How to Become a Freight Broker in West Virginia
When an item arrives at your doorstep, you may be completely unaware of what it took for the item to get there. When shipping companies receive new cargo, they may be in need of carriers to transport these items to their intended destinations. Freight brokers do the necessary research to find carriers who will work well with different shipping companies. This will require you to build a database so that you can understand when carriers are available as well as the types of loads they are capable of transporting. To help with these efforts, you may work in collaboration with a freight agent who helps build these databases and communicates directly with customers.
Requirements for Becoming a Freight Broker in West Virginia
Freight brokers are not held to any statewide legislation in West Virginia. Instead, they must follow national regulations, which require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a government-issued Broker Authority license to practice.
Since there are no requirements to complete a training program or earn certification, it is up to you if you would like to take advantage of the options available to help you advance within the industry. In addition to post-secondary education programs and national certification, you may choose to complete an internship or apprenticeship program. Further, you may find a seasoned professional who is wiling to take you under their wing and show you the tricks of the trade. If you want to be successful, it would be a wise decision to find a learning method that best suits you before entering this business.
West Virginia Schools for Freight Brokers
Completing a training program is not necessary to find employment as a freight broker. But if you’re interested in learning more about the trade in a way that is structured and tailored to your needs, you may be interested in one of the programs below:
- Freight Broker Boot Camp allows students to learn how to become a freight broker within just 30 days. The program is based entirely online and costs $98 for six months of full access. Students will learn about financial strategies, negotiating methods, training articles, workflow diagrams and much more.
- Brooke Training offers ob placement assistance to each student who completes courses. Free tuition is also available for veterans who qualify. Areas of study include both basic and advanced techniques, and courses are available in-person as well as online.
- Freight Movers School is also based online. In-person courses are available in select states. New freight brokers as well as those who are more experienced will benefit from the courses this program offers.
Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in West Virginia
When you have completed high school or earned your GED, you will need to follow the requirements set in place by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in order to obtain your Broker Authority license (also referred to as a Motor Carrier Operating Authority license).
These requirements include registering your company as a business. Once you have done that, you will need to obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Next, you’ll submit this number, an application and $300 application fee to the FMCSA. Your application will be processed within four to six weeks.
The FMCSA also requires that all freight brokers carry a $75,000 surety bond at all times.
You can become a Certified Transportation Broker by successfully completing the exam administered through the Transportation Intermediaries Association. This credential is not necessary to work as a freight broker but may be useful, especially to brokers with little-to-no experience within the trade.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The freight brokerage industry in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia earn an average salary of $39,740 per year. The top 10 percent of earners in West Virginia make more than $46,400 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. West Virginia Salaries:
| Percentile | United States Salary | West Virginia Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $32,720 | $34,310 |
| 25% | $38,400 | $38,120 |
| Median (50%) | $46,860 | $39,740 |
| 75% | $58,710 | $44,020 |
| 90% | $70,280 | $46,400 |
Salaries by Region in West Virginia:
| Location | 10% | 25% | Median (50%) | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $36,450 | $39,300 | $39,360 | $46,900 | $55,350 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $36,600 | $42,450 | $58,550 | $71,030 | $82,430 |
Freight Broker Trends in West Virginia
In West Virginia, the employment trends for Cargo and Freight Agents (43-5011.00) are showing a steady growth pattern for the decade from 2020 to 2030. In 2020, there were 100 employees working in this occupation in West Virginia. This number is projected to increase to 110 employees by 2030, representing a growth rate of 10%. Additionally, there are expected to be around 10 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 West Virginia, aligning with the national average growth rate.
In comparison, 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 100 employees | 110 employees | 10% | 10 |
| United States | 95,900 employees (2022) | 105,200 employees (2032) | 10% (Much faster than average) | 11,000 |
Sources of Data:
West Virginia Data: The employment figures and projections for West Virginia 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 West Virginia
Charleston is the most densely populated city in West Virginia, making it the best place to work for freight brokers in this state. This city will have a larger amount of freight distribution than anywhere else in West Virginia.
You can work as a self-employed freight broker by starting your own brokerage company; however, if you’re just starting out, it may be best to find employment at an existing brokerage company first. This will allow you to learn the tricks of the trade from brokers who are already experienced. Once you thoroughly understand best practices and industry techniques and develop the skills that will distinguish you from the competition, you’ll be in a great position to work independently at your very own brokerage company.