How to Become a Freight Broker in Idaho
When items need to be transported from one place to another, it may require a shipping company’s involvement. Shipping companies will then need carriers to transport these items in a timely fashion. Freight brokers help connect these shipping companies with qualified carriers and are expected to communicate with both parties throughout the entire shipping process, ensuring that delivery is precise. Freight agents may work as independent contractors, helping to assist brokers in connecting available loads with available carriers.
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Idaho
Although there are no statewide regulations governing freight brokerage, there are national laws in place for anyone wishing to enter this career field. These laws include the minimum requirement of a high school diploma or GED, as well as a government-issued license.
Enrolling in a training program for freight brokers is a great way to develop your skillset within the industry. While you’ll always have the option of searching the Internet for information about building a successful career as a freight broker, you may maximize your potential if you learn what you need to know in a way that is tailored to your current level of expertise.
Idaho Schools for Freight Brokers
If you’re interested in more of a guided learning process, as opposed to searching for information on your own, you may want to consider enrolling in one of the programs below:
- Freight Broker Boot Camp allows students to learn how to become a freight broker in as little as 30 days. The program is based entirely online and a payment of $98 offers students six months of full online access to workflow diagrams, training articles, negotiating methods, financial strategies and more.
- Brooke Training teaches tudents both basic and advanced freight brokerage techniques. Qualifying military veterans can attend for free, and all students will receive job placement assistance upon course completion. Training options are available both online and in-person
- Freight Movers School offers online courses, as well as in-person courses that take place in Texas and Georgia. New freight brokers can enroll to learn the basics, while seasoned freight brokers may choose to enroll in the course on improving sales.
Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Idaho
To become a freight broker, you must first register your company as a business. You will then need to obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation number, which you will submit to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA also requires that you submit an application along with a $300 application fee. Within four to six weeks, if your application has been approved, you will receive your Motor Carrier Operating Authority license (also referred to as a Broker Authority license).
While you won’t need any special certifications to work as a freight broker, you may be interested in earning credentials to distinguish yourself from competitors. The Certified Transportation Brokers exam, which is administered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association, will help you market yourself or your business to clients who may prefer to work with highly qualified professionals.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The freight transportation industry in Idaho continues to grow, reflecting the broader trend in the retail sector, especially with the rise of online businesses. The outlook for careers in freight brokerage in Idaho remains positive.
As of the latest data, cargo and freight agents in the United States earn an average salary of $46,860 per year. In Idaho, these professionals earn a slightly higher average salary of $48,580 annually. The following HTML tables provide a detailed comparison of salaries at different percentiles both nationally and in Idaho, as well as in the Boise City region.
National vs. Idaho Salaries:
| Percentile | United States Salary | Idaho Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $34,390 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $40,300 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $48,580 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $58,720 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $65,000 |
Salaries by Region in Idaho:
| Percentile | United States Salary | Idaho Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $34,390 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $40,300 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $48,580 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $58,720 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $65,000 |
| Percentile | United States Salary | Idaho Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $34,390 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $40,300 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $48,580 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $58,720 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $65,000 |
Freight Broker Trends in Idaho
The employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents in Idaho (43-5011.00) show a substantial growth trajectory for the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, Idaho had 320 employees working in this occupation. This number is projected to increase to 440 employees by 2030, representing a significant growth rate of 38%. Additionally, there are expected to be around 50 job openings annually over this period, which includes openings due to both growth and replacement. This trend indicates a robust job market for cargo and freight agents in Idaho, significantly outpacing the national average growth rate.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | 320 employees | 440 employees | 38% | 50 |
| United States | 95,900 employees (2022) | 105,200 employees (2032) | 10% (Much faster than average) | 11,000 |
Sources of Data:
Idaho Data: The employment figures and projections for Idaho 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 Idaho
Boise, Meridian and Nampa are the most highly populated cities in Idaho, making them great places for freight brokers to work.
Choosing to work for a brokerage that is already established may be an ideal pathway for new freight brokers entering the field. Going into business for yourself may be more difficult, but it can also be more rewarding. Maintaining important business relationships will be helpful if you’d like to establish long-term contracts that you can depend on to generate revenue for your business. No matter what you choose, be sure to polish your communication skills and let your work be an example of your drive to succeed as a freight broker.