Becoming a Freight Broker in Alaska – Get Your License

Freight brokering is an exciting career path that sets shipments in motion. The work of skilled freight brokering agencies is an integral part of the Alaskan transport and logistics industry. These professionals connect shippers to carriers that haul their freight at a reasonable rate. As a freight broker, you’ll engage in a great deal of communication, negotiation, and networking with multiple parties. Some of the duties you are expected to perform are:

Making reservations with carriers
Assisting in the loading process
Providing shipping quotes to shippers
Working with shippers, carriers, and dispatchers to coordinate planned pickups and deliveries
Keeping track of activities critical to the safe delivery of the shipment
Monitoring the status of freights
Making customers aware of their shipment status and aiding them when they have questions

Do Freight Brokers in Alaska Require Formal Training or Education?

Freight brokers in Alaska do not need formal training to start their careers. However, they are under the jurisdiction of theFederal Motor Carrier Safety Authority (FMCSA) and must meet their minimum education requirements of having a high school diploma or GED. You must also acquire a license from the FMCSA.

How to Obtain a License to be a Freight Broker in Alaska

To practice as a freight broker in Alaska, you must hold a Motor Carrier Operating Authority license issued by the FMCSA. To obtain this license, you must follow these steps:

Obtain a USDOT number and pay an application fee
Apply for a Motor Carrier (MC) number
Buy a $75,000 surety bond to show that you possess the required insurance
Designate freight agents in the states you want to operate within

Should Aspiring Freight Brokers Get Formal Training and Education?

Although Alaska doesn’t require further educational certificates, formal training has a significant positive impact on your career opportunities. Specialized knowledge will improve your understanding of the shipping and freight industry and increase interest in your application should you choose to work at an agency.

There are no schools that offer freight brokering programs in Alaska. However, you do have the option to enroll in a remote course that gives you a basic understanding of the industry and helps boost your skills. If you want to take this step, some options to consider are:

Freight Movers School
This online course helps train you on the fundamentals of freight brokerage and how to increase sales. If you plan on opening a company, you need to learn the basics of marketing and advertising to attract clients. Some people don’t know where to start and how to boost visibility between established competitors, decreasing the likelihood of growth. With training, you can overcome this obstacle and create your own campaign.
Brooke Training
Brooke Training offers an online course that covers the basics of freight brokerage and what it entails as a profession. The course avoids the cut-and-dry approach to learning new material and provides real-world experiences and training material. Brooke also provides placement assistance to help aspiring Brokers gain valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for this exciting career.

Career Outlook and Salary of Freight Brokers in Alaska

Thanks to the eCommerce and online retail market, the career outlook for freight brokers is promising. As an entry-level freight broker, you can expect to earn up to $32,382 annually. That amounts to $15.57 per hour and $2,699 per month.

Entry-level brokers on top of their game can earn up to $39,885 yearly. However, these salaries will vary depending on location and work frequency.

Freight Broker Opportunities in Alaska

You can start your own freight broker business in Alaska or join an existing company. The oil and gas industry is a significant part of the state’s economy, allowing you to carve a niche like focusing on resource transportation.You can also work for employers in large cities like Anchorage or Juneau to earn an impressive salary.

Regardless of the direction you take, being a freight broker in Alaska is an interesting and rewarding career. With the right skills and training, you can reap significant financial benefits and have access to an extensive network of national carriers. If you have the skills and personality for freight brokering in Alaska, your career will enjoy consistent growth.