We weigh whether 2026 is the right time to start or double down on a freight brokerage, then map the forces moving the market: rising spot rates, falling volumes, and compliance crackdowns that are shrinking capacity. We dig into fraud tactics, why over‑automation backfires, and how small daily habits turn volatility into opportunity.

• rising spot rates against lower shipment volumes
• compliance enforcement and capacity exits
• reefer and van spot rates nearing or beating contract
• produce season impacts and regional tightness
• where automation helps and where it fails
• fraud patterns, carrier vetting, and human checks
• prospecting discipline and sales cycles that open in volatility
• building a carrier bench and standard checklists
• scaling from solo to team with ops and sales roles

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