Get Freight Broker Training in Mississippi

Every day, America’s shipping and carrier companies call on the services of freight brokers. That’s because these brokers make the transportation arrangements that shippers need to move their products. For playing their part in goods transportation, freight brokers receive both baseline incomes and separate commission fees.

Some brokers work for larger companies. However, many others work for themselves and establish at-home businesses. Interested in how you can work from home as a Mississippi freight broker? The following facts will help you set up shop and get the knowhow you need to succeed.

Basic Requirements for Mississippi Freight Brokers

All goods transportation companies operate under rules established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. An agency within this department, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Authority (FMCSA), is responsible for overseeing the nation’s freight brokers.

Like everyone else in the transportation industry, people who want to work as brokers need to get a USDOT number. When you open your broker business, this number will serve as your official federal registration. It’s illegal for you to operate without one.

The FMCSA also has educational requirements for all prospective freight brokers. Those requirements state that you must graduate from high school or get a GED before you can apply.

Applicants who hold a USDOT number and have a high school-level education need to do several things to obtain their broker’s license. One of the required actions is naming process agents for your new business. In any situation where that business ends up in court, these agents have an obligation to accept responsibility for the consequences. You can name yourself as your Mississippi process agent. You’ll need to name other people for any offices you set up in other states.

The second thing you must do is obtain $75,000 in insurance coverage for your business. FMCSA rules allow you to use a surety bond to demonstrate that you have the needed coverage. The rules also allow you to submit a trust fund agreement instead of a bond.

It takes time and resources for the FMCSA to process your broker’s license application. For this reason, the agency requires you to send a payment of $300 with your paperwork. If you follow all of these guidelines, you can expect to get your license in roughly 30 to 45 days.

Options for Broker Training

To survive and thrive as a freight broker, you need to know what you’re doing from day one. That means getting some form of training before you open for business, not after.

New brokers need to gain knowledge in several fundamental areas. First, you must understand the transportation industry and the role that brokers play within that industry. You must also understand how keep track of paperwork and perform other essential management tasks.

In addition, new brokers must be aware of the legal obligations that govern their daily operations. And to maximize their chances of gaining customers, they must also know how to market themselves.

You can gather the knowledge you need in a variety of ways. However, the most time- and cost-efficient option is to enroll in a freight broker training program. Top programs in Mississippi will teach you everything you need to know while using real-world examples and experienced instructors.

A number of Mississippi institutions offer one of the nation’s best training programs, which was created by ed2go and Brooke Transportation Training Solutions. With over 180 hours of instruction, this program provides the detailed insight you might miss in a less comprehensive course. You can enroll in the Brooke/ed2go program at places such as:

• Tougaloo College (Tougaloo)
• Mississippi Delta Community College (Greenville)
• Holmes Community College (Ridgeland)
• Mississippi State University (Starkville)
• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Gulfport)
• Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Wesson)

Just insert your zip code to find freight broker/agent training near you.

Before or after you open for business, you can also seek advanced training and obtain a freight broker’s certificate. Like a college diploma, this kind of certificate helps boost your credentials and inspire client confidence. For the top certification available, see the experts at the Transportation Intermediaries Association.

How Much Can Brokers Earn in Mississippi?

As their yearly baseline income, Mississippi freight brokers earn an average of almost $55,000. In addition, the average broker operating in the state will gain more than $28,000 in annual commissions. Both of these figures align with national averages for broker businesses. While those just starting out make less than many others, it’s reasonable to expect growth and increased earnings over time.

Where Do Mississippi Freight Brokers Operate?

Transportation hubs, manufacturing centers and built-up urban areas are the typical environments for freight brokers. In Mississippi, many brokers find success in Jackson, the state capital and largest city. You may also do well in:

• Gulfport
• Southaven
• Hattiesburg
• Biloxi

You can also find freight broker training in Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama.