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.

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.

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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 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released data in 2017 that stated that freight brokers in Arizona earned an hourly average income of $20.64, or $42,940 annually. The highest paid freight brokers in this state earned more than $60,000 during the same year.

The BLS also indicates that there were about 1,120 freight brokers working in Arizona during 2016. By 2026, this number is expected to jump to 1,340, signifying a 19.8 percent expansion in the job market during this 10-year period.

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.