Freight Broker Schools

Your New Career Starts Here

You are here: Home / Missouri

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.

Search Freight Broker/Agent Training Programs

Get information on Freight Broker/Agent Training programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

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

According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) during 2017, freight brokers working in Missouri earned an average of $21.14 per hour, which is equivalent to approximately $43,970 per year. The top 10 percent of freight brokers in this state earned more than $60,000 per year according to the same data.

Figures provided by the BLS also state that there were 1,810 freight brokers working in the state of Missouri during 2016, and by 2026 this number is expected to rise to 2,170. This represents a 20.2 percent expansion in the job market for freight brokers in Missouri during this 10-year period.

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.