Get Freight Broker Training in New Hampshire
The work of freight brokers is important to the export industry, as they are responsible for connecting manufacturers with the transportation they need to get their goods to market. Their responsibilities include such tasks as choosing the appropriate vehicle for the load and logistics of travel, dealing with customs and permits, and even ensuring goods are loaded in the proper order. This business has potential for business ownership, and many freight brokers even run a business from home.
In 2018, New Hampshire exported a record $5.3 billion in goods, a 41 percent increase from 2008, accounting for 6.3 percent of the state’s GDP. In 2016 (the latest data available), New Hampshire’s export industry supported an estimated 19,000 jobs. It is important to note that jobs supported by goods pay up to 18 percent higher than jobs in other industries nationally, making work in the field potentially lucrative. If this career sounds like it has the potential you’ve been looking for, this article has all the information you need to get started.
Licensing in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not have state licensing for freight brokers, but they will be required to seek licensing through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For New Hampshire freight brokers, a Motor Carrier (MC) number will be required, as well as a USDOT number for interstate travel. The FMCSA requires new brokers to apply for both numbers simultaneously, through an online application. All applicants will need to possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent, be able to pass a background check and have a business name and structure of agents set up. The application costs $300 and takes four to eight weeks to process.
What Training is Available for Freight Brokers in New Hampshire?
Training for freight brokers can be completed on the job or through a reputable training program. It’s advisable to ensure you have in-depth knowledge of the field prior to becoming a business owner or otherwise working on your own. Since the job of a freight broker is complex and involves following laws and regulations, it will be important to make sure any training acquired is both thorough and accurate. Curriculums should include an overview of business skills like accounting and marketing, as well as information on regulatory compliance, the needs of various types of loads, the abilities of various types of transport and how to make contracts and handle permits.
Ed2go is one such program, with availability in many areas due to its partnerships with various educational institutions. The program promises to provide students with all of the information they need to break into the industry. Additionally, they provide networking opportunities for graduates to assist in employment and mentoring. Although there are no locations in New Hampshire, the neighbouring states of Maine and Massachusetts have available programs. Some possible locations include:
- Central Maine Community College
- Northern Essex Community College
- Middlesex Community College
- Plymouth State University Community Education
- UMA Brunswick Center
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Once you have completed training, additional certifications can be sought to help improve employability and give potential clients a sense of trust in your abilities. To this end, the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) offers a Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) designation, which can be earned by studying for and passing an examination. The exam costs $375 for members and $525 for non-members. Members also gain access to sample contracts, business frameworks and a watchdog program.
New Hampshire Earnings for Freight Brokers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an average annual income of $50,220 for freight brokers in New Hampshire in 2018, which is above the national average. The top ten percent of earners in the state fared even better, coming in at $64,930, leaving room for growth for those entering the field. It should also be noted that the above data reflects only salaries and not commissions, which could provide a significant boost to these earnings.
Employment in New Hampshire
Working as freight broker means cooperating with both manufacturers and transportation agencies. This means it is best for those working in the field to set up their business in industrial areas with a lot of manufacturers of goods, which will need transporting. Although this generally means setting up near a larger city, in a less-urban state like New Hampshire it would make sense to assess an area’s manufacturing ability prior to opening a business.
You can also find freight broker training in Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.