How to Become a Freight Broker in Maine
When a shipping company receives a new load, they may have need for a responsible carrier to transport the items to their intended destination. Freight brokers act as middlemen between shippers and carriers, making the proper connections to ensure both parties are satisfied. This enables freight brokers to build long-lasting relationships that generate consistent revenue. Typically, freight brokers will employ freight agents as independent contractors. These freight agents will handle more of the day-to-day, customer service aspects of the business.
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Maine
Before finding employment or starting your own business as a freight broker, national law requires that you first have a high school diploma or GED and then obtain a government-issued Broker Authority license.
You may opt to earn certification, complete a freight brokerage training program or find an internship opportunity. While none of these options are mandatory for this career field, they are all helpful stepping stones that will enable you to navigate your way through the ranks of the industry with ease.
Maine Schools for Freight Brokers
The training programs listed below are available to freight brokers across the country. Find out if one of these options will be suitable for your achievement goals.
- Load Training offers nline and in-person training options. The school holds five-day, in-person training sessions in cities like Atlanta, Phoenix and Houston. Students will learn how to respond to inquiries from carriers and shippers, how to create a truck availability database and more.
- Brooke Transportation Training Solutions also offers courses that take place both in-person and online. Training options are available for new freight brokers as well as for those who are experienced. Qualifying military veterans are able to attend courses for free, and all students receive job placement assistance upon course completion.
- Freight Movers School offers in-person courses in Georgia and Texas. Online courses are also available, and areas of training include freight brokerage techniques as well as improving sales.
Launching a brokerage in Maine? The 90 Day Freight Broker course provides step-by-step guidance, prospecting scripts, and carrier strategies.
Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Maine
Anyone who wishes to build a career as a freight broker must obtain their license through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Obtaining your Broker Authority license (also referred to as a Motor Carrier Operating Authority license) requires that you first register your company as a business. You will then need to obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation number. After doing so, the FMCSA requires that you submit this number, along with an application and $300 application fee. Once the FMCSA has received this information, it will take about 4 to 6 weeks for your application to process. When your application is approved, you will receive your license. All freight brokers will be required to carry a $75,000 surety bond at all times.
Freight brokers who are interested in earning credentials may want to complete the Certified Transportation Brokers exam, which is offered exclusively through the Transportation Intermediaries Association.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
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Based on the updated information from the O*NET Online website, here’s the revised and updated text including HTML data tables for national and Maine salaries in the field of cargo and freight agents:
The freight brokerage industry in Maine, 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 Maine, these professionals earn an average salary of $47,360 annually, slightly higher than the national average. The top 10 percent of earners in Maine make more than $84,180 per year.
National vs. Maine Salaries:
| Percentile | United States Salary | Maine Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $37,110 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $40,000 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $47,360 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $60,220 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $84,180 |
Salaries by Region in Maine:
| Location | 10% | 25% | Median (50%) | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $37,110 | $41,190 | $47,880 | $56,420 | $79,600 |
| Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area | $33,770 | $37,680 | $44,710 | $49,830 | $65,880 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $39,730 | $44,060 | $55,410 | $60,230 | $92,130 |
Freight Broker Trends in Maine
The employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents in Maine (43-5011.00) show a decrease for the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, Maine had 160 employees working in this occupation. However, this number is projected to slightly decrease to 150 employees by 2030, representing a decline of 6%. Despite this reduction, there are expected to be around 20 job openings annually over this period, which includes openings due to both growth and replacement.
In contrast, 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | 160 employees | 150 employees | -6% | 20 |
| United States | 95,900 employees (2022) | 105,200 employees (2032) | 10% (Much faster than average) | 11,000 |
Sources of Data:
Maine Data: The employment figures and projections for Maine 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 Maine
Freight brokers typically earn the best compensation in large cities. This is because there is likely to be a higher amount of transport coming in and out of these metropolitan areas. In Maine, the highest paid freight brokers will be found working in cities like Portland, Lewiston and Bangor.
The job market for freight brokers will continue to expand, especially as people do more of their shopping online. Employment will be available at freight brokerages, but many people that enter this career field may be interested in starting their own brokerage company. It will take time, patience and skill, but if you are dedicated to the craft, you can achieve great success as a freight broker.