How to Become a Freight Broker in Maryland
Freight brokers are expected to act as the middlemen between shipping companies and carriers. If a shipping company needs to transport freight, they must rely on carriers who are responsible and capable of getting cargo to its intended destination in a timely fashion. Freight brokers must reach out to carriers and do the proper research to determine if they are fit for the job. Typically, freight agents will work directly with brokers as independent contractors, communicating with customers, building databases and helping with day-to-day business functions.
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Maryland
Currently, there are no statewide regulations in place for freight brokers in Maryland. Instead, freight brokers must follow national regulations, which require you to earn a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, you must obtain a government-issued Broker Authority license to practice.
You do not need to complete an internship or apprenticeship program, enroll in a post-secondary education program or earn certification to practice as a freight broker. Though not required, it would be a wise decision for you to take advantage of these options, as they will help expand your knowledge of the industry and lay the foundation for a rewarding career. Other options for advancement include finding a seasoned professional who is willing to take you under their wing and serve as your mentor.
Maryland Schools for Freight Brokers
Enrolling in a training program for freight brokers is one of the best ways to develop your skillset before beginning your career. Consider one of the available programs below:
- Freight Broker Boot Camp offers students six months of full online access to financial strategies, workflow diagrams, training articles, negotiating methods and much more, for a payment of $98. With just 30 days of study, you can acquire the skills and knowledge needed to become a freight broker.
- Brooke Training allows ualifying military veterans to attend courses for free. The program also offers job placement assistance to all students upon course completion. Areas of study include basic and advanced techniques. Courses are available online and in-person, the latter only in select states.
- Freight Movers School also offers online and in-person courses. Students will learn brokerage basics along with how to increase sales. Currently, in-person training is available exclusively in Texas and Georgia.
Maryland professionals interested in logistics are choosing 90 Day Freight Broker for its practical content and immediate implementation strategies.
Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Maryland
Across the U.S., every aspiring freight broker needs to follow the regulations set by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
According to this administration, to obtain your Broker Authority license (also known as a Motor Carrier Operating Authority license), you must first register your company as a business. Next, you will need to obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Finally, you will submit this number, an application and $300 application fee to the FMCSA. Application processing time typically takes between four and six weeks. Please note that all licensed freight brokers are required to carry a $75,000 surety bond at all times.
Those who are interested in earning credentials may opt to sit for the Certified Transportation Broker exam, which is offered through the Transportation Intermediaries Association. This certification is not required but could help you land higher paying jobs or increase your clientele if you open your own brokerage.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The freight brokerage industry in Maryland, as part of the broader freight transportation sector, is showing positive trends in terms of salaries and job growth. According to the latest data, the salary figures for cargo and freight agents have been updated from previous years.
As of 2022, cargo and freight agents in the United States earn an average salary of $46,860 per year. In Maryland, these professionals earn a slightly lower average salary of $46,750 annually. The top 10 percent of earners in Maryland make more than $63,410 per year.
National vs. Maryland Salaries:
| Percentile | United States Salary | Maryland Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $32,340 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $38,940 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $46,750 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $56,280 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $63,410 |
Salaries by Region in Maryland:
| Location | 10% | 25% | Median (50%) | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $30,460 | $38,940 | $47,180 | $55,390 | $63,410 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $31,560 | $43,170 | $51,520 | $65,080 | $71,380 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $36,600 | $42,450 | $58,550 | $71,030 | $82,430 |
Freight Broker Trends in Maryland
The employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents in Maryland (43-5011.00) indicate a modest growth pattern for the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, Maryland had 1,800 employees working in this occupation. This number is projected to increase slightly to 1,850 employees by 2030, representing a growth rate of 3%. Additionally, there are expected to be around 180 job openings annually over this period, which includes openings due to both growth and replacement. This trend suggests a stable job market for cargo and freight agents in Maryland, though the growth rate is relatively lower compared to 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 1,800 employees | 1,850 employees | 3% | 180 |
| United States | 95,900 employees (2022) | 105,200 employees (2032) | 10% (Much faster than average) | 11,000 |
Sources of Data:
Maryland Data: The employment figures and projections for Maryland 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 Maryland
Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland by hundreds of thousands. Due to its large population, this city will have the highest amount of freight distribution in Maryland, making it an ideal place to work for freight brokers in this state.
If you are new to the industry, you will benefit from working at an established brokerage company with a history of achievement. This will allow you to establish your own career based on principles and techniques that have been proven to be effective. If you have lots of energy and are willing to dedicate your time to learning as much as possible, you may want to consider getting started as a freight broker today.