How to Become a Freight Broker in Washington D.C
Responsible and reliable carriers are a key component of the shipping process. When a shipping company doesn’t have the time or resources to find the best carrier to transport a particular load, they will often rely on freight brokers to find carriers. Freight brokers must use their research and communication skills in order to make compatible matches between shippers and carriers. They will also need to negotiate and have superior organizational skills in order to create informational databases that will make their jobs easier. Typically, freight agents will work in tandem with brokers to assist with the customer-facing functions of the business.
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Washington D.C.
In order to practice, freight brokers must earn a high school diploma or equivalent and obtain a government-issued Broker Authority license, according to national law.
Earning certification, completing an internship or enrolling in a training program is completely voluntary. These alternatives are available to help you enter the industry with confidence in your level of expertise. Further, finding an experienced professional to serve as your mentor is a beneficial opportunity to learn vital information from someone who can provide you with insider tips and growth tools.
Washington D.C. Schools for Freight Brokers
Although enrolling in a post-secondary education program is not a requirement, it is a wise decision to make, because it can help you advance quickly in this industry. The programs below were designed to train freight brokers to become professionals within less than one year.
- Freight Broker Boot Camp is based completely online. With this program, you can learn how to become a freight broker in as little as 30 days. A payment of $98 will allow students six months of full online access to workflow diagrams, training articles, negotiating methods, financial strategies and much more.
- Brooke Training offers oth in-person and online courses, which cover the basics of freight brokerage. Advanced techniques are also covered, and qualified veterans can take these courses for free. Upon course completion, all students will receive assistance with job placement.
- Freight Movers School offers two training programs, which can be taken either in-person or online. Topics of study include freight brokerage basics as well as improving sales. In-person courses are currently offered only in Texas and Georgia.
Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Washington D.C.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the organization responsible for overseeing the freight brokerage licensing process. In order for the administration to grant you a Broker Authority license (also known as a Motor Carrier Operating Authority license), you must first register your company as a business and then obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation number. After completing these steps, you then submit this number along with an application and $300 application fee to the FMCSA. Applications are processed within four to six weeks. All licensed freight brokers are required to carry a $75,000 surety bond at all times.
Freight brokers have the opportunity to become Certified Transportation Brokers when they complete the exam administered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association. New freight brokers may be interested in earning this certification in order to set themselves apart from other brokers who are entering the field.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Freight brokers in Washington D.C. earned about $18.96 per hour on average, which is equivalent to an annual income of $39,440, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2017. During the same year, the top 10 percent of freight brokers in this state earned an annual income of $69,400.
BLS data also indicate that there will be 7 percent national growth in the job market for freight brokers during the 10-year period between 2014 and 2024.
Working as a Freight Broker in Washington D.C
There are more than 700,000 people living in the District of Columbia. This dense population makes D.C. a great place to work for freight brokers, as it will likely have a large amount of freight distribution each year.
Those who are new to the industry will do best working at a brokerage company with a long-standing history of turning profits and maintaining valuable relationships with customers. If your goal is to start your own brokerage company, waiting until you have established yourself as a professional is ideal. This way, you can begin working for yourself with a skillset that will allow you to build a successful business in a short amount of time.