker class at Brooke Transportation Training Solutions. Susie Moore was my trainer. Let me tell you she was awesome. She was very organized with her material and had patience with anyone that had questions. Even after training she was available when I had questions. If she could not help she would direct me to the right person and follow-up afterwards. You have a winner on your team!!!!!!!!!! I would recommend everyone to Brooke  Transportation Training Solutions. It was well worth the money. I even purchased freight brokerage software at a big discount. Thanks to the Brooke Transportation Training Solutions family.
 
Courtney Buford
Kevin Hughes
KC Logistics 13, LLC

In an effort to continually improve our training we ask all graduates to write a word or two about their experience.  We post the testimonials to our site.  These are their words.  We can tell you what we think about the training but a real life graduate tells it like it is.  When deciding on training I recommend reading through testimonials.  We appreciate Kevin's encouraging words and wish him much success with his logistics company.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.transportationtraining.com 

Fess Up to a Mess Up

One of the reasons I decided to open a freight broker training school was to teach integrity along with

tools of the trade.  There are some unethical players in any industry and transportation is no

exception.  I've learned that I sleep better at night when I've done things the "right" way.  It

sometimes seems that the cheater gets ahead.  But I know that we all end up being treated as we treat

others.  

If something goes wrong or when the customer perceives something went wrong, apologize. Be quick

to do it.  When a customer blames or claims something wasn’t done right or to their satisfaction.  Say

something like, “I am so sorry if there has been a misunderstanding!”  “I am sorry that happened.  I

can help you, tell me about what happened.”  “Let me see how we can get this turned around.”  Then

give them time to respond.  Listen intently.  We can all learn to be better listeners. 

Our natural tendency is to want to hide our mistake, or worse, blame someone else.   Take responsibility for your part in the mistake.  We all make mistakes and appreciate when others fess up.

When addressing the issue, use your customer's name often, with an accepting tone.  Their name personalizes the conversation and warms up the tension.  After you understand the issue and have figured out how to rectify the situation get to work.

Follow through on your word and follow up on your client.  When you bend over backwards to correct a wrong you are strengthening your customer relationship. 

Call, write a personal note or email the customer and give them an update, let them know what is happening.  Remember to thank them for their patience and loyalty.

Customer service can be challenging but also very rewarding.  I've had many clients who I now call my friends because we've been through some challenging times and made it to the other side.  

Keep moving,

Jeff
www.transportationtraining.com

Small Business Success

As a small business owner I am encouraged and inspired by others out there that forge into the grand adventure of small business ownership.  Our country was founded on freedom in many areas including the freedom to start your own business.   Starting a business can be scary, risky and daunting.  But that is what makes it a grand adventure.  As small business owners we must support each other through anyway we can.  I met a man from India a few years back, listened to his story and then asked him to become a part of my team of guest speakers.

My friend and frequent guest speaker at Brooke Transportation Training is Krish Dhanam.  He has helped me understand what a blessing it is to live in our nation.  He wrote The American Dream from an Indian Heart.   “As the seasons of my youth turned the innocence of childhood dreams into an obsession of adult want, I realized I would never be satisfied until I came to America. I had arrived at a crossroads in my life where I was in love with another country and contempt were the feelings I had towards my own homeland.  We all go through that phase when all we want is something other than what we have.  However, because of strong parental influence, I started doing something that would come back to assist me later in life when I needed it most.  I began to focus my learning towards American History and spent my time studying the cultural nuances that made it such a popular destination. 

The principle is very simple.  If you are at Point A and want to be at Point B, do not wait until you get to Point B to figure out what you need to survive and thrive there.  Do the planning and preparation before you expect the success you want for yourself.” www.krishdhanam.com

That is a great challenge for me.  I like to just forge right in.  Taking the time to do my homework is not always fun but being prepared always pays off.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach

www.transportationtraining.com

www.pajamalearning.biz

for lots of resources for small business go to:

http://www.sba.gov

Thank a Trucker

One of the base elements of our economy is our transportation industry.  And a vital player in moving goods are the scores of truckers that drive cross country every day of the week.  It is easy to get frustrated with an 18-wheeler ahead of you on the road.  But try to appreciate the job they are doing.  They deliver food, medical supplies, big screen televisions, treadmills, vehicles and more.  We all enjoy many needs and luxeries because of the work of our truckers.   Government regulations are costing our truckers and freight agencies a lot in time and money.  Those regulations, escalating fuel costs and aging drivers are contributing to a driver shortage.

A group has gotten so frustrated that they have planned to cause a slow down in D.C.  tomorrow.  I just finished browsing reading through a few stories on the planned protest.   

 

If the trucks decide not to roll. The Good ole USA will really shut down! Regardless of politics. The average Joe truck driver / owner operator get's the least amount of respect in this industry and has one of the hardest jobs. We need to keep this segment of the economy going or we will all be in a world of hurt! HATS OFF TO THE TRUCKERS!

Truckers Take to the Street to Protest Out-of-Control Obama Government

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach

www.transportationtraining.com

New Opportunity

Our economy continues to change.  We are the land of opportunity because we have an incredibly creative and dedicated workforce.  Our ingenuity has made our country a leading nation.  When we stop learning and inventing we will loose part of our greatness. When we get lazy we lag behind. Sadly many reports say that America is lagging behind in several areas. We are the greatest nation, be a part of the solution to keep our country grand.  The more you learn the more knowledge you have.  Increased knowledge leads to new opportunities and fresh thinking.  Think about how many new technologies have birthed new industries just in your lifetime.  

In order to stay in the game we need to be continual learners.  I am proud to be a part of an online learning community as well as a traditional classroom.  Through Transportation Training you can learn to be a freight broker or freight broker agent live or online.  Through pajama learning you can take the freight broker course or any of thousands of other courses.  Our course is offered through 2700 universities in America.  $2500.00 is the price of my school and it's like getting a franchise for the price of the course.

Make learning a priority.  I have trained many owner-operators. They tell me they save money and make more money on the road after the class because they have a better understanding of the industry.  We are honored to train many veterans after they return from serving this great nation in the military.

With all the new laws and the capacity issues, it is wise to get training. We teach how to find creative solutions for evolving challenges for both the shipper and the carrier.

The shippers and carriers respect people who invest in training.

The military trains everyday for a mission. Think about what it would be like if they didn't.

The wealth of the future will be made by those who have the information people want and can get it to those people faster than the competition. Knowledge is power and the more you learn, the more you earn.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach

www.transportationtraining.com

Happy Friday

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A picture is worth a thousand words.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach

 214-206-1169

www.transportationtraining.com