Although the United States may be shifting from a manufacturing to an information-based economy, there will never be a time when goods don't have to move. And since the majority of goods shipped in the United States are sent by truck, the role of freight broker is a crucial one: Without freight brokers, most of those goods would end up sitting in a warehouse or on the docks and never get to their final destinations.

As a freight broker, you can make good money, right from your home, matching carriers with shippers for a fee. It's a very easy business to start--there's no special training or knowledge of the shipping industry needed. And equipment costs are minimal--all you really need is a computer, a phone and a fax machine. Our guide will do the rest. We'll show you how to:

Chapter 1

The transportation industry in general and the trucking industry specifically are critical to the economic and social survival of local communities, the country and, indeed, the entire world. Think about the times major transportation systems have failed, either because of mechanical problems, natural disasters or labor conflicts. When cargo can’t move, the repercussions are serious and widespread. Store shelves are emptied, perishable goods spoil, factories are shut down, workers are idled—the list goes on.

The United States may be shifting from a manufacturing to an information-based economy, and technology is certainly impacting every business, but there will never be a time when goods do not have to move.