Get Freight Broker Training in Texas

Every day, hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of goods are sent out and across the great state of Texas. Freight brokers play a fundamental part in this, by negotiating with shippers and trucking companies the transport of those goods. With the right training, you could be on your way to joining the many professionals who have successfully built up a lucrative home business brokering freight deals, working flexibly around shipping and carrier schedules.

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Texas has almost 314,000 miles of roads and highways, which is more than any other state. Annually over $1.6 trillion in value, or 1.2 billion tons of freight are moved on Texas highways. One in 16 Texans are employed in the trucking industry and 73% of goods manufactured in the state are transported by trucks. 85% of cargo transported between the Texas and Mexico is moved by truck, and domestic freight brokering operations are also significant. Freight brokers and agents get goods on the right trucks, be they international trucking companies or owner operators. The Texas shipping industry is also booming.

How to Get a Freight Broker License in Texas

The State of Texas plays no role in the issuance of licenses for freight brokers, as this is a federal responsibility, specifically the U.S Department of Transport. In order to obtain a license, you will need to take the following steps:

  1. Register your business
  2. Apply to the Department of Transport for a U.S DOT number.
  3. Make your license application to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the Department of Transport. The application has a fee of $300 and has a processing period of four to six weeks.
  4. Obtain a $75,000 surety bond.
  5. Take out general liability and cargo insurance for your business.
  6. Designate a freight agent in each of the states in which you will operate.

While the roles of a freight agent and freight brokers are similar, they have a key difference in that freight agents are not required to hold a license. They operate under the license of a freight broker.

Freight Broker Training Programs in Texas

Classes for freight brokers train future professionals in the fundamental skills of the business, which include sales and marketing, recording keeping and accounting, phone and email skills, and negotiation. Students also learn the legal framework of the transportation industry in Texas and the roles of shippers, trucking companies, brokers, agents and freight forwarders.

Brooke Transportation Training Solutions has partnered with online learning specialist ed2go to create an affordable six-month freight broker training program. It’s available through over 2,000 colleges nationwide, and is taught by a former VP of national accounts for a major truckload carrier. In Texas these colleges include Brookhaven College in Dallas, Vista College in Richardson, Tarrant County Community College in Fort Worth, University of Houston and Houston Community College System, Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Wharton County Community College in Richmond, St. Phillip’s College in San Antonio and Austin Independent School District.

To find a freight broker school 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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For advanced training you should consider becoming certified. The Transportation Intermediaries Association offers the Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) Program, which has a cost of $1,050 for members and $1,325 for non-members.

Atex Freight Broker Training, Inc. also offers training in El Paso, TX, and Freight Movers School offers in-person or online classes.

How Much do Freight Brokers Earn in Texas?

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nationwide freight brokers who choose to work as employees earned a base salary of $48,590 in 2018. Freight brokers in Texas earn more than the national average and also earn significant commissions. Indeed.com estimates that freight brokers in Texas earn $66,066 in 2020 and an additional $28,400 in commission payments.

Most professionals will opt for setting up their own freight brokerage business. With good training and ambition, experienced freight brokers can expect to earnings well into six figures.

You can also find freight broker training in Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas.