How to Become a Freight Broker in New York
Freight brokers help match shipping companies with compatible carriers who can transport loads from point A to point B. Being effective at this job will require detailed and thorough communication, as you must understand what the shipper needs and what the carrier is able to provide. Presenting yourself as a vital asset to both parties is also a key component to turning profits and establishing reliable business connections. Freight agents will often work with brokers as independent contractors, helping to source shipping companies and negotiating with carriers.
Where can I find freight broker training near me?
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in New York
While some trades require a college degree or other credentials, freight brokerage has simpler regulations in place. National law requires all freight brokers to earn a high school diploma or GED, along with a government-issued Broker Authority license to practice.
You can also choose to earn voluntary certification, enroll in a training program for freight brokers or complete an internship program to sharpen your skills. These are not requirements according to national regulations, but choosing to take advantage of these options will help you stand out amongst the competition. Finding an experienced professional who is willing to act as your mentor is another great option to build your skillset and improve your expertise.
New York Schools for Freight Brokers
Training programs for freight brokers will help you acquire specialized knowledge tailored to your current skillset. If you want to set yourself up for a successful career in this industry, you may want to consider enrolling in one of the programs below:
- Freight Broker Boot Camp is based entirely online and allows students to acquire the necessary skills to become a freight broker within just 30 days. For a payment of $98, students will receive six months of full access to training articles, financial strategies, workflow diagrams, negotiating methods and much more.
- Brooke Training allows ualified veterans to attend courses for free, and every student who completes courses receives job placement assistance. Courses are offered both online and in-person in select states.
- Freight Movers School offers courses on brokerage basics for new freight brokers. There is also a course on improving sales for more experienced brokers. In-person courses currently take place only in Texas and Georgia. Online courses are also available, no matter where you live.
For aspiring freight brokers in New York, 90 Day Freight Broker offers structured lessons and done-for-you tools to fast-track your progress.
Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in New York
National regulations for freight brokers are set in place by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). To obtain your Broker Authority license (also known as a Motor Carrier Operating Authority license), you will need to first register your company as a business. After doing so, you will obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation number. You must then submit this number, an application and a $300 application fee to the FMCSA. Application processing time is between four and six weeks.
It s important to note that all freight brokers are expected to carry a $75,000 surety bond at all times, according to national law.
You can become a Certified Transportation Broker by successfully completing the exam administered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association. This credential may be especially helpful to inexperienced freight brokers who want to establish themselves as knowledgeable and qualified professionals.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The freight brokerage industry in New York, 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 New York, these professionals earn a higher average salary of $50,310 annually. The top 10 percent of earners in New York make more than $81,750 per year.
National vs. New York Salaries:
| Percentile | United States Salary | New York Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $35,920 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $39,810 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $50,310 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $63,690 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $81,750 |
Salaries by Region in New York:
| Location | 10% | 25% | Median (50%) | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $34,980 | $46,980 | $52,940 | $63,300 | $79,400 |
Freight Broker Trends in New York
The employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents in New York (43-5011.00) indicate a significant growth trajectory for the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, New York had 6,210 employees working in this occupation. This number is projected to increase to 7,820 employees by 2030, representing a substantial growth rate of 26%. Additionally, there are expected to be around 850 job openings annually over this period, which includes openings due to both growth and replacement. This trend suggests a robust job market for cargo and freight agents in New York, 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 6,210 employees | 7,820 employees | 26% | 850 |
| United States | 95,900 employees (2022) | 105,200 employees (2032) | 10% (Much faster than average) | 11,000 |
Sources of Data:
New York Data: The employment figures and projections for New York 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 New York
When it comes to freight brokerage, densely populated cities such as New York City, Buffalo and Rochester, New York, are ideal places to work, because they will have the highest amounts of freight distribution.
Patience and resilience are vital to your success in this industry. Those who are new to the craft should expect to do some foundational work before being able to generate large amounts of revenue, as maintaining relationships with shippers and carriers is key to turning profits. You may find it beneficial to work at an established brokerage company with a proven track record of success if you are completely new to the industry. After developing your skillset, building your own brokerage company will be a much smoother transition. If you believe you have what it takes, decide to grab the reins of your career by taking the necessary steps to achieve your professional goals.