How to Become a Freight Broker in Georgia – Get Your License

A freight broker is an intermediary between a client and a transportation company. Freight brokers coordinate with different parties to ensure the most efficient delivery of a shipment, managing everything from logistics to safety protocols for a job well done.

Freight brokers are expected to ensure that the delivery of a shipment goes without a hitch. They’re in charge of managing delivery stops and advertising for their services. With so much to handle at once, this career is best for people who work well under pressure and like to get things done with as few complications as possible.

Like any profession, networking – and having multiple suppliers – helps you offer more services for your clients. Freight brokers need to work with different transportation companies that provide various shipping options. When shippers contact a brokerage, they expect to be linked with the companies that best suit their needs.

Becoming a freight broker in Georgia is a lucrative opportunity that comes with multiple benefits. If you’re an excellent communicator, have stellar negotiation skills, and have a knack for putting things together, freight brokering can be the perfect career opportunity for you.

Requirements for Working as a Freight Broker in Georgia

There are no formal licensing requirements to work as a freight broker in Georgia. However, you can gain valuable experience by attending courses that help you build:

• Good communication skills: Having excellent communication skills is a must when liaising between shippers and shipping companies.
• Negotiation skills: Negotiating with others comes easily to some people. For others, it’s a skill to be learned that serves them well in this industry.
• Time management skills: You must manage your time well and ensure that the shipment gets to its final destination on time.
• Handle Emergencies: It’s essential to remain calm and composed when something happens, allowing you to take charge if something wrong happens.
• Managerial Skills: You will work with different people, handle logistics, and supervise the shipment’s progress.

What Are the Necessary Certificates and Licenses Needed in Georgia?

The minimum requirement to become a freight broker in Georgia is a high school diploma or GED. You must also apply for the Motor Carrier Authority license (MCA). The MCA is issued by theFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA).It serves as the regulatory body for freight brokers and ensures that they operate efficiently without misconduct.

The steps to obtain a license are as follows:

1. Pay a $300 application fee
2. Apply for a USDOT number at theDepartment of Transportation
3. Acquire a surety bond of $75,000 or higher
4. Choose a Process Agent and ensure that they are registered
5. Wait four to six weeks for license processing

External Certifications

A great way to increase your credibility is to attend training seminars or college classes to obtain certifications related to the shipping industry. Although it is not a requirement, it will help you gain knowledge and experience. These certificates also come in handy if you want to work at a freight company. They show employers that you’re willing to go beyond the standard requirements to refine your knowledge and know-how. This move gives you an edge over applicants and a potential salary boost that matches your ambitions.

One certificate you can start with is theCertified Transportation Broker (CTB). To date, the CTB is the most widely-recognized certification obtainable. It is accredited by theTransportation Intermediaries Association.

Educational Programs for Freight Brokers in Georgia

Two institutions in Georgia offer formal training to receive a freight broker certification. They are:

• Piedmont Universityoffers certification in Logistics and Global Operations.
• Atlanta Technical Collegeoffers a six-month freight brokerage training organized by Brooke Transportation Training Solutions.

Freight Brokers Salary and Career Outlook in Georgia

According to theU.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, an average freight broker in Georgia earns $52,381 annually, at a rate of $26.82 per hour.Beginners can earn up to $39,188, while top-rated freight brokers earn up to $100,000 a year.

Working as a Freight Broker in Georgia

You can choose to open a freight brokerage in Georgia or work at a company until you gain enough hands-on experience in the industry. Aim for cities like Savannah and Norcross, which offer better pay than smaller cities. In Savannah, you can make up $90,536 per year, while in Norcross, you can earn around $81,534 per year.

It is not difficult to become a successful freight broker in Georgia. Getting started is always the most tedious part of the process. Over time, however, it becomes much more fast-paced and enjoyable with every experience and shipment you help facilitate and client you keep happy.