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

Becoming a freight broker is much easier than you think. You don’t need a degree or years of schooling, although you do need to be licensed. The right Utah training program will teach you what you need to know and help you get a license. In six months or less, you’ll be ready to start working and earning in this exciting industry.

What Are the Duties of a Freight Broker?

A freight broker works with clients to find them carriers to ship their products and goods. When a company needs to transport goods, they call on a freight broker to cover all the details. The primary duties of a freight broker include:

Receiving orders from clients
Finding out what the clients need and the details of their shipments
Finding the most suitable carrier for each client
Negotiating a price with the carrier
Invoicing clients and ensuring carriers get paid
Planning all the details of a shipment
Tracking the shipment and solving any problems that arise
Communicating with the carrier and client about the progress of the shipment
Helping carriers fill empty slots on their shipments

Freight brokers are detail-oriented and well organized. They’re good at solving problems and communicating with people. They are self-motivated and willing to work long hours to ensure shipments go well.

How to Get a Freight Broker License in Utah

The state of Utah doesn’t regulate freight brokers. Licensing is through the federal government and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). As long as you have a high school diploma or GED, you can get started with licensing with the following steps:

Apply for a U.S. Department of Transportation number through the FMCSA.
Purchase a surety bond or trust fund agreement for at least $75,000.
Designate a process agent using FMCSA form BOC-3.
Complete the FMCSA application for a license. It costs $300 to apply and takes four to six weeks to process.

Not required but recommended is the Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) credential from the Transportation Intermediaries Association. It’s a nationally-recognized certification that shows clients and employers that you know the business.

Freight Broker Training Programs in Utah

Getting a license does not require any special training or college education, but a training program is a good idea. It will provide you with the foundational knowledge to do the job and set you up to get licensed.

In Utah, Salt Lake Community College offers two programs that can help you learn how to work as a freight broker:

Freight Broker/Agent Training. This course is entirely online and can be completed in six months or less. Tuition is $1,895.00, and it includes 180 course hours.
Certified Supply Chain Professional and Freight Broker/Agent Training. This program is also online, takes one year to complete, and costs $3,795.00. It will prepare you to be a licensed freight broker and also a certified supply chain professional.

Career Outlook for Freight Brokers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 95,600 people worked as freight brokers across the U.S. in 2020. It predicts that growth in the job will continue to be strong at 10% for years to come. Growth in Utah is even more impressive. Expect jobs to increase by 39% annually in the state.

What Do Freight Brokers Earn?

The BLS reports nationwide an average salary of $43,770 per year for freight brokers. Average earnings are a little less in Utah at $39,510 per year. How much you actually earn depends on how you work. If you choose to work independently, you can set your own rates and work hours to earn more or less.

How to Find Work as a Freight Broker in Utah

You can start working as soon as you’re licensed. Many freight brokers choose to work independently. Start a small brokerage business and work from anywhere in the state. If you prefer to work as an employee for an existing company, you’ll find plenty of opportunities. Most available jobs are in Salt Lake City.