How to Become a Freight Broker in Vermont
When freight needs to make its way from point A to point B, freight brokers often play a huge role in making this happen. Shipping companies will typically have a need for carriers to deliver different types of loads, and freight brokers will do the necessary research to connect these shipping companies with carriers who are qualified and trustworthy. Since they act as middlemen, freight brokers will also be expected to communicate with both parties throughout the shipping process in order to ensure that each load makes its way to its intended destination in a safe and timely manner.
Freight agents do not need to be licensed like freight brokers. They will usually work for brokers as independent contractors, assisting with the day-to-day functions of the business.
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in Vermont
Although there are no state laws in place to hold freight brokers to certain standards, there are national laws requiring all freight brokers to earn a high school diploma or GED and obtain a Broker Authority license (also referred to as a Motor Carrier Operating Authority license) issued by the United States government.
You won’t need to complete any training programs or earn any certifications to practice; however, these options are available and wouldn’t hurt if you’re interested in going the extra mile. On the contrary, deciding to leverage tools such as these, completing an apprenticeship program or finding an experienced professional to act as your mentor, are all great ways to boost your credentials and expand your network of connections within the trade.
Vermont Schools for Freight Brokers
The training programs below are designed for both new and experienced freight brokers. Consider if one of them would be suitable for your advancement goals:
- Freight Broker Boot Camp allows students six months of full online access to workflow diagrams, financial strategies, negotiating methods, training articles and much more for a total payment of $98. With this program, students can acquire the skills to become a freight broker within just 30 days.
- Brooke Training grants ach student assistance with job placement after course completion. Qualified veterans are also allowed to take courses for free. The program offers courses both in-person and online.
- Freight Movers School has courses for new students to learn brokerage basics, as well as advanced courses for experienced freight brokers to learn how to improve sales. In-person courses take place in Texas and Georgia. Online courses are also available.
Vermonters appreciate the flexibility of 90 Day Freight Broker, which delivers high-quality, remote training with weekly progress goals.
Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Vermont
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), all freight brokers must register their company as a business. The next step is to obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation number. You will then need to submit this number, an application and $300 application fee to the FMCSA. Approval time takes between four and six weeks.
It s important to note that all freight brokers must carry a $75,000 surety bond at all times.
You can become a Certified Transportation Broker by successfully completing the exam administered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association. You will not need this certification in order to practice, but it may be of interest to those who want to earn credentials in this business.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The freight brokerage industry in Vermont, as part of the broader freight transportation sector, is showing 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 Vermont earn an average salary of $45,500 per year. The top 10 percent of earners in Vermont make more than $58,440 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. Vermont Salaries:
| Percentile | United States Salary | Vermont Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $35,660 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $37,020 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $45,500 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $53,250 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $58,440 |
Freight Broker Trends in Vermont
In Vermont, the employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents (43-5011.00) show stability in the workforce with no significant growth expected from 2020 to 2030. The number of employees working in this occupation in Vermont was 60 in 2020 and is projected to remain at 60 by 2030, indicating a 0% growth rate. Despite the lack of growth, there are projected to be around 10 job openings annually over this period, primarily due to replacement needs rather than expansion.
In contrast, the national trend for the same period shows a growth rate of 10%, which is 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 60 employees | 60 employees | 0% | 10 |
| United States | 95,900 employees (2022) | 105,200 employees (2032) | 10% (Much faster than average) | 11,000 |
Sources of Data:
Vermont Data: The employment figures and projections for Vermont 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 Vermont
In any state, freight brokers will earn the most working in cities that are densely populated. This is because there will likely be a large amount of transport making its way to and from these cities. In Vermont, freight brokers will earn the highest compensation in Burlington, as it is the most densely populated city in the state by far.
Working as a freight broker will require patience, resilience and excellent communication skills. The need for these qualities will be heightened if you choose to start your own brokerage company; however, they will be necessary even if you decide to work for an existing brokerage. If your own research has led you to believe that this career will be a perfect fit for you, consider starting your journey as a freight broker today.