How to Become a Freight Broker in Mississippi
To work as a freight broker, you will need to serve as the middleman between shipping companies and carriers, as your responsibility will be to make compatible connections between the two. To do your job well, you may need to perform background checks and other research so that you can ensure carriers are qualified and reliable. Keeping an open line of communication with both parties throughout the shipping process will also be a necessary part of your job.
If this sounds like a lot of work, you may be pleased to know that freight brokers often employ freight agents as independent contractors. Freight agents will assist in making the proper connections between carriers and shippers, as well as completing other business functions.
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Mississippi
There are currently no U.S. states that have regulations in place for freight brokers. Instead, freight brokers are held to national standards that must be met before practicing. These standards include a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as obtaining a government-issued Broker Authority license.
National law does not require freight brokers to earn certifications or complete post-secondary training programs. Although these options are not mandatory, they may be of significance if you want tools that you can leverage to find higher paying positions within the industry. Finding a mentor or completing an internship will also serve you well on your endeavor to succeed as a freight broker.
Mississippi Schools for Freight Brokers
Below are some freight broker training programs that may benefit those who are new to the industry as well as those who are more experienced.
- Freight Broker Boot Camp allows students to learn the skills to become a freight broker in as little as 30 days. With a $98 payment, you will receive six months of full online access to financial strategies, workflow diagrams, training articles, negotiating methods and much more.
- Brooke Training offers ree tuition for veterans who qualify. Each student is eligible to receive job placement assistance upon course completion. Basic and advanced training is available either in-person (in select states) or online.
- Freight Movers School also offers courses both in-person and online. Areas of study include brokerage basics as well as improving sales. In-person training takes place in Texas and Georgia.
Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Mississippi
To become a freight broker in any state, you must follow the regulations set by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
According to this administration, the first step to obtaining your Broker Authority license (also known as a Motor Carrier Operating Authority license) is to register your company as a business. Next, you must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation number. After doing so, you will submit this number, an application and $300 application fee to the FMCSA. Application processing time usually takes between four and six weeks. All licensed freight brokers are required to carry a $75,000 surety bond at all times.
If you are interested in earning certification, you may opt to sit for the Certified Transportation Broker exam, which is offered exclusively through the Transportation Intermediaries Association.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The freight brokerage industry in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi, these professionals earn an average salary of $43,750 annually, slightly lower than the national average. The top 10 percent of earners in Mississippi make more than $71,960 per year.
National vs. Mississippi Salaries:
| Percentile | United States Salary | Mississippi Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $33,730 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $37,510 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $43,750 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $54,870 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $71,960 |
Salaries by Region in Mississippi:
| Location | 10% | 25% | Median (50%) | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS | $16,070 | $35,300 | $50,500 | $61,240 | $70,290 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $38,320 | $38,680 | $38,680 | $47,430 | $58,850 |
| Northeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | $30,560 | $37,510 | $37,950 | $46,580 | $61,870 |
Freight Broker Trends in Mississippi
The employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents in Mississippi (43-5011.00) indicate a modest growth pattern for the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, Mississippi had 280 employees working in this occupation. This number is projected to increase to 300 employees by 2030, representing a growth rate of 7%. Additionally, there are expected to be around 30 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 Mississippi, though the growth rate is slightly lower than 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 280 employees | 300 employees | 7% | 30 |
| United States | 95,900 employees (2022) | 105,200 employees (2032) | 10% (Much faster than average) | 11,000 |
Sources of Data:
Mississippi Data: The employment figures and projections for Mississippi 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 Mississippi
In Mississippi, the cities with the highest populations are Gulfport and Southaven. Places like these will have a large amount of freight distribution, which means they will be ideal places for freight brokers to work.
Working directly under an experienced freight broker would be wise for those who are new to the industry. After establishing the level of expertise necessary to work as a self-employed freight broker, you may decide to start your own brokerage company. With responsibility and dedication, you can build a fruitful and long-lasting career as a freight broker.