Get Freight Broker Training in New York State
The transportation industry is a vital part of the nation’s economy, and freight brokers are an integral part of the system. Freight brokers connect shippers with manufacturers and handle all the logistics of the shipment, including contracts, permits, customs and scheduling. This fast-growing career has great potential for anyone wishing to launch a lucrative at-home business.
The state of New York was the third largest exporter of goods in 2018, shipping $84.7 billion worth of exports in the same year (a $3.3 billion increase from 2008). In fact, in 2016, New York’s export industry was so lucrative it was able to support 260,000 jobs. These numbers are highly positive for anyone looking to begin a career in the field. For all of the information you need to get started as a freight broker, continue reading.
Do Freight Brokers Need a License in New York?
There is no state governing board or state license for freight brokers; however, those wishing to work in the field will need to obtain licensing through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA) through the following steps:
- Applicants will need to have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training either on the job or through a reputable program will also be needed in order to perform the necessary job functions.
- Companies applying to the FMCSA will need to have a business name, a structure of designated agents and the appropriate amount of insurance.
- Submit an application to the FMSCA for both a USDOT number and Motor Carrier (MC) number. The application will cost $300 and will take approximately four to eight weeks to process.
Once the process is completed and the appropriate numbers assigned, you will be ready to begin doing business as a freight broker.
How Do You Train to Become a Freight Broker in New York?
Although it is possible to train on the job for a career as a freight broker, a reputable training program will ensure full immersion in all aspects of the ins and outs of running your business. This should include basic business training such as accounting, human resources and marketing as well as specific information for freight brokers such as regulatory compliance, insurance needs, invoicing and permits. Ed2go is one such program, with courses offered through various educational institutions throughout the state. Designed by freight broker specialists, the program promises to provide students with all of the information they’ll need to begin working in the industry. Graduates will be invited to participate in a weekly event designed to place them into open positions in a freight brokerage. In New York, this program is available at several locations, including the following:
- Hudson Valley Community College
- Berkshire Community College
- Tomkins Cortland Community College
- Greater Southern Tier BOCES
- Mohawk Valley Community College
- Ulster County community College
- Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education
- New York City College of Technology
- Duchess Community College
- SUNY Adirondack
- Finger Lakes Community College
Just insert your zip code to find freight broker/agent training near you.
Upon completion of a training program, one can seek additional certification through the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). Their Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) designation will help brokers stand out as knowledgeable professionals to potential customers. Additionally, TIA membership will connect you to your peers and provide your business with relevant resources.
What are the Salary Expectations for Freight Brokers in New York?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) freight brokers made an average annual salary of $45,310 in 2018, although entry-level positions may start closer to the tenth percentile wage of $23,480. There is room for growth, however, with the highest ten percent of freight brokers in the state earning around $74,450 per year. In other good news, these numbers do not take into account broker commissions, which run about $28,000 per year on average.
Working as a Freight Broker in New York
In general, freight brokerage firms do well near metropolitan areas. In fact, the New York City area is listed by the BLS as the metropolitan area with the highest employment in the country. In addition, New York State’s capital area is listed as the top area for employment in a non-metropolitan area. It’s important to remember, though, that freight brokers are needed wherever there are manufacturers in need of shipping.
You can also find freight broker training in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Vermont.