CFB Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CFB facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which broker responsibility is directly tied to maintaining accurate and accessible shipment records? → Enabling dispute resolution and regulatory audits
2. Which continuing education requirement must CTB (Certified Transportation Broker) holders fulfill to maintain their certification? → Complete 20 CEUs every two years
3. A freight broker arranges transportation for a shipper but never takes possession of the freight. This distinguishes the broker from which party? → Freight forwarder
4. In which industry is the role of a freight broker most commonly found? → Transportation and Logistics
5. Which party bears primary liability for cargo loss or damage during transportation under the Carmack Amendment? → The motor carrier transporting the freight
6. In the freight brokerage industry, what does the term 'book of business' refer to? → The collection of shipper and carrier relationships a broker has developed
7. A carrier sales representative at a large 3PL is MOST similar in daily function to which freight brokerage role? → Carrier procurement broker
8. What does 'shipper credit check' mean in freight brokerage, and why is it important for the broker? → Verifying a shipper's financial reliability to ensure they will pay the broker's invoice
9. Which software skill is MOST valued for freight brokers seeking advancement in the current job market? → Experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
10. Which legal doctrine makes a freight broker potentially liable for cargo loss if they selected a carrier they knew or should have known was unfit? → Negligent selection
11. What does EDI stand for in freight brokerage technology? → Electronic Data Interchange
12. In a freight claim settlement, what does 'actual cash value' typically mean? → The replacement cost of the goods minus reasonable depreciation
13. A freight broker who operates without a valid FMCSA operating authority is subject to civil penalties of up to how much per violation per day? → $16,000
14. What is the significance of API connectivity between a TMS and load boards like DAT or Truckstop? → It allows brokers to post loads automatically and receive carrier bids in real time
15. Which educational background is MOST commonly found among successful freight brokers entering the industry? → Business, logistics, or supply chain management degree
16. What role does continuing education play in Freight Brokerage Fundamentals? → Keeping practitioners current with evolving best practices and new developments
17. A freight broker transitioning into a 3PL management role would MOST benefit from developing expertise in which area? → Carrier relations and transportation procurement
18. Which trend is MOST reshaping the freight brokerage job market by automating routine load-matching tasks? → Artificial intelligence and digital freight matching platforms
19. Which factor has MOST increased demand for freight brokers in the US job market over the past decade? → Growth of e-commerce and supply chain complexity
20. What is the primary certification needed to legally operate as a freight broker in the United States? → Motor Carrier (MC) Number
21. Under the Carmack Amendment, what is the standard time limit for a shipper to file a written freight claim with a carrier? → 9 months from delivery or scheduled delivery
22. Which best describes the role of a 'shipper of record' concept relevant to a freight broker's career knowledge? → The legal entity responsible for the shipment that appears on the bill of lading
23. Which technology allows freight brokers to provide real-time shipment visibility to shippers? → GPS tracking and telematics
24. What role does continuing education play in Operations Management? → Keeping practitioners current with evolving best practices and new developments
25. Which approach is most effective for problem-solving in Operations Management? → Systematic analysis followed by evidence-based decision making
26. A broker arranges a load and the carrier abandons the shipment mid-route. The broker's immediate responsibility is to: → Secure an alternate carrier and notify the shipper to minimize cargo risk
27. What is 'freight under management' (FUM) as it relates to a broker's sales pitch to shippers? → The total volume of freight a broker manages on behalf of its shipper clients
28. What is the main purpose of a broker providing a shipper with a 'quarterly business review' (QBR)? → To review performance metrics, cost trends, and identify opportunities to improve service
29. Which of the following actions would most likely constitute unauthorized brokering under federal law? → Arranging shipments without a valid FMCSA broker license
30. How long does it typically take to complete a freight broker certification course? → 4-8 weeks