Becoming a Freight Broker in Kansas – Get Your License
Freight Brokers are the link between manufacturing companies and transportation companies. Whenever manufacturers need to deliver goods, they need the shipping companies to do the job. Freight brokers connect manufacturers to these shipping companies and negotiate the best prices and routes.
Your responsibility as a freight broker is to look for carriers that best suit client needs. You also need to know when the goods must be shipped, how it will happen, and the estimated time they need to reach their destination. If something unexpected happens, you are the point of contact. You must know what to do to reduce the negative impact on all parties involved. Freight brokering is a rewarding career for those who like to communicate, plan, and organize. Still, it needs a detail-oriented, calm person who can get things done right – and right on time, too.
Required Skills for Working as a Freight Broker in Kansas
Every industry has a set of rules that guide its professionals, and the freight brokerage industry is no different.Although the Kansas state doesn’t require any formal requirements for freight brokers, you must have some essential skills, such as:
- Communicating effectively with the client and the transportation company
- Negotiating payment efficiently
- Handling logistics
- Connecting clients with the most suitable carriers
- Ensuring that the shipments arrive as scheduled
- Supervising carrier activity
- Liaising between multiple parties
Educational Requirements for Freight Brokers in Kansas
In Kansas, you do not need to acquire any academic qualifications before you can work as a Freight Broker. Nevertheless, acquiring formal knowledge will give you more opportunities because some clients/employers will find it attractive. Below are a couple of institutions that offer training for freight brokers:
- Washburn Institute Of Technology, Topeka, Kansas, offers a course in transportation.
- Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, offers a course in Management Science and Supply Chain Management.
Must-Have Licensing Requirements for Freight Brokers in Kansas
You are expected to have at least a high school diploma or GED to obtain a license for freight brokerage in Kansas. This license is necessary to be able to practice and is called the Motor Carrier Authority License (MCA) or Broker Authority. You can get this license through theFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).The MCA license allows you to work as a freight broker nationwide, not just in Kansas. The following steps outline what you need to do to apply for an MCA License in Kansas:
- Register online for aUSDOTnumber – an identification number unique to your business alone.
- Have at least $75,000 as a surety bond – this is proof that you have sufficient insurance for your business.
- Provide aProcess agent– they will serve as your legal representative.
- Pay an application fee of $300.
- Wait for your license to be processed in 4-6 weeks.
You can also decide to acquire some training by searching for programs in your area that help you gain hands-on experience. Although not mandatory, this training equips you with more knowledge and practical experience.
Profit and Salary Expectations
Freight broker salaries depend on experience, location, and business type. If you own a business, your profit depends on the number of clients you have and the freight options you provide.The average salary of a freight broker in Kansas is $58,309 – around $259 daily. However, top-earning freight brokers can make up to $94,230 annually.
Working as a Freight Broker in Kansas
Working as a freight broker in Kansas comes with multiple benefits. You can choose to work at home or in a company. It can also be a source of extra income.You can move to cities that pay higher salaries, like Wichita, Charlotte, and Kansas City. Annually, expect to make around $94,230 in Wichita and $87,060 in Kansas City.
Freight brokerage in Kansas is a great way to earn with flexibility. The shipping industry is poised for rapid growth due to the boom in eCommerce. Shippers and manufacturing companies are constantly on the lookout for honest, transparent, and efficient freight brokers.Now is an excellent time to break into the industry, and you don’t need a lot to get started.With the right approach and hands-on experience, you’ll be well on your way to a profitable career as a freight broker in no time.