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There has never been a higher demand for shipping goods.
Most major retailers not only have stores full of products but there are several websites like Amazon that are devoted to an entirely online shopping experience.
With purchasing being as easy as paying for something in your pajamas, consumerism is at an all-time high.
The ease and convenience, along with a plethora of sales, targeted ads, and email lists keep the purchase wheel in full rotation.
For the process of product distribution, there are the shippers and the transporters.
The shippers are the makers of the product who are looking for a reputable company to take their items where they need to be.
The transporters are the ones picking up the items and going by truck, train, ship, or plane to get them to their final destination.
The person who connects the two entities are called freight brokers.
Article Table of Contents
What is a Freight Broker?
A freight broker is an in-between person who connects a shipper and a carrier for a successful pick-up and drop-off of cargo.
This job comes with great pay and benefits.
This might be an appealing position for you if communication, problem-solving, and the desire to see big tasks come to completion are some of your stronger personality traits.
It also helps to have an interest or experience in sales.
If this description excited you to learn more, stay tuned.
According to the Diesel Gypsy, Oregon exported over $22B of goods in 2018.
That is a lot of opportunities!
Here, we will give an overview of what you can expect as a freight broker in Oregon and where you can go to get started in the field.
Freight Broker Duties in Oregon
So, how does a broker connect a shipper and a carrier together?
Also, what else would a freight broker be responsible for in the transportation process?
Well, how it works is that a broker is contracted by a company to get their cargo shipped out.
It is up to that person to represent the company’s needs and find a carrier that can get the items delivered in the timeline requested and do so under the budget provided.
Here are more things on the to-do list for a freight broker:
- Accumulate a list of carriers
- Keep the cargo and transportation services in regulation
- Maintain records for all deliveries
- Use marketing to attract new customers
- Make cold calls to put feelers out for new clients
- Be knowledgeable of negotiation tactics to close contracts
- Put together quotes for clients
- Coordinate the pick-up and drop off of cargo between companies and dispatchers
- Stay aware of the cargo’s location until it has been dropped off
- Be available to customers who have questions or want updates
- Have experience with or be able to learn the Transportation Management System
Oregon Requirements for a Freight Broker
First off, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school equivalent.
To begin the licensing in Oregon, an interested party will apply to get a USDOT number and Motor Carrier number for the business.
Then, there is an application fee of $300 that is non-refundable but also one-time only.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Authority (FMCSA) is the official entity that oversees the freight broker’s licenses.
Freight Broker Programs
There is no required schooling or program certification in order to apply to a position or start your own business as a freight broker in Oregon.
However, that does not mean it would not be in your best interest to get knowledge and experience under your belt.
The shipping process can be intense and any extra foresight you can get will only help you grow professionally.
Getting an education can help you get a leg up whether you have some experience or not.
Below are programs in Oregon that could get you into this new career:
- Portland Community College. This six-month, 180-hour program costs $1,895 and takes place online. The instructors Jan and Jeff Roach are actual experts in the field. They are a couple who came together to start and run a freight brokerage into a multimillion-dollar company. The Roaches want to make sure that you know everything you can from setting goals to being able to negotiate. Required texts will be included.
- Freight Movers School. Once the tuition has been paid, you will get an email within 48 hours from the instructor. Starting at that point, the course will be available for 60 days. The cost of the online class is $1,100 and includes video lectures as well as training materials.
Salary
The average salary for a freight broker in Oregon is about $33k a year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $54,762 |
| Eugene | $51,440 |
| Salem | $51,940 |
| Gresham | $53,691 |
| Beaverton | $54,762 |
| Hillsboro | $54,586 |
| Medford | $50,332 |
| Springfield | $51,324 |
| Bend | $50,855 |
| Corvallis | $51,192 |
Regional Salary in Oregon
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bend-Redmond, OR | 30 | $60,460 | $29.07 | $113,790 | $32,630 |
| Medford, OR | 90 | $65,760 | $31.61 | $122,100 | $28,930 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 1,220 | $52,930 | $25.45 | $72,750 | $39,070 |
| Salem, OR | 40 | $53,610 | $25.77 | $98,960 | $35,910 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Sources
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/freight-broker-agent-salary/or
- https://suretybondauthority.com/oregon-surety-bonds/freight-broker-bond/
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a freight broker bond in Oregon?
Yes, the FMCSA requires brokers to have a $75k surety bond.
Is this a work-from-home career?
Yes!
As long as you have reliable internet and a phone, you can do your job from anywhere.
How do you get clients?
Cold calling has been the most common method of connecting with shippers.
However, with the increase in technology, there has been a shift towards digital advertising and social media.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Freight Broker
Freight Broker License by State