Essential Information
Individuals can obtain freight broker training certificates by enrolling in continuing education programs at colleges or universities or by taking freight broker training courses at vocational or technical schools. Students learn how to coordinate loads for cross-country transportation. These certificate programs require about 150 contact hours; many programs are offered through distance education and are self-paced. Students are required to possess basic reading, writing, communication, and arithmetic skills before enrolling, and they can often complete a freight broker training program in less than six months.
Freight Broker Training Program
Freight broker training programs teach students how to meet regulatory requirements for freight brokering, such as obtaining surety bonds, a type of insurance that insures against the risk of non-performance by carriers. Freight broker training programs also teach students industry-specific marketing skills, details about setting up one's own brokerage firm, and the skills required for day-to-day operations. Additionally, certificate programs instruct students on how to file for a broker operating authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Topics covered include the following:
- Freight Brokering Requirements
- Basic Accounting
- Basic Financial Management
- Federal Laws and FMCSA Regulations
- Building a Customer Base
Salary Info
According to PayScale.com, the median annual income of a freight broker was $41,730 as of 2016. Most of these professionals earned between $29,721 and $73,771 per year.
Continuing education certifications offer students the skills to become an effective freight broker, focusing on several different skills, as well as how to meet federal requirements and regulations.
