How to Become a Freight Broker in Missouri
Working as a freight broker includes the responsibility of connecting shipping companies with available carriers. This may require you to do thorough inspections and background checks on carriers in order to ensure they are qualified to get the job done. You’ll also need to speak with shipping companies and carriers throughout the shipping process, confirming delivery routes, arrival times and other important details. Freight agents are often employed as independent contractors who help connect freight brokers with shipping companies and carriers.
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Missouri
Missouri, like all other states, currently has no laws in place governing the career field of freight brokerage. Instead, freight brokers are to follow national regulations, which include a minimum requirement of a high school diploma or GED, as well as a government-issued license to practice.
Freight brokers are not required to earn certifications or complete training programs before finding employment; however, either of these options will help you establish yourself within the industry. If you choose to learn on your own, you may encounter more mistakes and pitfalls than you would if you choose to learn from an experienced professional. For this reason, you may also be interested in reaching out to local freight brokers to become an apprentice or find an internship opportunity.
Missouri Schools for Freight Brokers
While some freight broker training courses can be found at colleges and universities, most training programs exist online. Consider one of the options below:
- Freight Broker Boot Camp allows students to learn how to become a freight brokers in just 30 days. For a payment of $98, students will receive six months of full online access to training articles, negotiating methods, workflow diagrams, financial strategies and much more.
- Brooke Training is ased online as well and offers free tuition for qualifying veterans. After completing basic or advanced courses, all students will receive job placement assistance. In-person training is available in select states across the country.
- Freight Movers School offers online courses in brokerage basics, as well as advanced courses on improving sales. In-person courses are also available in Texas and Georgia.
Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Missouri
Licensing requirements for this career field are governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Earning your Motor Carrier Operating Authority license, also known as a Broker Authority license, requires that you first register your company as a business. After doing so, you will need to obtain your U.S. Department of Transportation number. The FMCSA then requires that you submit this number, along with an application and $300 application fee. Applications usually take between four and six weeks to process. Once your application is approved, you will receive your license. All freight brokers must also carry a $75,000 surety bond at all times.
The Transportation Intermediaries Association oversees the Certified Transportation Broker exam. While this certification is not required, you may be interested in earning it to help market your business or yourself as being competent, qualified and experienced.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The freight brokerage industry in Missouri, 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 Missouri, these professionals earn a slightly higher average salary of $48,200 annually. The top 10 percent of earners in Missouri make more than $65,330 per year.
National vs. Missouri Salaries:
| Percentile | United States Salary | Missouri Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $31,890 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $38,960 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $48,200 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $58,380 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $65,330 |
Salaries by Region in Missouri:
| Location | 10% | 25% | Median (50%) | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $38,620 | $41,630 | $48,480 | $57,890 | $64,420 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $32,040 | $39,100 | $48,840 | $59,130 | $65,330 |
Freight Broker Trends in Missouri
The employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents in Missouri (43-5011.00) demonstrate a significant growth trajectory for the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, Missouri had 2,330 employees working in this occupation. This number is projected to increase to 3,010 employees by 2030, representing a substantial growth rate of 29%. Additionally, there are expected to be around 330 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 Missouri, 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 2,330 employees | 3,010 employees | 29% | 330 |
| United States | 95,900 employees (2022) | 105,200 employees (2032) | 10% (Much faster than average) | 11,000 |
Sources of Data:
Missouri Data: The employment figures and projections for Missouri 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 Missouri
The most densely populated cities in Missouri are Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield. These cities will be the most plentiful and profitable places to work for freight brokers, since there will be more transport taking place to and from these cities.
Freight brokers may choose to work at existing freight brokerages, while others may prefer to go into business for themselves. No matter your choice, this career field comes with a high level of responsibility. If you believe you can rise to the occasion and become successful as a freight broker, you should begin taking the steps to get started within the trade.