How to Become a Freight Broker in Texas
Freight brokers work to negotiate, arrange and oversee the transportation of freight. When a shipper has units that need to be hauled, a freight broker will step in to find the appropriate carrier.
They negotiate with the carrier to find a price, and handle the appropriate paperwork. From there, they keep track of the delivery and update the shipper on the location and status of their shipment.
Where can I find freight broker training near me?
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Texas
In order to become a licensed broker, an applicant must have their certification and a surety bond. In order to succeed in the industry, proper education and training are recommended.
The minimum education requirement to become a freight broker in Texas is a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, such as graduation from a GED program. Once an applicant has finished their education courses, they can begin training to become a freight broker.
Freight Broker Classes and Educational Programs in Texas
While formal training is not explicitly required, it will teach you the necessary skills to succeed in the industry. It is highly recommended that you graduate from a broker course before moving on to receive your licensing and certification.
Freight broker training in Texas can be found at the following:
- Atex Freight Broker Training offers in-person and online training for aspiring freight brokers. Atex also offers a home study course with email support for those who want to train independently.
- Brooke Transportation Training Solutions provides in-person courses in Dallas, Texas.
- Freight Movers School has in-person classes and online courses for those interested in entering the transportation industry. They also provide online resources and guidance on how to get licensed as a freight broker.
There are also a number of other online courses and mentors to be found in Texas. They vary in price, length and density, but getting proper training is a good way to put yourself ahead in the industry.
Certification (or Licensing) for Becoming a Freight Broker in Texas
Before you can begin working as a broker, you must get the proper licensing from the state of Texas. Formal training or degrees are not required to become a freight broker, but you will need a $10,000 surety bond.
To obtain your license, you must apply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Simply fill out the paperwork on their site, which includes the OP-1 Application for Motor Property Carrier and Broker Authority.
You will have to pay the proper fees, but once your form has been approved, you will receive a motor carrier number. From there, you can begin applying for a surety bond. With good credit, you can receive a bond for a yearly fee.
Finally, you can file your BMC-84/BMC-85 forms, along with your BOC-3 form. After a short wait, you should receive your license. Then, you can begin working.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The freight brokerage industry in Texas, as part of the broader freight transportation sector, is showing positive trends in terms of salaries. 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 Texas earn an average salary of $38,920 per year. The top 10 percent of earners in Texas make more than $62,320 per year. In comparison, cargo and freight agents in the United States earn an average salary of $46,860 per year, with the top 10 percent earning more than $70,280 annually.
National vs. Texas Salaries:
| Percentile | United States Salary | Texas Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $29,640 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $35,540 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $38,920 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $49,820 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $62,320 |
Salaries by Region in Texas:
| Location | 10% | 25% | Median (50%) | $64,060 | $65,040 |
|---|
Freight Broker Trends in Texas
The employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents in Texas (43-5011.00) demonstrate a robust growth pattern for the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, Texas had 8,710 employees working in this occupation. This number is projected to increase to 10,710 employees by 2030, representing a significant growth rate of 23%. Additionally, there are expected to be around 1,150 job openings annually over this period, which includes openings due to both growth and replacement. This trend suggests a strong job market for cargo and freight agents in Texas, 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 8,710 employees | 10,710 employees | 23% | 1,150 |
| United States | 95,900 employees (2022) | 105,200 employees (2032) | 10% (Much faster than average) | 11,000 |
Sources of Data:
Texas Data: The employment figures and projections for Texas 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 Texas
Texas is a midway point for much of the United States’ freight activity, so many freight brokers have a sense of job security. Large cities like Dallas and Houston also offer more freight brokering opportunities than other cities.
If you’re interested in working as a freight broker in Texas, get the proper licensing and begin networking with potential clients. If your area is a hub for trucking and freight, you might have good luck setting up a successful freight broker business.