6 Steps to Get a Freight Broker License

If you want to run a freight brokerage business, matching goods that need to be shipped with trucking companies that do the shipping, you will need a freight broker license, or a load broker license. Freight brokers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and the requirements can be confusing. We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help new brokers get started.

What is a freight broker?

A freight broker acts as a transportation intermediary in the freight industry. Freight brokers do not ship cargo themselves or have cargo to ship, but they negotiate transactions between shippers and carriers.

It’s important to understand the differences between freight brokers and freight forwarders. A freight broker does not actually handle shipments. A freight forwarder takes physical possession of goods that need to be shipped, consolidates several small shipments into a larger shipment, and then coordinates that shipment’s transportation. The same company can provide both brokerage and forwarding.

How much do freight brokers make?

A freight broker’s rate of pay is heavily dependent on their location. Average pay is about $73,000, but it can fluctuate based on location and market demand.

There are three types of freight brokers, each with different salaries:

• Licensed freight broker: Has their own operating authority, owns a company, and may employ other brokers.
• W-2 freight brokers: Work for a licensed broker as a freight broker agent and receive a salary plus commission.
• 1099 freight broker: Works under a licensed broker as an independent contractor.

What are the advantages of being a licensed freight broker?

If you value freedom, independence, and a strong earning potential, running a freight broker business can be a great choice. There are many advantages to obtaining a freight brokerage license, including:

No cap on earnings

As a freight broker, you have an earning potential limited only by your ability to work hard and be persistent. You are paid on commission for each load you successfully book and move, and top brokers can easily exceed $150,000 per year. You can also decide to start your own fright brokerage business, managing a team of freight brokers. Because this takes a lot of startup capital, many people begin as independent freight agents and then build a team slowly over time.

No commute or time on the road

Maybe you’re a driver tired of missing birthdays and holidays. Or perhaps you’re in a different industry looking for less travel or commuting time. Whatever your background, if you like the transportation industry but want to work from or close to home, becoming a freight broker may be right for you. It takes hard work to succeed, but you can make your own schedule that fits into your lifestyle.

Low startup costs

You can get started for just a few thousand dollars, maybe less, if you start by working for an established freight broker. The point is to start small as an independent agent and then gradually build up your business over time.

Low overhead expenses

For many independent freight brokers, the overhead required to run the business is low compared to other small business types. As a freight broker, you are responsible for a few expenses, including a reliable internet connection, transportation management system (TMS), and cell phone. You may also want to invest in a dedicated laptop and cell phone for work use to keep your business and personal life separate. The good news is, any office items that are used strictly to run your business are tax deductible.

What are the challenges of being a licensed freight broker?

No job or career is perfect. Here are some of the challenges you might face in your venture as a freight broker.

Onboarding quality carriers

Each new carrier you work with should be properly onboarded or introduced to your processes and confirmed they are legally equipped to take on the job. This involves careful vetting to confirm everything from compliance, safety, accountability (CSA) scores, risk assessment, insurance and liability, and operating authorities are up-to-date.

While this sounds like a big task, failing to do so creates liability for you and could cost you your reputation, and even your business. Traditional manually onboarding carriers can take 24-72 hours. However, with the right tools to help automate the process, you can cut days down to minutes, giving you more time to book loads or win new shipper business. Proper onboarding also helps you create strong carrier relationships you can depend on in the future.

Managing financial risk

Managing risk is one of the most stressful parts of any business, and freight brokers are not immune. You may find yourself in situations where you have to pay the carrier before the shipper pays you. You might hit slow patches when there’s less work coming in. It can take a while to get established, so be prepared for income ups and downs.

Remember, carriers are more likely to agree loads from a brokerage that offer faster payments. Prioritize paying your carriers as quickly as possible to strengthen relationships and build trust.

Monitoring carrier safety and compliance

Confirming that your carriers are in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and their Compliance Safety and Accountability (CSA) program is an integral part of your job as a freight broker. Your shippers count on you, they want you to avoid carriers who have freight-related carrier violations that could potentially put their cargo at risk if the carrier is a habitual offender.

However, staying on top of carrier compliance can take time and resources away from tasks that directly impact your bottom line. There are tools available to ensure carrier safety and compliance faster, easier, and more reliable.

Carrier monitoring allows you to get updates about carrier status changes and change notifications. With access to a database of carrier insurance certificates and the ability to evaluate inspection and violation information, you can spend more time getting high-quality loads for your carriers and less time on compliance paperwork.

Establishing trust

Building trust with clients is hard in any industry. As a freight broker, you need to prove to both shippers and carriers that you’re reliable and won’t disappear when they need you most. You also have to consistently win over new clients to build a successful business, which can be challenging if networking isn’t your strongest suit.

Navigating contract clauses

To do business with major carriers or shippers, you may need to sign contracts filled with legal jargon. Some clauses, such as non-compete agreements, can limit your ability to do certain things. For example, if a customer gets a quote directly from the carrier and then asks you to beat it, you may not be allowed to. Always have an attorney who knows the trucking business review any contract before you sign it, and make sure you understand what it says.

6 steps to getting your freight broker license

What are the freight broker license requirements, and what is the process for obtaining a broker license for freight? Here’s what you need to do.

1. Invest in training.

It’s not required by law, but you can set yourself up for success through a freight broker training program. Find an online training course or work through one of the many training books out there. If possible, you may also want to get some hands-on practice at an existing freight brokerage company. Plan to spend about a month developing your skills and knowledge.

Additional training and education may be tax deductible too, as long as it’s directly related to your trucking career.

2. Choose a business structure.

Freight brokers can be organized as one of three types of business: sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, and each has specific tax implications and documentation requirements. Because your business structure can have wide-ranging, long-term impacts on your company, it’s wise to get guidance from a business attorney and tax professional before choosing.

3. Apply for broker authority.

The next step is to apply for broker operating authority by submitting Form OP-1 to the FMCSA. The form is relatively straightforward. As of 2023, the filing fee is $300 per type or $600 for both. If you apply online, you’ll get your motor carrier number right away, which you need for the rest of the process.

4. Get a surety bond.

The FMCSA requires a surety bond to ensure that you follow all guidelines and regulations. For freight brokers, the required amount of the bond is $75,000. But you don’t have to raise all that money yourself. You can work with a surety company that will put up the bond for you in exchange for a small premium. Assuming you don’t break the rules, nobody pays anything else. If you violate the terms of the bond, you can be sued up to the limits of the bond. In that case, the surety company would pay the claim, but you will have to reimburse them for however much they pay out on your behalf.

5. Choose a process agent.

You will need a process agent in every state where you write broker contracts. If any legal proceedings are brought against your business, a process agent is simply someone who agrees to accept any court papers served on your behalf. Some freight brokers use individual process agents in each state, while others select a national company that offers process agent services in all 50 states. You will need to file Form BOC-3 with the FMCSA to declare your choice of process agents.

6. Register through the Unified Registration System.

The last step is to register with the FMCSA through the Unified Registration System (URS). This system combines all the forms needed to complete your registration into a single, easy-to-use online application form.

After completing your URS application, you’ll need to learn all the relevant state regulations on interstate commerce in the states where you plan to do business. Contact each state’s regulatory agency for more information.

Freight broker license costs

Part of understanding how to get a freight broker license is knowing the costs involved. There are four basic types of expenses:

Training cost

The cost of training varies dramatically, depending on whether you work your way through training books or sign up for a class. Shop around to find the best deal.

Freight broker license cost

The actual cost of your license varies by state. You need to pay this amount to the FMCSA in step three of the process above. Note: You have to update your information every two years, but it’s free.

Surety bond

Again, the surety bond for a freight broker is $75,000. You can get this bond from a surety company for a small premium. Your exact payment depends primarily on your credit score, but it’s usually 2% to 4% of the bond amount, or $1,500 to $3,000 each year. You’ll need to renew your bond each year by paying the designated premium.

Organizational expenses

Depending on how you set up your company, you might need to get a business license and insurance and pay other startup and organizational costs. Talk to your attorney and tax professional about any expenses you should expect.

Use a load board to find qualified carriers and shippers.

Once your freight brokerage is ready to go, it’s time tofind carriers and shippers. Working with a digitalload board makes it faster and easier.

Truckstop connects tens of thousands of carriers, shippers and brokers through a complete technological solution that includesfreight matching, planning and tracking tools, TMS, real-time rate analysis, and convenient payment solutions.

Freight brokers who choose Truckstop enjoy advanced features such as:

• Uncover hidden capacity
• Monitor carrier compliance
• Post unlimited loads
• Monitor truck-to-load ratios
• Get real-time rate updates
• View carrier performance ratings

Sign up today.