Freight broker must hold an active freight broker authority with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and follow all rules and regulations in compliance: including - 75 K broker bond. It is recommended for a freight broker to have contingent cargo. There is high expenses in load boards, TMS, etc.

A freight broker is considered the "middle salesperson" between a shipper who has freight to be hauled and a carrier who hauls the freight. As a freight broker, you negotiate a "load" to make a profit.

A freight agent is considered a 1099 contractor to a freight broker in which they "broker loads" for a freight broker for an agreed contractural commission.

In my opinion of being in logistics for the past 22 years, I would recommend working as an employee in a freight broker firm, then transforming into an agency or freight broker firm.

To own and operate a freight broker company is not impossible, but there is a lot of financial risks involved and I would recommend finding several seasoned voices to answer your questions before investing.