How to Become a Freight Broker in New Hampshire – Get Your License
As consumers, we do not often think about how items arrive in stores. Most of those items get there due to the hard work of a Freight Broker. If they got to New Hampshire by airplane, freight train, truck or boat, a Freight Broker likely coordinated transportation to stores and vendors after their arrival. Freight Brokers are responsible for all cargo and freight logistics, both incoming and outgoing. They facilitate a smooth process for manufacturers, retailers, other businesses and consumers. Working as a Freight Broker may be fast-paced and stressful at times, but it is also quite rewarding.
The abilities and strengths required to become a Freight Broker are many! They must be comfortable working with people who have vastly different personalities without conflict, communicate effectively, and manage their time. Freight brokers must also be proficient in geography, understand transport law, negotiate well, and pay attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of invoices and bills of lading. A career as a Freight Broker can be exciting, and each day will likely be different from the previous one.
Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in New Hampshire
Freight Brokers do not need special education requirements. Still, most employers will require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. However, there are some requirements dictated by the government. These include registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) to obtain a Broker Authority License and government-issued numbers identifying each Freight Broker.
On-the-job training is possible, but if you can take courses to get a head start, all the better. Hiring managers like to see that an applicant has put in the extra work. It shows initiative and that they genuinely want to be a Freight Broker.
Educational Programs Available in New Hampshire
There do not appear to be in-person learning options in New Hampshire, but there are online programs that will guide students to become Freight Brokers.
- The University of New Hampshire in Durham offers a six-month training program. The curriculum includes everything needed for US Domestic Freight Brokers, including marketing, transportation law, and negotiation skills. Financial aid opportunities may be available.
- NHTI – Concord’s Community College in Concord offers an online training program that is six months long. They offer a flexible start option, which means that you can begin learning to be a Freight Broker from when you are enrolled. The program is self-paced and includes all information needed to work as a Freight Broker but does not guide students through certification.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in New Hampshire
No specific education is required, but there are licenses and insurance that every Freight Broker in New Hampshire must have. They must have a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Number, as well as an Operating Authority (MC) Number. They are government-issued numbers that identify each Freight Broker. They must register with the FMCSA to obtain these numbers, as well as apply for their Broker Authority License. Other numbers for specialized types of shipments, such as a Cargo Tank (CT) Number, are available from the FMCSA if needed.
An insurance surety bond must be obtained in the amount of $75,000. It protects the Freight Broker against loss for property damage or bodily injury.
Salary Expectations and Career Outlook
The growth for this career within New Hampshire is greater than the national average. The number of Freight Brokers in the state is expected to grow by 15 percent by 2028, while the national average is 10 percent. There were 270 Freight Brokers in New Hampshire in 2018, which is expected to increase by roughly 30 jobs per year.
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average salary of a Freight Broker is $43,770 per year. New Hampshire Freight Brokers were making an hourly average of $24.94 and an annual average of $51,870 in 2020, while the highest earners within the state made an average yearly salary of $67,580. The growth for this profession is expected to remain steady, and the pay for Freight Brokers is overall higher in New Hampshire than the national average.
Life as a Freight Broker in New Hampshire
This is a job that can be busy year-round, but certain times of the year can have significant demand increases. Mid-August through October can be busier for Freight Brokers and are typically peak shipping times as many businesses prepare for the holidays and new year.
If you want to start right away, employment as a Freight Agent lets you work for someone else as you learn. You can enroll in one of the online education programs to become a Freight Broker and set up your own business. From start to finish, the process allows for everything to be completed in under a year.
In New Hampshire, more job opportunities for Freight Brokers are found near port cities like Hampton, Portsmouth, and New Castle. It is also possible to set up a successful home-based business as a Freight Broker. There are multiple options for someone wanting to start this unique and exciting career.