How to Become a Freight Broker in Utah

Are you seeking a career where you can use your leadership and negotiating skills?

If so, you may be well-suited for a career as a freight broker.

Brokers play an integral role in the distribution chain.

Freight brokers work with both shippers and carriers, to get loads from point A to point B.

They look for carriers that need full or partial loads and then organize and schedule those trucks to pick up loads from shippers.

Without freight brokers to keep carriers full, our retail stores would suffer and have empty shelves.

Savvy freight brokers create relationships with carriers and know those that are reliable and fairly priced.

Freight brokers are often able to negotiate better deals with carriers they use regularly, making it a win/win for everyone.

The carriers get full loads, the shippers get their products delivered and the broker makes money for facilitating the deal.

What are the Duties of a Freight Broker in Utah?

The state of Utah’s freight brokers are responsible for exporting more than $14 billion worth of goods in 2018.

This is nearly 8.1% of the state’s GDP.

Manufacturing is a big business in Utah and contributes greatly to Utah’s economy.

If the state did not have freight brokers and shippers, Utah would have a difficult time transporting products to its’ customers in the U.S. and internationally.

Freight brokers in Utah typically start their careers working for shipping companies.

As they learn more about the business, they often form their own businesses.

On a typical day, a freight broker may expect to conduct the following duties:

• Identify reputable and safe carriers to do business with
• Provide customer quotes and negotiate fees
• Book loads with carriers that have empty trucks or room for an additional load
• Track status and location of undelivered loads
• Work with shippers, carriers, and dispatchers to coordinate and schedule drop-offs
• Communicate with customers on the status of shipments
• Troubleshoot logistical issues
• Learn to use load boards to identify empty carriers

Licensing Requirements of a Freight Broker in Utah:

Suretybonds.org has put together a clear path for becoming a freight broker in the state of Utah, and here are the steps for you to follow:

• Gain industry experience: Try to gain some experience in the transportation and logistics industry to gain connections in the field.
• Get training: Sign up for a program or freight broker school that will give you hands-on experience and gain the knowledge of those already in the field.
• Determine the name of your company and register the business: Just like with other types of businesses you can check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to see if your name is available and then get your local business license.
• Create a business plan: All successful businesses have a business plan that identifies key targets, specific industry information, researching your market, and explains how you will overcome challenges.
• Find a good base of carriers: One of the biggest roles for a freight broker is finding carriers that are responsible and complete shipments on time.
• Get your ASDOT Number and Broker Authority: Before you can begin your career, you need a freight brokers license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You will also need a U.S. DOT number.
• Secure a freight broker bond: A freight broker bond of BMC-74 bond will provide $75,000 in insurance, this is the industry standard.
• Secure contingent cargo insurance and general liability insurance: Most shipping companies will ask you to present this information before working together.
• Purchase your equipment: Those that do not have an office will usually have less to purchase, but in most cases, you will need to have a computer, printer, copy/fax machine, cell and landline, and office supplies.
• Market your business and yourself: You need to determine how you will market your business to potential clients. Using social media, networking and contacts may help you gain business and get referrals.

Freight Broker Programs in Utah

Taking an education program or classes on being a freight broker is worth every cent.

Even those that have been in the industry have a hard time understanding all the nuances of the business.

A good program will help prospective brokers learn about negotiating, writing contracts, learning how to use load boards, and some will even help graduates find jobs.

There are several good educational options, here are just a few:

• Freight Broker Boot Camp
• Freight Broker Course
• Load Training
• The Transport Training International (TTI)
• The Brooke Transportation Training Solutions (BTTS)

How Much Do Freight Brokers Make in Utah?

Truckstop.com, states that determining the income of freight brokers can be difficult to nail down.

Brokers’ pay varies on location and demand.

In Utah, most brokers earn between $42,926, for those new to the industry, to $93,618 for those with experience.

Most earn around $65,250, which is rated #4 highest in the nation.

As for the career outlook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the need for those in the logistics industry will continue to increase by around 9% each year until at least 2024.

Regional Salary in Utah

Freight Broker License by State