How to Become a Freight Broker in Arizona

Freight brokers know how to barter for competitive pricing as well as how to communicate thoroughly. Connecting shipping companies with carriers places a great deal of responsibility on the freight broker, who is expected to understand important details about the shipping process. Freight brokers will inform shipping companies of delivery times, location details and carrier information.

Freight agents will work under freight brokers to help the broker connect shipping companies with qualified and experienced carriers.

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Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Arizona

While statewide regulations for freight brokers do not currently exist, there are national regulations that every freight broker must follow. You must have a high school diploma or GED, along with a government-issued license.

There are no certification requirements for this career field, however earning certification or enrolling in a post-secondary education program could help accelerate your career. Learning the ins-and-outs of the industry from experienced professionals is never a bad idea if you want to be successful, no matter what career path you choose.

Arizona Schools for Freight Brokers

There is a wide variety of training programs available for freight brokers. Some may take place in-person, while other programs will be based online. Explore the options below to find one that is right for you:

  • Load Training is a freight broker training school that offers courses both online and in-person. In-person training lasts for just five days and takes place in the city of Phoenix, Arizona, as well as cities like Houston and Atlanta. Students will learn to create a truck availability database, how to respond to inquiries from carriers and shippers, and much more.
  • Brooke Training also offers courses both in-person and online. Students will learn the basics as well as advanced industry techniques. Qualifying military veterans are also allowed to attend free of charge. Each student will receive assistance with job placement upon course completion.
  • Freight Movers School offers two programs that can be taken in-person or online. Students who are just starting out as freight brokers will want to take the basics course, while more seasoned brokers will be interested in the course on improving sales. In-person courses are currently offered in Texas and Georgia.

Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Arizona

The national regulations for freight brokers are enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This administration requires freight brokers to obtain their Motor Carrier Operating Authority license, also referred to as a Broker Authority license.

Before you can receive this license, you must first register your company as a business. You will then obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Next, you will send this number, as well as an application and application fee of $300, to the FMCSA. When they approve your application, which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, you will receive your license. All freight brokers will be required to carry a $75,000 surety bond at all times.

Though certification is not required, it may appeal to you if you are looking for official credentials to help set yourself apart from the competition. By taking the Certified Transportation Brokers exam, which is offered exclusively through the Transportation Intermediaries Association, you can begin to market yourself as someone who is qualified and well-educated within the craft.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

The field of freight brokerage, particularly for cargo and freight agents, continues to evolve with the dynamic needs of businesses for transportation services. Updated data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for 2022 shows changes in the salary structure for this occupation.

As of the latest data, cargo and freight agents in the United States earn an average salary of $46,860 per year. In Arizona, the average salary for this occupation is $38,400 annually, which is slightly lower than the national average. The highest earners in Arizona make more than $51,020.

National vs. Arizona Salaries:

Percentile United States Salary Arizona Salary
10% $32,720 $32,810
25% $38,400 $37,290
Median (50%) $46,860 $38,400
75% $58,710 $39,660
90% $70,280 $51,020

Salaries by Region in Arizona:

Location 10% 25% Median (50%) 75% 90%
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ $34,850 $37,290 $38,400 $38,610 $50,050
Tucson, AZ $29,390 $34,830 $35,860 $38,620 $45,400

Freight Broker Trends in Arizona

The employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents in Arizona (43-5011.00) show a significant growth trajectory for the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, there were 1,710 employees working in this occupation in Arizona. This number is projected to rise to 2,270 employees by 2030, marking a substantial growth rate of 33%. Additionally, there are expected to be around 250 job openings annually over this period, which includes openings due to both growth and replacement. This trend indicates a robust and expanding job market for cargo and freight agents in Arizona, significantly outpacing the national average.

In comparison, the national trend for the same period shows a growth rate of 10%, which is considered much faster than average. In 2022, there were 95,900 employees in this occupation across the United States, with projections indicating an increase to 105,200 employees by 2032. Nationally, there are expected to be about 11,000 job openings annually over this period.

Employment Trends

Location Employment (2020) Projected Employment (2030) Projected Growth (2020-2030) Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030)
Arizona 1,710 employees 2,270 employees 33% 250
United States 95,900 employees (2022) 105,200 employees (2032) 10% (Much faster than average) 11,000

Sources of Data:

Arizona Data: The employment figures and projections for Arizona are sourced from Projections Central, specifically their 2020-2030 long-term projections. Projections Central is a reputable source for state-specific employment projections, offering detailed insights into various occupational trends.

United States Data: The national employment figures and projections are obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), specifically their 2022-2032 employment projections.

Working as a Freight Broker in Arizona

The largest cities in Arizona are Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa. These are ideal cities for freight brokers to work or start their businesses, since highly-populated areas will typically return the most profit in this industry.

You may work as a freight broker for a company that is already established or begin your own brokerage and work for yourself. Reaching success will require you to build a great team who helps you stay up-to-date with industry trends and innovations. It is also essential that you streamline organizational processes to run your business efficiently. If this sounds exciting to you, consider getting started as a freight broker today.