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In today’s world of dying malls and an astronomical increase in online shopping, the demand for shipping goods has never been higher.
These goods are ready to be shipped and someone needs to ship them.
That is where the freight broker comes in.
This type of broker is responsible for connecting the two entities for successful deliveries.
With great responsibility comes great pay and benefits.
Amazing communication.
A people person.
Problem solver.
Interest in sales.
A curiosity about how shipping works.
Passion to complete big tasks.
If these sound like traits of yours or if the sound of this job is calling your name, stick around.
We are going to walk you through how to become a freight broker in Georgia.
Article Table of Contents
Freight Broker Duties in Georgia
First, a deeper look into what a freight broker is.
This person or company is contracted by a business with products to ensure they are shipped out.
The broker is the representative that works directly with the carrier to get the property delivered.
So, what is to be expected on a daily basis?
Here is an overview list of job responsibilities:
- Reserve orders for carriers
- Offer shipping quotes to customers
- Track status of delivery
- Keep customers up to date with the location of the shipment
- Assist customers with questions or concerns
- Maintain a list of reliable carriers
- Employ marketing to attract new customers
- Use sales tactics to close deals
- Coordinate with shippers, carriers, and dispatchers for completion of picking up and dropping off the property
- Stay in line with government regulations
- Keep very detailed records
- Knowledge of the Transportation Management System (TMS)
- Be aware of market trends
- Comfortable making cold calls
- Deploying marketing tactics
Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker
Freight brokers are licensed federally by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Authority (FMCSA).
The fee is a one-time, non-refundable payment of $300.
Interested parties will also need to obtain a USDOT number.
Registration goes through FMCSA and once approved, they will issue the number by mail.
Freight Broker Programs
There are no educational or training requirements to hold this position in Georgia.
However, depending on how much experience you have in the industry, it may behoove you to get better acquainted with the shipping process.
If you want to learn the ropes and get familiar with the career necessities, there are programs to take.
Here are a few options for both in-person in Georgia and remote learning:
- Learn Freight. For $299, or 6 payments of $60, you can take a self-paced course that will help you learn the ins and outs of being a freight broker. Some of the topics covered are equipment types, cargo requirements, setting up a brokerage, finding carriers, and booking the first load. They also provide a money-back guarantee within 30 days of purchase.
- Shippers Carriers LLC. This course is $950 and takes place on location in Winder, about an hour east of Atlanta. They also offer online classes. In two days, you will have gone over such topics as brokering a load and licensing requirements. Once you pass the test, you get a certificate of completion and the freedom to ask any question of the instructor.
- Freight Movers School LLC. This school also offers online or in-person classes in Atlanta, but the options are tailored to experience. There is a one-day course meant to be a refresher for $250. Then there are two other options. The first is a two-day, full-time class online for $1,250. The second is a $3,000 in-person experience which must be scheduled in advance. While this is the most expensive of the three programs listed, it does offer a sort of job security. The benefit of going here is that they have placements with partner firms after completion, if interested.
Salary
The average salary for a freight broker in Georgia is about $32k a year.
However, this can vary wildly due to commission structures and load agreements.
More connections and experience will make for bigger commissions down the line.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | $52,177 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | $49,361 |
| Columbus | $47,972 |
| Savannah | $49,564 |
| Athens-Clarke County | $51,808 |
| Macon | $49,215 |
| Roswell | $51,980 |
| Albany | $48,487 |
| Marietta | $52,030 |
| Warner Robins | $49,067 |
Regional Salary in Georgia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 2,590 | $55,550 | $26.71 | $71,500 | $45,110 |
| Savannah, GA | 320 | $47,160 | $22.67 | $59,880 | $40,000 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Sources
https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/freight-broker-agent-salary
https://www.betterteam.com/freight-broker-job-description
https://www.freightbrokerbootcamp.com/blog/how-much-can-a-freight-broker-or-freight-agent-earn/
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a freight broker bond in Georgia?
Yes, you will be required by FMCSA to have a $75k surety bond.
This bond is meant to make sure motor carriers get paid, regardless of any situation with your business.
Can I be a freight broker remotely?
Absolutely!
The main part of the job is communication.
As long as you have a phone and reliable internet, you can do what you need from anywhere you choose.
Is brokering mostly cold calling?
While this has been a part of getting clients in the past, more modern avenues of accumulating clientele have proven to be as, or more, successful.
A good example of ways to set yourself apart is utilizing social media and email marketing to connect with and attract new customers.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Freight Broker
Freight Broker License by State