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Choosing to become a freight broker can deliver a rewarding and engaging career for those who seek the fast-paced world of negotiation and sales.
Freight brokers arrange transportation for a variety of shipments and freight categories, negotiate prices, and keep clients updated on every haul in transport.
To do so, freight brokers must hold insurance and a license, unlike freight agents, and typically manage these agents who are independent contractors.
If this sounds like an interesting career, keep reading to learn more about how to become a freight broker in Massachusetts!
Article Table of Contents
Freight Broker Duties in Massachusetts
Freight broker job duties are numerous, which is why it takes a specific skill set to be successful.
In general, freight brokers must perform all freight services while adhering to company, Massachusetts, and government regulations.
They must manage, create, and coordinate delivery and pick-up schedules with customers, dispatchers, carriers, and shippers.
Also, those in this role report and track shipments, assist loading preparation, book carriers, and orders, and offer quotes.
Additional freight broker duties include maintaining accurate records of freight activity, resolving discrepancies while keeping necessary parties updated, responding to customer concerns and inquiries professionally, and managing multiple spot requests and deliveries.
Furthermore, freight brokers are expected to remain updated on emerging logistical and transportation trends and maintain productive relationships with customers.
Licensing Requirements to Become
To become a freight broker in Massachusetts, you must be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which falls under the U.S. Department of Transportation.
To acquire this license freight brokers must register the name of their business.
Then the U.S. Department of Transportation will provide a number that is required to submit a license application and associated fees to the FMCSA.
To be considered for licensure, all brokers must hold a $75,000 surety bond, general liability insurance, and contingent cargo insurance.
The State of Massachusetts does not require a formal examination to become a freight broker.
However, the Transportation Intermediaries Association has a Certified Transportation Brokers exam, which gives those who pass a competitive advantage within the industry.
The Certified Transportation Brokers program presents those who complete the exam with the highest broker certification possible and is the most widely recognized designation.
The exam is comprised of a four-hour multiple-choice test broken down into three sections – basic business principles, traffic management and contracting transportation services, and legal and regulatory issues.
Freight Broker Programs
While formal academic training is not required for becoming a freight broker in Massachusetts, enrolling in courses can give those fresh to the industry more specialized knowledge.
There are two freight broker programs in Massachusetts, including:
Bunker Hill Community College
Through the Ed2Go portal, Bunker Hill Community College offers online freight broker training.
The program consists of 18-hours giving you the flexibility to complete different modules at your own pace.
The curriculum covers how to acquire a license, how to set up a freight broker business, insurance, transportation law, and standard freight brokerage techniques.
Graduates also benefit from virtual job fairs within the industry, which occur one Friday every month.
The cost for the entire program is $1,895.
Brooke Training
Brooke Training is another online freight brokerage program that provides students across the country with additional industry knowledge.
Tuition is even free for qualifying military veterans.
Also, this school offers beginner and advanced programs, allowing for continued education once a student enters the workforce.
Furthermore, Brooke Training helps students with job placement upon graduation.
The beginning course costs $2,495 and the advanced course costs $3,995.
Salary
The average salary of a freight broker in Massachusetts is around $41,000 per year with a range from $23,000 to $65,000.
However, the salary in large cities can be significantly higher due to the local cost of living.
In comparison, the average national freight broker salary is $55,000 per year with the opportunity to earn up to $29,000 in commission.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $59,431 |
| Worcester | $55,543 |
| Springfield | $54,726 |
| Lowell | $57,495 |
| Cambridge | $59,431 |
| Brockton | $57,126 |
| New Bedford | $55,596 |
| Fall River | $55,596 |
| Lynn | $59,431 |
| Quincy | $59,431 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 690 | $54,130 | $26.02 | $72,650 | $36,830 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 70 | $65,780 | $31.62 | $82,210 | $37,190 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 60 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are freight broker jobs most available in Massachusetts?
Freight brokers either work for established firms or start their own businesses.
For those seeking an existing brokerage, jobs are most readily available in larger cities like Worcester, Springfield, or Boston.
Jobs in these cities will pay higher salaries than surrounding areas due to a higher cost of living.
What are the educational requirements to become a freight broker in Massachusetts?
To become a freight broker in Massachusetts, interested parties must hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
However, enrolling in a freight broker training program is highly recommended to expand your knowledge of the industry, better understand licensing and certifications, and give you an overall competitive advantage.
What is the startup cost of a brokerage in Massachusetts?
The startup fund can range from $5,000 to $250,000 depending on the organizational size you wish to establish, with some expenses being luxuries that are not necessary at startup.
For instance, you can start the business in your basement instead of renting.
Traditional costs include rent, equipment, advertising, phone and internet, payroll, office supplies, registration, freight broker license fee, and insurance.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Freight Broker
Freight Broker License by State