How to Become a Freight Broker in Arizona

A freight broker plays an important role in getting truckloads of products to their destination in an efficient, fast, and cost-effective way.

They act as a conduit between carriers and those that need shipments picked up and delivered.

A freight broker must be able to juggle a variety of tasks at the same time.

They need to do everything in their power to keep their pipeline strong, identify reliable carriers and help their clients move freight from one location to its final destination.

They are responsible for keeping the freight moving across the country to keep warehouses, stores, and other retail outlets full of products.

A freight broker needs a variety of skills, here are some of them.

What Skills Should a Freight Broker Possess?

Since freight brokers oversee a lot of different moving parts, they must possess a variety of skills to help them do their job as best as they can.

Here are some of the skills that strong freight brokers possess:

• Good time management: Goods have strict timelines/deadlines. The freight broker must deliver the product within the timeline agreed upon.
• Problem-solving skills: Weather and other natural disasters can cause delays in delivery, as drivers may have a vehicle breakdown, weather delays, or get lost on their route. The ability to resolve these issues promptly is crucial.
• Knowledge of sales and marketing: A freight broker needs to have sales goals and meet those goals. To do so, they need to generate leads through a variety of outreach efforts including via email, cold calls, and networking. A successful freight broker needs to know how to market themselves and effectively sell the services they offer.
• Interpersonal skills: A successful freight broker has strong interpersonal skills since they work with carriers and shippers. They need to be able to relate to different types of people and resolve problems while maintaining current clients and acquiring new clients.

What are the Duties of a Freight Broker in Arizona?

Freight brokers in Arizona are responsible for finding carriers that have skilled drivers and a good reputation in the industry.

The more reliable the carrier, the better it looks for the freight broker.

If the shipper has confidence in the broker and shipper, the broker is likely to get repeat business.

Freight brokers can be an important asset to carriers, as they can help carriers make money because they can help them get loads to haul.

Here are some of the general duties that a freight broker in Arizona can expect to perform on a regular or daily basis:

• Ability to generate sales leads for the company.
• They need to collect and store information relating to goods for the company.
• They need to know how to negotiate prices, prepare quotes and collect payment for services rendered.
• Ability to identify, verify, and commission carriers hauling goods
• The need to track, manage and keep the shipper informed while their goods are on their way to their final delivery point.
• They need to be able to troubleshoot problems that may occur on the road.
• Complete the delivery process and invoice clients.

Licensing Requirements of a Freight Broker in Arizona

Those that are considering a career as a freight broker in Arizona, need to know the following:

• There are no state-specific regulations for freight brokers because they must adhere to national regulations that every broker is required by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• You must have a GED or a high school diploma.
• There are no certifications needed (though taking classes is a wise idea)
• Freight brokers must register their business with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
• The USDOT assigns a number that enables the individual to apply for a license. The cost is $300 for the license application.
• Obtain a $75,000 surety bond.
• Begin securing a book of business.

Freight Broker Programs in Arizona

In the state of Arizona, there are several good educational options.

Here are a couple of local programs.

While many people forego a freight broker program, it is wise to pursue it even if you have worked in the logistics and transportation industry before.

A comprehensive program can assist in:

• Negotiating
• Contract writing
• Invoicing
• Advertising and marketing
• May help graduates secure a job

Here are some of the programs available to residents of Arizona:

• UEI College
• Arizona College
• Maricopa Corporate College
• My Learning Link
• Sonoran Learning Center

How Much do Freight Brokers Make in Arizona?

According to indeed.com, Arizonans planning to become freight brokers can expect to make around $51,753.

They also earn an additional commission, based on the agreement made with clients/shippers.

The outlook for freight brokers in the area is down 7% from the national average.

This may increase due to many freight brokers retiring or going into different fields.

Regional Salary in Arizona

Freight Broker License by State