Get Training as a Freight Broker in North Dakota
Shipping and carrier companies across the United States rely on freight brokers. Freight brokers are the professionals who find dependable carriers to transport goods. North Dakota is the fourth-smallest state by population but the 19th largest state by area. There are more than 3,000 trucking companies in the state that deliver over 70 percent of the state’s freight. Approximately 52,544 tons of goods are moved through the state annually. Additionally, more than 128,000 tons are brought into North Dakota, and more than 286,000 tons are transported out.
What You Need to Become a North Dakota Freight Broker
There are no state guidelines for working as a freight broker in North Dakota. However, you will need to follow federal regulations that have been set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Authority (FMSCA).
You must first get a high school diploma or GED, and then you can request a USDOT number and a Motor Carrier (MC) number, which all goods transportation businesses must have. After you’ve completed these things, you can apply to be a freight broker.
When you apply, you will need to provide proof that you have a trust fund agreement or surety bond for insurance in the amount of at least $75,000. You must also show that you have process agents in each state in which you’ll conduct business. You will need to pay a $300 application fee, and then you should receive your broker license in about four to six weeks.
Broker Training in North Dakota
Formal training is not required to work as a freight broker, but many brokers do complete training. Any training that a broker receives should cover how to handle the needs of carrier and shipping companies, the current federal regulations for freight brokers, management and marketing.
You have several options for broker training, but not every program will cover all the material you need to know to work as a freight broker. One of the most reputable programs is the course developed by Brooke Transportation Training Solutions and ed2go. Top freight brokers in the industry create these courses. The 180 credit-hour courses can usually be completed in six months.
In North Dakota, you can take the online program through one of the following institutions:
- Lake Region State College
- University of North Dakota
- North Valley Vo-Tech Center
- NDSCS Division for Workforce Affairs
To find a school offering this quality freight broker/agent course near you, enter your zip code in the box below.
After you’ve completed a training program, you can demonstrate your competence even further by taking the Certified Transportation Broker exam that the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) offers to freight brokers. With certification, you may have a better chance of finding employment if you look for work with an agency or finding clients if you plan on owning your own business. You could also make more money if you’re certified.
Potential Earnings for North Dakota Freight Brokers
The average annual income for freight brokers in North Dakota is approximately $59,218. Freight brokers also earn broker commissions, which add about $20,000 or more to their yearly salaries. Entry-level freight brokers usually start off making less. The typical entry-level salary for freight brokers in the state is approximately $45,000 per year.
Where Do Freight Brokers Work in North Dakota?
Freight brokers aid several industries, but agriculture is the primary industry in North Dakota. Freight brokers in the state will probably find the most employment in some of the larger cities like Bismarck, Fargo, Jamestown and Minot. However, work should be available pretty much anywhere in the state, especially if you decide to open your own brokering business.
You can also find freight broker training in South Dakota, Montana and Minnesota.