How to Become a Freight Broker in New York

Choosing a career as a freight broker is important because they are responsible for getting loads of products picked up, transported, and delivered to their destination.

According to Truckinginfo.com, many people choose to forego training as a freight broker, but this can be detrimental for the business.

Those that attend a freight brokerage program will benefit from what they learn.

The school will teach students from the top training materials available, as well as provide them with hands-on experience.

These tools give the student a real-life experience of what it is like to be a freight broker.

While it will take time and financial investment, you will be better prepared to start your career by taking a live program or online classes.

What Skills Should a Freight Broker Possess?

A career as a freight broker can be very difficult and success may depend on getting a leg up ahead of the competition.

It is important to have a wide range of skills.

The following six skills below are critical for a freight broker to possess:

• Communications skills: Possessing good communication skills is crucial as you are the middleman between the end customer, the shipper, and carriers. It is important to keep all parties apprised of routes, travel, and delivery schedules.
• Networking: Whether you work from home or in an office, it is important to find networking opportunities where you can meet other people in the industry that may need your services.
• Negotiation skills: In a competitive environment like a freight broker, you need to be flexible, and good negotiation skills are extremely important. When you broker freight and use a freight board, you will need negotiating skills. When working on a bid, you need to make the highest amount possible out of each load.
• Foreign language skills: English is the most widely used language in domestic and international trade. However, if you want to explore even more opportunities, learning Spanish, French, German, Russian, or Chinese can be helpful and expand your business.
• Organizational skills: Since freight brokers have so many responsibilities, they must be organized and keep good records to make their business a success.
• Marketing: It is important to understand that in order to get business, you need to let people know you are in business.

There are many ways to promote your business, such as advertising in trade publications and using networking opportunities to talk about your skills and how you help businesses.

What are the Duties of a Freight Broker in New York?

Freight brokers in the state of New York are critical in keeping products moving throughout the U.S.

New York state was the third-largest exporter of goods in 2018, by shipping $84.7 billion worth of exports.

Due to the demand for logistics workers, over 260,000 industry jobs were filled in 2016.

As this number continues to increase, a job as a freight broker is a lucrative business in New York.

Here are some of the duties of a freight broker in New York:

• They are responsible for finding carriers with skilled drivers and a good reputation.
• Freight brokers are an important asset to carriers as having filled trucks helps them make money.
• They need to know how to negotiate prices.
• They need to generate sales leads and keep an active pipeline of business.

Licensing Requirements of a Freight Broker in New York

In New York, individuals do not require any specific certification to become freight brokers.

All regulations are not state-specific because they are mandated by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Those that are considering a career as a freight broker in New York, need to know and adhere to the following:

• Must have completed a high school diploma or a GED.
• Must have at least two years of work experience in the industry.
• Must know how to use Microsoft Office Suites.
• Need to have excellent problem-solving abilities.
• You must have a U.S.DOT assign you a number, then you can apply for a $300 license.
• Must obtain a $75,000 surety bond.
• Look for carriers and suppliers to start the book of business.

Freight Broker Programs in New York

Many people forgo formal programs, but it is often not the best option.

Many training programs not only help students get ready to start their careers, but many will also assist graduates in obtaining a job.

Here are some of the programs available to residents of New York:

• New York College
• Charter Brokerage
• Brooklyn Real Estate Institute
• Atlantic Freight Brokers

How Much do Freight Brokers Make in New York?

According to salary.com, the average freight broker salary as of December 2921, is around $33,462.

Salaries can vary widely depending on the following factors:

• Education
• Certifications
• Years in the profession
• Business contacts

Regional Salary in New York

Sources

• Freight Broker Agent Salary | Salary.com
• https://www.truckinginfo.com/336968/7-myths-about-being-a-freight-broker#

Freight Broker License by State