Becoming a Freight Broker in Georgia
If you’re the type of person who thrives on organization, is great at communicating with others, and has negotiating skills, then you may want to look into a career as a freight broker.
These workers need to have a strong understanding of the trucking industry and have the proper education and training to succeed in the state of GA.
Education & Training
Getting an education from a post-secondary institution is a great way to learn about the business. Individuals can attend in-person classes or online programs at Georgia trade schools, vocational schools, and colleges. Those who wish to work in the industry must first have their high school diploma or GED.
Required Courses
Some classes and topics you may cover while getting your education are:
- The Basics of Freight Brokering
- Setting up Your Business and Office
- Setting Goals and Developing Your Corporate Identity
- Operations and Using Operations Software
- Types of Freight and Exploring Niche Markets
- Transportation Law
- Broker-Shipper Agreements
- Insurance for Carriers and Brokers
- Determining Your Rate Quote
- Carrier Relations and Solutions for Success
- Sales and Profitability
- Advanced Marketing
- Developing Your Negotiation Skills
How Much Does It Cost?
Curious about how much it costs to become a freight broker? It can vary by school and the amount of education you receive, but some individuals can get their education for under 1k. In other circumstances, however, it may cost a person more than 2k to get their degree or certification.
Earning a Certification
Getting a certification from a college or trade school is a great way to understand the fundamentals of the role. You can also branch out and attend different seminars or college classes to learn more about the shipping industry.
Certified Transportation Broker Certification
While these certifications aren’t always needed by an employer, they can make a good impression on a hiring manager. Those who want to expand their knowledge might consider getting a Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) certification
How Long Does It Take?
The time it takes to finish your education and training to become a freight broker can depend on which school and program you attend. In the state of Georgia, many individuals can finish in around a year, while some schools allow you to complete their program in around six months.
Georgia Freight Broker Requirements
The following are requirements to earn a license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as a freight broker. While these are not required by the state of Georgia, the following mandates come from the federal level.
License Requirements
- Provide evidence that your business is correctly registered
- Apply for a USDOT number from the Department of Transportation
- Get a $75,000 freight broker bond
- Appoint a registered process agent in the states you wish to operate in
- Pay a $300 fee
Once the license processing begins, it will take approximately four to six weeks to complete.
Freight Broker Salaries in GA
Freight brokers in Georgia can earn a good living. The average freight broker salary in Georgia is $52, 940. However, the annual salary for these workers can depend on different things like region, experience, and employer.
A few salaries that you may be able to earn as a freight broker in GA are:
- Augusta $51,206
- Atlanta $53,744
- Savannah $51,416
- Athens $53,361
- Marietta $53,591
Job Description
These workers communicate with shipping and carrier companies to make sure packages and shipments reach their destinations on schedule. When there is a need for truck drivers or transportation specialists to move a shipment, a freight broker works to find drivers who can make this happen within the necessary time frame.
Hours Worked
Freight brokers often set their own hours. Many freight brokers can work from home and often manage their work and life schedules around the needs of shipping and carrier schedules.
What Do They Do?
Some responsibilities of a freight broker are:
- Generating leads and attracting new prospects
- Identifying reputable carriers for freight services
- Giving shipping quotes to customers
- Booking orders with carriers
- Tracking the status of loads
- Working with shippers, carriers, and dispatchers to make collections and drop-offs
- Maintaining accurate records of activities
- Updating customers on status of shipments
- Have knowledge of current market trends
Career Outlook
Georgia residents eager to become freight brokers are in luck. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, experts predict that this profession will grow approximately eight percent from 2021-2031. This will mean thousands of new freight broker jobs in Georgia for individuals who are qualified.