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When you want to work in the transportation and logistics industry, becoming a freight broker in Kansas can be a great career.
It is a chance to play the middleman between shippers and carriers.
As the broker, you are the one to help facilitate the details so that freight is shipped quickly and effectively to wherever it needs to go.
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Freight Broker Duties in Kansas
As a freight broker in Kansas, there will be various responsibilities and duties for you to follow.
In most instances, you will generate leads to attract new prospects.
This way, you continue to have new customers to deal with so that you can work to provide them with better and more affordable freight shipping services.
- You will need to develop a network of reputable and safe carriers for freight services.
- You will want to make sure that they are licensed and adhere to all of the different guidelines in the state of Kansas.
- You will also want to find out what types of freight loads they work with.
As you work with customers to connect them with carriers, you will provide them with shipping quotes.
As customers agree to those shipping quotes, you will book orders with carriers to ensure that the freight is able to get to where it needs to go.
Once orders are booked, you will manage the process, which includes:
- Tracking the status of loads
- Collaborating with carriers and shippers to manage drop-offs and collections
- Keep records of all activities
- Provide updates and assist with inquiries
Your actual responsibilities may vary based on the company that you work for.
Some companies will allow you to work remotely while others may have you come into an office.
Often, you will be taking 50+ calls a day while also managing the entire shipping-carrier relationship.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in Kansas
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are a few steps involved with registering and obtaining a license.
Brokers will need to register by applying with the broker authority of the FMCSA using the Unified Registration System.
There is a $300 one-time application fee that will need to be paid.
After paying, the information has to be updated every two years, but at no additional cost.
While it is not required by state or federal law, it is ideal to receive some training.
Online training, in-room training, and books are available.
Upon getting the training and making the application to the FMCSA, the next step is to obtain a surety bond.
Freight brokers will need to have a bond of $75,000.
Surety companies will provide this in exchange for a monthly premium.
Freight Broker Programs
Freight brokers are required to have either a high school diploma or a GED.
However, there is additional training that is available in-person or online.
Throughout Kansas, there are quite a few schools that will offer this training.
Most training can be completed in the span of one month and will include an overview of the job, how to manage a broker business, the legal aspects, and marketing principles.
Ed2Go/Brooke Transportation offers a 180-hour program that is available at:
- Wichita State University
- Washburn Institute of Technology
- Flint Hills Technical College
- Butler Community College
- Labette Community College
Basic training courses will cost around $200 while more involved programs can cost upwards of $1500.
New training courses become available regularly, which can be useful to catch up on the latest trends.
Salary
The earnings of a freight broker can vary dramatically.
With the right training and a strong client base, freight brokers can earn quite a bit of money – which is all the more reason to focus on training programs.
The average freight broker in Wichita, KS will earn a salary of $32,224 with the range falling between $30,278 and $34,202.
In Kansas City, the average salary is a bit higher at $51.782.
Often, the salary is based on not only education but also additional skills and the number of years of experience within the profession.
Freight brokers will make money based on the margin between what is charged to the customer versus what is being paid to the carrier.
The average freight broker will claim a net margin of around three to eight percent on every load that is negotiated.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wichita | $50,796 |
| Overland Park | $51,598 |
| Kansas City | $51,782 |
| Topeka | $49,314 |
| Olathe | $51,457 |
| Lawrence | $50,096 |
| Shawnee | $51,598 |
| Salina | $50,269 |
| Manhattan | $48,786 |
| Hutchinson | $50,269 |
Regional Salary in Kansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita, KS | 180 | $39,470 | $18.98 | $63,350 | $27,550 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of license does the state of Kansas require for freight brokers?
To be a freight broker in Kansas, you will need to obtain a license known as Broker Authority or MC Authority.
Where in Kansas are freight brokers in the greatest demand?
Freight brokers will typically earn the highest compensation and be in the highest demand in the larger cities of Kansas, including Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City.
What are the additional requirements beyond having a license in Kansas?
Unless you work for a company, you will need to register your business with the Department of Revenue and obtain a tax number.
Additionally, you will need to obtain a freight broker surety bond.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Freight Broker
Freight Broker License by State