Freight Broker-Bar Owner Robert

Robert Landeros, Owner RZL Logistics LLC

903-449-3496

rzllogisticsllc@gmail.com

One of the things I love the most about my business is the interesting characters that come through our classes. I get to hear lots of life stories, amazing backgrounds and the unexpected twists along the road of life.

Robert Landaros, Sr from Plainview, Texas graduated from Brooke Transportation Training in February 2020.  Robert is multi talented.  He owns a bar in Plainview, Texas called Red Door (on facebook as Robert Red Door, Plainview, Texas).

Robert also has a freight background working international freight.  So he was juggling his job and his bar when he decides he was ready to take on a new adventure.

He thought through what he would need to do to follow his dream of having his own business in logistics.  First step was to take a course that would set him up well and give him the support he would need.  He found Brooke Training on Google, read the reviews and enrolled in our Dallas class with his son.

Robert and his son

After he graduated, he got his broker’s authority.  He was all ready to rock and roll… then the Corona Virus hit.  He started calling all the contacts he was sure would give him some loads to move, only to find they were all shut down.  

I often say that there will always be work for a freight broker.  You just have to work hard, seek out opportunities and ask for advise from someone knowledgeable.

Robert immediately called his instructor at Brooke Training, Vinny, to ask if he had any ideas on how to beat this.  “Vinny loves what he does, he wants his students to succeed so he is always available to give advice or talk through issues. He provides the support after the class that is what makes Brooke’s training so great.  He told me to call industries that are working hard now like food suppliers and logistics.  He told me in colorful language to get up and get going.     Vinny put a little fire under me”, Robert said.

That was the push that launched Robert’s logistics business.  After some calling and calling and then more calling Robert eventually found a shipper who was willing to let him bid a load.  Roberts says, “Well I must have beat everyone’s bid because I got the load.  Everything went right and the shipper decided to give me more business.”

The loads Robert is currently moving are Computer servers and wall mounted ATMs from big name manufacturers.   Everyone is working from home so Internet servers have got to work. Banks are closed so ATMs are in high demand as well.

Robert told me about a recent contract he got that he hopes to become the main source of his work:  Mission Tortilla.  They are headquartered close to where Robert lives. He likes to be able to personally meet with them and they like working with a local. He knows the drivers. He is moving truckloads full of flour destined to become tasty tortillas.

I can’t think of anything more challenging that starting a business at the onset of a Pandemic.  Robert is an inspiration. He didn’t sit back and have a pity party.  He got some advice and a push from a knowledgeable advisor and got his business off to a great start.  

Brooke congratulates Robert.  We will support him along the way.  

If you are ready to start a new adventure and are willing to put in the work, you can be a success in the exciting transportation industry as well.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach

214-206-1169

www.brooketraining.com

How You Can Help

Today I'm sharing this excellent Wall Street Journal Article by Michelle Ma:

How You Can Help

How to Help in the Coronavirus Crisis—and Why You’ll Be Glad You Did

Ways to donate money, goods and your time—and likely improve your own frame of mind at the same time

When you’re down, help others.

Across the country, people suddenly feeling helpless amid the coronavirus pandemic are finding a balm to soothe their stress: Identify a need, and do your best to fill it.

Psychologists and stress researchers have long understood the mental and emotional benefits of doing good. In a 2015 study, Emily Ansell and her team found that performing compassionate acts, even small ones, can help mitigate the negative effects of stress on an individual’s mood and mental health. “Helping others also helps ourselves,” says Dr. Ansell, an associate professor of biobehavioral health at the Penn State College of Health and Human Development.

Helping others can distract us from our own stress, increase our sense of meaning and purpose, and reduce the toll stress takes on our bodies, according to Dr. Ansell. Doing something positive for someone else can also increase our feelings of self-efficacy or control at a time when so much is outside our control.

Nihal Mehta, founding general partner at Eniac Ventures in New York City, knows that feeling. In March, Mr. Mehta assembled a group of volunteer coders, pulled two all-nighters and set up a website called Help Main Street. The page includes a searchable map that allows people to locate and purchase gift cards from local businesses to support them while in quarantine.

Building and maintaining the website has given Mr. Mehta energy and a sense of purpose. “Otherwise, I’d be hitting my head against the wall thinking about what to do,” he says.

Donations surge

People across the country have mobilized to help out where they can.

From March 16 to April 6, the American Red Cross saw a 90% increase in blood-donation appointments, compared with typical numbers. GetUsPPE.org, a group that coordinates donations of personal protective equipment to health-care workers, estimates it has facilitated the donation of more than 500,000 pieces of protective gear. More than 150,000 donors have contributed money to Feeding America’s Covid-19 Response Fund, which is “by far our largest relief effort,” says a spokeswoman for the organization, which represents 200 food banks across the U.S.

Organizers have also set up relief funds nationwide for restaurant workers, domestic workers, farmworkers and others affected by the pandemic, disbursing money directly to applicants based on need. Recovered Covid-19 patients have stepped up, too, donating blood plasma to help others fight the disease.

On a local level, communities have set up mutual-aid networks that connect people directly to neighbors in need. These networks allow volunteers to do everything from pick up groceries or medications for elderly neighbors to help people navigate the unemployment-application process, according to Caroline DeLuca, an organizer with Mutual Aid NYC.

More is needed

But experts say these efforts aren’t enough.

Feeding America estimates a $1.4 billion shortfall for food-bank operations for the next six months. The majority of more than 600 health-care institutions surveyed this month by GetUsPPE.org have less than a two-week supply of personal protective equipment remaining. And blood banks remain concerned about keeping inventory levels stable, as people who donated in March won’t be eligible to donate again until May, and blood that was donated in March will expire at the end of April, according to Kate Fry, chief executive officer of America’s Blood Centers.

Aid groups recommend that those looking to help find out what their communities need most. Before donating masks to a hospital, for example, check on what its health-care workers are looking for and how they want to receive donations. Many health-care workers are putting calls out on GetUsPPE.org with exactly what personal protective equipment they need, as well as where, when and how to drop it off.

People can also help by educating themselves about aid efforts and sharing that information with those who might not be able to access it, according to John deBary, co-founder of the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation. Many of those struggling the most right now have language barriers or don’t have access to smartphones and the internet, says Mr. deBary.

Small gestures help

As child-care and job-security woes affect more people, many may feel they don’t have the time or money to help. Even so, Dr. Ansell’s research suggests individuals can still receive the psychological benefits of helping others, no matter how small the act.

Kindness toward front-line workers can go a long way, says Do Jun Lee,an organizer with Biking Public Project, a group that advocates for delivery cyclists. Dr. Lee suggests people tip more, be patient, and show empathy and gratitude to workers who are often under pressure and putting themselves in danger.

Megan Ranney, a Providence, R.I., emergency physician and one of the founders of GetUsPPE.org, recalls signs of support her neighbors posted on her front lawn: “To know that someone is thinking of you means so much.”

The pandemic is making people aware of how much they depend on each other, and that “even if you’re not in need right now, you will be at some point,” says Ms. DeLuca, who has been working to support the formation of new neighborhood mutual-aid groups in New York City.

“Being able to do something that is helping people is one of the only things that has kept me sane through this,” she says.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

You can donate to your local food bank or to Covid-19 relief funds set up for restaurant workers, domestic workers and others affected by the pandemic. You can also consider continuing to pay workers who may no longer be able to do their jobs because of stay-at-home orders, like hairdressers, nannies and housecleaners. 

Select resources:

Feeding America

Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation

National Domestic Workers Alliance

If you have extra masks, gloves or other types of personal protective equipment, you can consider donating them to your local health-care facility or front-line worker.

Select resource:

GetUsPPE.org

Volunteer with your local mutual-aid network or food bank, or schedule a donation of blood. You can also donate convalescent plasma if you have recovered from Covid-19.

Selected resources:

Feeding America

America’s Blood Centers

American Red Cross

Mutual Aid Hub

Ms. Ma is the assistant editor of live journalism and special coverage at The Wall Street Journal in New York. She can be reached at michelle.ma@wsj.com.

Remote Live Training

Our training continues despite the fact that most of us are staying at home.  Most of our instructors are doing remote training, and the results are great.  New freight brokers are graduating each month to start a new career from home.   And the timing is great. Because of COVID-19 more consumers are having things delivered, so more freight brokers are needed to get those good to the various parts of the country.

One of our recent graduates has started his new career strong right out of the shoot.  I will write about his story soon.  Don't stay at home and be discouraged.  Learn a new skill, learn a new career and find your light on the horizon.

 Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com

Good News--The Freight Market is about to Soar

Transportation Industry is Zooming Up

I sure enjoy reading some good news.  I like news that shows we are on the upswing...news that shows forward movement is on the horizon. I read this very encouraging article by Craig Fuller,  CEO and founder of Sonar, Freightwaves.com.  Thanks Craig.   Here is my recap of and a link to the article:

Freight Market forecasting is tricky, especially today, because of the unprecedented nature of COVID-19.  Craig Fuller points out in his article that electronic tenders are an excellent way to forecast the future of the freight industry.  A tender is an actual, real time request for a load.  The tender is sent from a shipper to a trucking company a few days before the needed pick up.  Thus the tender request is a leading indicator of the direction of the freight market.

In the article Craig has excellent graphs showing this indicator.

Many groceries, consumer goods and healthcare products have consistent freight demand.  Other items such as beverages and produce are more seasonal in nature.  The predictable freight is contracted freight. Contracted freight is largely handled by major carriers.  When this contract market bottoms out then the spot freight market heats up.

Craig writes:  "Over the next few weeks we can expect parts of the economy that impact freight demand will start to come back...spot rates will firm starting in May."

That is excellent news for freight brokers.  Some of the industries that will be slow to restart like travel, large outdoor events and restaurants do not effect the freight industry in a major way.

Stay the course if you are a freight broker or take our course if you'd like to learn a career where the sky is the limit.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
214-206-1169

We will Rise

This is an Easter that is different from any Easter I have ever had.  We won't do a lot of the things that normally happen on Easter Sunday.  Our whole week has been quite different from Easter weeks of the past.  Tomorrow is Good Friday, the day Christ followers remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  On that day over 2000 years ago Jesus of Nazareth was crucified on a cross like a common criminal.

The day is a historical day as well as a day prophesied 700 years before it happened. Christ fulfilled 100s of prophesies precisely as it was foretold throughout the Bible.  The Bible is the most historically accurate book ever written.  The Bible has been copied for ages yet the ancient manuscripts match what we read today.

But the wonder of Good Friday is more than just a historical account.  It is an account of the greatest good God has done for mankind.  He wants to be in relationship with the people He loves so intensely that He sent His son to the world, not to condemn but to redeem, to forgive and to give abundant life.

The account of the day the world was dark for 3 hours at midday,  after Christ died, is recorded by many writers in detailed accuracy.

That day, Christ was beaten to the point that he was unrecognizable.  His suffering was intense.  We as a people and as a country are suffering now from the scourge of COVD-19.  But our suffering pales in comparison to Christ's last days on Earth.  He was betrayed by one he loved, he was humiliated in public and he was killed as a criminal when he had done no wrong.  This is what I believe.

I am confidant that we will rise from this crisis.  Christ's victory over death should give us confidence that defies logic, confidence that is miraculous.

Happy Easter!

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com

Great Remote Training

Need something to do?  Learn something new.  Brooke Training is approved by the Veteran's Administration and the United States Work Force Solutions to train remote.  Business is great for remote training.  Join others who are putting their extra time to good use.



The transportation industry is in high demand.  Learn the skills to be in this industry. Trucking is in high demand because of COVID 19.  It is a whole new world. Delivery of products and services is vital now and far into the future.  Our population is becoming adept at getting all they need through delivery services.  More of our products will be produced in the United States moving forward.  Those products will need to be delivered to distribution locations all over the country.

Freight Brokers and freight broker agents are in high demand.  They are needed to coordinate between the manufacturers/suppliers and the carriers/truckers.  Our freight broker training course teaches the skills needed to get started. Most of the work in done online and by phone, so it is a great work from home career.  This exciting and fast paced career is a pathway to monetary success.

We are seasoned professionals with more than three decades training, very humble of our 5 star reviews.  Listen to what others say about their experience with Brooke Training:




Vinny "lil Danny Devito" was a cool instructor. I know now what I didn't know before.  And thank you Vinny and Ms. Julie. -- work klean tv

Brooke Transportation Training School is phenomenal.  It exceeded my expectations and the instructor Vinny was amazing to work with. He throughly explained everything about the business and was a joy to work with.  There's a ton of value built into this program and you also get to speak with guest speakers that are currently in the business.  I'd definitely recommend this program to anyone that's looking to move into this career field.  I want to also thank Jeff and Jan Roach for putting on such a great program and atmosphere to learn in.--Lawrence Waller

Feel free to read more reviews on google or the testimonial section of the website. Have any questions? No pressure, let's just talk.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach (214) 206-1169
www.brooketraining.com

Create Video Games

Created by a digital game artist

Learn a "pandemic proof" job.  Train for a work-from-home career at Brooke Training. Instead of wasting hours of time playing video games... learn to create video games from your laptop. 

Brooke Training offers Digital Game Artist Certification and Video Game Design and Development.
  
  Through Brooke Training's online learning site, enroll in one of our animation programs.  The skills you learn can be used to launch a new career or enhance the career you have. Animation skills can be used in almost any industry for video games, websites, training videos, online promotions, sports programming and more.  These courses take a year to a year and half to complete.  The skills learned can be profitable for your life.

Money invested in learning is never a waste. Learning stretches your brain and opens up new doors.  You will have something new to talk about at a party or on the phone or social media (since we are currently socially distancing).

According to Glassdoor an animator can make upwards of $100,000 a year. 

Sound good to you?  Have questions?  Give our online specialist a call: 855-520-6806

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach, president
www.brooketraining.com
214-206-1169