- Could you tell me about your customer and carrier contacts? …
- Are you a people person, and why would you say so? …
- Could you give me three examples from past experience where you arranged effective transport for challenging customers? …
- What are the most rewarding aspects of your position?
With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the transportation industry, Tom serves as Armstrongs Vice President of Agent Development. Since joining Armstrong in 2011, Toms focus has been leading our team of agent recruiters while overseeing services integral to the day-to-day operations of each agency.
Successful Interviewing: Freight Broker interview tips
Example: “I’ve used several different types of logistics software in my previous roles, including freight management software, shipping software and transportation management system software. I find it helpful to use multiple systems because each one offers unique features that can help me complete my work more efficiently. For example, I might use transportation management system software to track shipment details like delivery dates and locations. Then, I would use shipping software to create bills of lading and other documents needed during transport.”
Freight brokers often have to work with a variety of clients and coordinate the shipment of goods from one location to another. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand what the job entails. In your answer, explain that freight brokering is a challenging but rewarding career. Explain why you are qualified for the position despite its challenges.
Freight brokers are responsible for booking shipments, and mistakes can be costly. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with the job and that you know how important it is to avoid making errors. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure you don’t book a shipment incorrectly.
Example: “I’ve never worked with hazardous materials before, but I’m familiar with what they are and how to handle them safely. In my last position, a client asked me to find a freight company that could transport their shipment of flammable liquids. I researched several companies until I found one that had the proper equipment for transporting flammable liquids.”
Example: “In my last role as a freight broker, I had a client who needed to ship goods from California to Florida. The client was looking at several different options for shipping, including trucking companies and ocean freighters. After researching each option, I found that using an ocean freighter would be the most cost-effective way to get the shipment there. However, the price of the shipment was still quite high.
A Freight Broker secures transportation for goods by serving as a liaison between shippers and carriers and communicates with dispatchers and drivers to track the status of loads. Ideal applicants are customer-oriented, meticulous and proficient multitaskers. Avoid confused, lethargic applicants.
I pride myself on being a good problem solver. Through my previous job and management positions I have faced numerous conflicts in different situations, and my experiences have helped me to hone my issue resolution skills. I believe that it is important to get to and address the root of the issue, in a respectable manner.
Choose an answer that shows that you can meet a stressful situation head-on in a productive, positive manner and let nothing stop you from accomplishing your goals. A great approach is to talk through your go-to stress-reduction tactics (making the worlds greatest to-do list, stopping to take 10 deep breaths), and then share an example of a stressful situation you navigated with ease.
Here are two great sample answers that might help get you started: ☛ I am an extremely organized person, so I tend to be able to get my work done at work. However, if the need arose I would not be against taking work home. I try not to make it a habit, since I do value my free time. I do realize though that the work we do is important, and sometimes you have to do what needs to be done. ☛ I do not shy away from taking work home with me. I know that meeting deadlines and doing outstanding work sometimes means taking a bit of it home. I do not have a problem doing that when the need arises. ☛ Make sure to give an honest answer. Lying about taking work home may turn out badly for you if it is required and you do not do it.
It is becoming increasingly important for medical assistants to be knowledgeable about computers. If you are a long-time computer user with experience with different software applications, mention it. It is also a good idea to mention any other computer skills you have, such as a high typing rate, website creation, and more.
Demonstrate both loyalty and ambition in the answer to this question. After sharing your personal ambition, it may be a good time to ask the interviewer if your ambitions match those of the company.
With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the transportation industry, Tom serves as Armstrongs Vice President of Agent Development. Since joining Armstrong in 2011, Toms focus has been leading our team of agent recruiters while overseeing services integral to the day-to-day operations of each agency.
FAQ
What are 5 characteristics of a successful freight broker?
- How long have you been in business? …
- How do you source your carriers, and how does your on boarding work? …
- Once you find a good carrier, how do you keep them? …
- What is the average tenure of your team members?
What makes a good freight broker?
- A Good Knowledge of the Trucking Industry. …
- A High Degree of Professionalism. …
- An Impeccable Degree of Honesty. …
- Eagerness to Please Their Clients. …
- Excellent Organizational and Computer Skills.
