How to Become a Freight Broker in Delaware
Freight brokers enjoy finding competitive pricing and communicating with people on a consistent basis. This is because this career requires the ability to negotiate deals that will maximize profits. Freight brokers are also expected to keep everyone in the loop on the shipping process. Once a carrier has been connected with a shipping company, freight brokers must understand details about the load that is being transported as well as its delivery expectations.
Typically, freight agents will be employed under freight brokers and have the responsibility of helping connect brokers with available carriers and shipping companies.
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Delaware
National regulations for becoming a freight broker include a high school diploma or GED, along with a government-issued license. Currently, there are no state regulations for this career field.
Although no certifications are required for freight brokers, it is a great idea to at least complete a training program to learn the tricks of the trade. This will allow you to enter the industry with some inside knowledge about what happens behind-the-scenes, how to deal with circumstances that may arise and how to remain competitive in this market.
Delaware Schools for Freight Brokers
Sometimes, developing your skills will be easiest when you enroll in a program that is curriculum-based. Consider the options below:
- Freight Broker Boot Camp is based online. With this program, students can learn how to become a freight broker in as little as 30 days. A payment of $98 offers 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 that teach the basics of freight brokerage. Students will also learn advanced techniques, and qualified veterans can complete these courses for free. Upon course completion, all students receive job placement assistance.
- Freight Movers School offers two training programs that can be taken in-person or online. One program teaches freight brokerage basics and the other will focus on improving sales. In-person courses are offered at Texas and Georgia locations.
90 Day Freight Broker offers residents of Delaware a complete online learning experience that makes the startup process straightforward and effective.
Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Delaware
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees the licensing process for freight brokers. The administration requires that you first register your company as a business and then obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Once these steps have been completed, you must submit this number along with an application and $300 application fee to the FMCSA. Within four to six weeks you will receive your Motor Carrier Operating Authority license (also referred to as a Broker Authority license), if your application has been approved.
Freight brokers have the opportunity to become Certified Transportation Brokers when they complete the exam administered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association. This certification is not required but may appeal to freight brokers looking for a leg up on the competition.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The freight brokerage industry, including cargo and freight agents, continues to evolve, influenced by the growth in online and physical businesses. However, specific data for Delaware is currently unavailable. Nationally, the industry has seen changes in salary structures and job market trends.
As of the latest data, cargo and freight agents in the United States earn an average salary of $46,860 per year. Unfortunately, specific salary data for Delaware is not available.
National Salaries for Cargo and Freight Agents:
| Percentile | United States Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 |
| 25% | $38,400 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 |
| 75% | $58,710 |
| 90% | $70,280 |
Freight Broker Trends in Delaware
The employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents in Delaware (43-5011.00) show a stable outlook for the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, Delaware had 130 employees working in this occupation. This number is projected to remain constant at 130 employees by 2030, indicating no significant growth (0%) in the job market for this period. The stability in employment numbers suggests a steady demand for cargo and freight agents in the state.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 130 employees | 130 employees | 0% | 10 |
| United States | 95,900 employees (2022) | 105,200 employees (2032) | 10% (Much faster than average) | 11,000 |
Sources of Data:
Delaware Data: The employment figures and projections for Delaware are sourced from Projections Central, specifically their 2020-2030 long-term projections. Projections Central is known for providing detailed and state-specific employment projections, offering valuable 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 Delaware
In Delaware, freight brokers will likely earn the highest compensation in cities like Camden and Wilmington, since they are the two most highly-populated areas in this state.
You can choose to work as a freight broker for a brokerage that has been in business, or you may decide to build your own brokerage business. If you apply the strategies offered by seasoned professionals, find a mentor who can help show you the way and pay attention to important trends within the industry, you can build a successful career very quickly. Working as a freight broker is the right choice for someone who is ambitious, dedicated and detail-oriented.