Freight Broker Training in Kansas

In Kansas and across the country, freight brokers are always in demand. That’s because these transportation specialists help shipping companies find reputable carriers to distribute their merchandise. Without knowledgeable, reliable brokers, the goods transportation sector would grind to a halt.

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More than 3,100 Kansas companies export manufactured goods. Each year, these manufacturers ship more than $9 billion dollars’ worth of products. Among other things, this means that Kansas freight brokers enjoy a constant need for their services. What’s more, brokers based in the state can work from home while earning some of the highest incomes in the industry. Here’s what you need to know to enter this exciting, lucrative field.

How to Start a Freight Broker Career in Kansas

To become a freight broker in Kansas, you must meet the federal government’s nationwide standards. The government has established two basic requirements. First, you must have a high school-level education. Both diplomas and GEDs are acceptable. You must also apply for a broker’s license.

The license you need to operate is known as a Broker Authority or MC Authority. It’s issued by an office of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Authority (FMCSA). The FMCSA has established a process for all potential applicants.

To get things underway, you must register online for a USDOT number. This is an identifying number unique to your business. It accompanies all of the paperwork you fill out as part of your daily operations.

In addition, you must demonstrate to the FMCSA that you have sufficient insurance to cover your new business. This requires proof that you’ve obtained a surety bond or trust fund agreement in the amount of $75,000.

To meet FMCSA guidelines, you must also designate process agents for your business. If your business is ever taken to court, these agents serve as your legally liable representatives. You must have one of these representatives in any state where you set up a broker’s office. In your home state of Kansas, you can designate yourself as your agent of record.

Your broker’s application must be accompanied by a payment of $300. Successful applicants usually receive their licenses within a month to six weeks.

Freight Broker Training in Kansas

Proper training will help you get your Kansas freight broker career off to a solid start. Top programs in the state make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the business. That includes key areas such as:

  • A complete overview of how brokers work with shipping and carrier companies
  • Effective management of broker businesses
  • All legal aspects of operating your business
  • The marketing principles that can help you advertise your business effectively

One highly regarded option for freight broker training is a program put together by ed2go and Brooke Transportation Training Solutions. All instructors in this program are experts in the broker industry. During 180 hours of coursework, they’ll teach you everything you need to maximize your odds for success.

You can enroll in the ed2go/Brooke Transportation program at a number of locations throughout the state. Your options include:

  • Wichita State University (Wichita)
  • Flint Hills Technical College (Emporia)
  • Washburn Institute of Technology (Topeka)
  • Butler Community College (Andover)
  • Labette Community College (Parsons)

To find one of these programs near you, enter your zip code in the box below.

Search Freight Broker/Agent Training Programs

Get information on Freight Broker Courses by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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To further enhance your prospects as a new broker, you can also seek extra certification. The most treasured freight broker certificate in the country comes from the Transportation Intermediaries Association. Kansas brokers who hold this certificate can increase their industry standing, and potentially their income as well.

Expected Income for Kansas Freight Brokers

Kansas freight brokers often make much more income than the national average. In fact, the average earnings for brokers in the urban center of Wichita exceed $96,000 a year. And that number doesn’t include an additional $28,000-plus in broker commissions. New brokers can expect a more modest annual income. However, it’s clear that the state offers plenty of opportunity for growth.

What Are the Best Locations in Kansas for Freight Brokers?

As the most populous city in the state, Wichita is probably the single best location for a Kansas freight broker. However, you can also find success operating in or near other sizable cities such as:

  • Overland Park
  • Kansas City
  • Olathe
  • Topeka

As long as you’re located near a manufacturing center, you’ll find shippers and carriers who can use your expertise.

You can also find freight broker training in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado.