Freight brokers find carriers for shippers to haul their freight. They also assume
financial responsibility in the shipping process by invoicing shippers, paying carriers
and agents, extending credit and more.
About This Program
In this certificate program course, you will learn the skills you need to be a successful freight broker or a freight agent in this
fast-growing industry. This online freight broker training course provides you with
detailed information about the freight broker sector of the transportation industry
and about the brokerage process from start to finish.
Learn How to Start Your Freight Brokerage
From licensing and operations to sales and marketing, learn how to get your broker
license and start a successful freight brokerage – 100% online and at your own pace!
“This course used real-life examples and different learning materials that still help
us operate a business,” Kay P., United Tribe Logistics
Freight Broker jobs can vary based on the state, city, and county you choose to work
in.
What is a Freight Broker?
A freight broker acts as the middleman between a shipper — the maker or owner of the
product — and the carriers or the trucking company that moves the freight to its next
or final destination. In addition to loading motor carrier trucks and vehicles, freight
brokers assist the truck driver along the route to ensure timely delivery of the order.
After you gain industry knowledge through in-depth training, you will need to obtain
a freight broker license.
Freight Broker Career
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists freight broker/agent as “Bright Outlook”
career area, with over 30% job growth expected in the next five years.
According to the US Bureau of Transportation (USDOT), over 11 billion tons of freight
move by truck each year. This number will continue to grow, so skilled brokers are
needed to keep the industry moving.
In addition to education and region, factors such as specialty, industry, and employer
also influence a Freight Brokers' salary.
Freight Broker Salary Expectations
In 2021, the average Freight Broker made:
an average hourly wage of $23.28
an average yearly salary of $48,000
Top 4 states with the highest employment level in Cargo and Freight Agents are:
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and
finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete
the course.
Freight Broker Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)
Q: What is the difference between a freight broker and an agent? A: A freight agent acts as an independent salesperson for a freight brokerage or independent
broker. Freight agents may work on commission bringing in new customers.
Q: What kind of hours do freight brokers work? A:Freight brokers can set their own hours — deciding when and how much they work. Many
work from home, so they create their own work/life balance around shipping and carrier schedules.
Q: What is the federal motor carrier safety administration (FMCSA)? A: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates and provides safety oversite for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
Course Details
Learn the ins and outs of the industry from experienced freight brokers.
Gain the knowledge and resources you need to register with the FMCSA, get a surety
bond and break into the shipping industry.
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, this course focuses solely
on U.S. domestic freight brokering, so it’s only recommended if you plan to do business
in the United States.
This course is 100% online. Start anytime with 6 months to complete.
THE BASICS OF FREIGHT BROKERING Job duties, qualities and skills of an effective freight broker and a freight broker
agent
SETTING UP YOUR BUSINESS AND OFFICE Steps needed to launch a brokerage and set up an office
SETTING GOALS AND DEVELOPING YOUR CORPORATE IDENTITY Evaluate business goals and mission statements
SETTING UP YOUR SHIPPER PACKET AND YOUR CARRIER PACKET Documents to send to shippers and carriers
OPERATIONS AND USING OPERATIONS SOFTWARE Forms, logs, and broker software that work best for business; how to avoid or manage
day-to-day problems that freight brokers face
TYPES OF FREIGHT AND EXPLORING NICHE MARKETS Differentiate between the types of freight and the types of niche markets available
TRANSPORTATION LAW Transportation law most affect business as a broker or agent, and why they are important
to operations
BROKER-CARRIER CONTRACTS How contracts protect brokers and carriers
BROKER-SHIPPER AGREEMENTS Components of an effective broker-shipper agreement
INSURANCE FOR CARRIERS AND BROKERS Insurance policies and forms essential for carriers and brokers
RECORDKEEPING, ACCOUNTING, AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Different processes and records encountered as a broker freight
DETERMINING YOUR RATE QUOTES Rate quotes that are based on relevant information
CARRIER RELATIONS AND SOLUTIONS FOR SUCCESS Situations from a carrier's point of view
SALES AND PROFITABILITY Sales techniques and results as part of sales success
ADVANCED MARKETING Marketing efforts that will be beneficial for business
DEVELOP YOUR NEGOTIATION SKILLS Negotiation skills from first real sales calls
Jan Roach
Jan Roach has been a partner in a freight brokerage operation since 1995. For over
10 years, she ran a freight brokerage, overseeing sales, marketing, accounting and
day-to-day operations. Roach holds a Bachelor of Science from Baylor University and
has provided training for the freight industry since 2001.
Jeff Roach
Jeff Roach has been in the transportation industry since 1986. He founded his own
freight brokerage in 1995, after working as the vice president of national accounts
for a major truckload carrier. He grew his brokerage into a multimillion-dollar business
and began developing freight broker courses in 2001. Roach holds a Bachelor of Science
from Abilene Christian University.
Take Your Education and Career to the Next Level!
Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
668 Robert and Trudie Perkins Way
Tallahassee, FL 32310
