How to Become a Freight Broker in Arkansas

Trucking, transportation, and freight logistics are challenging and exciting industries.

You can be part of this adventure by becoming a freight broker.

Freight brokerage gives you the freedom to be your boss in the transportation industry.

You arrange cargo shipments, connect carriers with customers, negotiate prices, and more.

But you are different from a freight agent because the Department of Transport in your state must license your service.

Read on to discover how you can be a freight broker in Arkansas.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Freight Broker

You are the vital link between shippers and cargo carriers as a freight broker.

Your primary role is securing the carriage of goods.

You also carry out marketing to get new clients to grow your business.

Once you have new customers, you connect them with freight carriers.

Your job may require you to place orders and arrange for cargo loading.

Here are more exciting roles you can expect to fulfill as a freight delivery broker:

• Organize, supervise, and facilitate the shipment of goods for clients
• Conduct research on hauling companies
• Ensure that clients receive better rates when dealing with carriers
• Coordinate transportation and provide tracking information
• Establish relationships with clients
• Recruit new prospects and leads to growing sales
• Choose safe and efficient freight service carriers
• Provide customers with shipping quotes
• Arrange for delivery with carriers
• Keep customers informed about shipping status and assist with other requests
• Coordinate collection and drop-off activities with carriers, shippers, and dispatchers
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with carriers
• Keep records of relevant activities
• Prepare carriers for loads

Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker

Before you practice as a freight broker in Arkansas, you should obtain a license.

The Department of Transportation is responsible for licensing in your state.

After setting up your business structure, you apply to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for a USDOT carrier number.

You will complete an OP-1 form to have your application processed.

The form has details about your company type, address, name, type of operating authority, and more.

The OP-1 document gives you two options under the type of authority; ” Broker of Property” (excluding household goods) and ” Broker of Household Goods.”

You need to pay a $300 filing fee for each license you apply for on submitting the form.

And it takes nearly four weeks for FMCSA to process and approve your application.

You will get feedback via mail.

Freight Broker Training Programs

Freight brokerage training programs are available to hone your skills and set you up for success.

And two institutions are offering excellent courses in this career in Arkansas.

Taltoa

Taltoa training courses are online and on-campus at Fort Smith, Arkansas.

As a student, you can expect to receive in-demand and in-depth training on establishing your business, marketing, vet carriers, and more.

Taltoa sticks with you by providing you with free consulting until you can stand on your feet.

And the company offers three packages.

The basic one costs $695, and you can pay $1,495 for the advanced package.

University of Central Arkansas

You can do the same course with the University of Central Arkansas.

It collaborates with Brooke Training, which is a well-known training institution.

Brooke Training has two training levels and offers free tuition for veterans who qualify.

You can attend discussions and virtual meetings to engage with industry experts as a graduate of Brooke Training.

The course is entirely online and costs $1,895.

But you cannot register with the university online.

Course topics include freight brokering basics, establishing your business, operations software and operations, and corporate goals.

Salary

What is the expected salary for a freight broker in Arkansas City, AR?

The average salary is $29,446 for the year 2021 in December.

However, the typical wage hovers between $27,668 to $31 225.

Several factors, such as skills, certifications, education, and years of experience, determine the salary differences.

Regional Salary in Arkansas

Wrapping Up

Freight brokerage is an incredible career because it involves challenges and opportunities.

As a freight broker, you coordinate the transportation of goods between carriers and clients.

Your job is securing the shipment of cargo.

You should also have a license before operating as a freight broker in Arkansas.

There is a fee that you pay when you make your application.

And it would help if you had insurance and a freight brokerage bond.

Freight Broker License by State