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Kentucky is a mix of the rural and urban; the state offers quiet country living and some of the best cities in the world to live in.
Figuring out how to move goods from manufacturing facilities and distribution centers to the businesses and homes of the incredibly diverse population of this state is a huge challenge.
Fortunately, freight brokers are a group of people who solve these challenges on a daily basis.
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Freight Broker Duties in Kentucky
Freight brokers are a crucial link between the suppliers of goods and the carriers that transport those goods.
After farms or factories produce goods or products, these items have to be shipped to a business, factory, or home.
A freight broker acts as a go-between; linking manufacturers and shipping companies so that these products can arrive in a timely manner.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in Kentucky
The state of Kentucky does not require any type of state-issued license to work as a freight broker.
However, potential freight brokers should be aware that all freight brokers throughout the United States are required to have a federal Broker Authority License.
This license is issued by the U.S Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
To get this license, applicants must start by registering with the U.S Department of Transport in order to obtain a Department of Transportation Number and a separate Motor Carrier Number.
In order to obtain a Broker Authority License, the FMCSA will require five things in addition to these two numbers.
The first thing needed is a GED or high school diploma.
Second is proof of adequate insurance for the cargo and general liability.
Third, proof must be provided of a $75,000 surety bond.
Fourth, proof must be provided that the applicant has an agent in each state that he or she will conduct business in, including all states that freight is being moved through, even if goods are not being delivered in that state.
Finally, a potential freight broker must provide a $300 non-refundable deposit to process the application.
It typically takes the application process about four to six weeks to process.
This time frame starts around the time all paperwork has been submitted to the time the federal Broker Authority License is issued.
Once the license is received, however, the broker can start working immediately.
Freight Broker Programs in Kentucky
While there is no requirement for any type of formal training in the state of Kentucky in order to become a freight broker, there are several types of training programs that people in the industry recommend in order to be better prepared for the challenges of this career field.
Load Training and Brooke Training are not schools that offer in-person and online classes that can prepare students for these career fields.
Most schools also offer job placement services that can help their graduates find a job in the industry.
Freight Broker Salary in Kentucky
Freight brokers in Kentucky have made an average of $29,000 to $33,500 a year.
This is slightly less than the national average.
Many freight brokers use these positions as a springboard to other types of better-paying management positions within the shipping industry.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette | $49,672 |
| Louisville | $49,741 |
| Owensboro | $49,539 |
| Bowling Green | $47,748 |
| Covington | $51,582 |
| Hopkinsville | $47,473 |
| Frankfort | $48,222 |
| Henderson | $49,856 |
| Richmond | $49,174 |
| Jeffersonville | $49,251 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | ** | $47,440 | $22.81 | $63,030 | $41,680 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 1,470 | $47,860 | $23.01 | $64,440 | $38,480 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is going through a training class worth the time and money?
If you are just starting out in this career field, training classes are a good way to learn the ropes and make industry contacts.
While it is not necessary to take these classes to get certified to work as a freight broker in the state of Kentucky, many people who are new to the career field appreciate these training classes for the insights that they get into the industry as a whole.
Is there a demand for freight brokers in Kentucky?
While few people think of Kentucky when they think of major transportation hubs, the truth is that billions of dollars in goods and materials pass through the state every year.
Louisville in particular is growing as a center for many shipping companies to launch distribution centers, increasing the demand for freight brokers who can find new carriers that can handle the increased amount of goods.
As the state’s economy grows, the demand for trained professionals in this career field is expected to increase.
How much will freight brokers in Kentucky make in the future?
As the demand for goods grows throughout the state of Kentucky, so to will the demand for professionals who can figure out how to transport those goods.
The pandemic has put pressure on supply chains, making it more difficult for manufacturers to rely on the carriers they have always used.
This is expected to lead to an increased demand for freight brokers.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Freight Broker
Freight Broker License by State