How to Become a Freight Broker in Oregon

Freight brokers are needed when shipping companies have to move freight but have no carriers to transport loads. With time and research, freight brokers can connect shipping companies with carriers who are experienced and professional. As loads are being transported from place to place, freight brokers are responsible for communicating with both shippers and carriers to ensure everything goes as planned. Typically, freight agents will work under freight brokers, assisting with customer service responsibilities and organizational functions of the business.

Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Oregon

There are currently no U.S. states that have laws in place governing the career of freight brokerage. If you want to enter this industry, you will need to follow national regulations, which include the minimum requirement of a high school diploma or GED in addition to a government-issued Broker Authority license.

Freight brokers do not need to earn any type of certification before practicing; however, this is an available option for those who are interested. Similarly, you do not need to complete any training programs or internships to find employment, yet these could be used as powerful leveraging tools to distinguish yourself from the competition.

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Oregon Schools for Freight Brokers

Training programs for freight brokers exist in various states throughout the country. Some of the available options are listed below:

  • Load Training offers oth online and in-person courses. In-person training sessions lasting five days at a time are available in cities like Phoenix, Houston and Atlanta. Students will learn how to respond to inquiries from carriers and shippers, how to create a truck availability database and much more.
  • Brooke Transportation Training Solutions allows students to complete courses either in-person or online. Qualifying veterans can attend courses free of charge. Students will learn both basic and advanced techniques, and all students will receive assistance with job placement after completing courses.
  • Freight Movers School also offers both in-person and online courses. Basic courses are designed for new freight brokers, while those who are more advanced will be interested in the course on improving sales. In-person courses currently take place exclusively in Texas and Georgia.

Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Oregon

Freight brokers are required to follow the rules and standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in order to practice in any state. Obtaining your Broker Authority license (also known as a Motor Carrier Operating Authority license) requires that you first register your company as a business. The next step is to obtain your U.S. Department of Transportation number. You must then submit this number, an application and a $300 application fee to the FMCSA. Applications typically require a processing time of 4 to 6 weeks before receiving approval. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your license. You will also be required to carry a $75,000 surety bond at all times.

If you would like to earn certification, you can complete the Certified Transportation Brokers exam, which is administered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association. This certification is not required to practice but it could help you market yourself to potential clients and employees, especially if you don’t have much professional experience yet.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released data in 2017 that indicated freight brokers in Oregon earned an average hourly income of $27.66, or $57,530 annually. The highest paid freight brokers in this state earned more than $79,000 during the same year.

The BLS also states that there were about 1,080 freight brokers working in Oregon during 2016. By 2026, this number is expected to jump to 1,290, signifying a 19.4 percent expansion in the job market during this 10-year period.

Working as a Freight Broker in Oregon

Since densely populated cities will have a larger amount of freight distribution, freight brokers will earn the highest compensation in these places. In Oregon, the most highly populated cities are Eugene, Gresham and Hillsboro.

Successful freight brokerage companies would be a great place to work for brokers who are new to the industry. After gaining some experience and improving your skillset, you may want to start your own brokerage company. With the right level of expertise, you can make great profits and build a very successful business as a freight broker.