Freight Broker Training in Atlanta

Becoming a freight broker gives you the chance to work from home, be your own boss and benefit from your own hard work. If you’re currently considering a career move and want to launch a freight broker business of your own, completing a specialist training class is a good place to start.

Freight broker training programs cover everything you need to know to start your own freight brokerage business, build your professional network and maximize profitability. To help you select the right freight broker training course for your needs, we’re taking a look at the best options in and around Atlanta, GA.

What Are the Prerequisites to Become a Freight Broker?

Completing a recognized freight broker training course isn’t actually a prerequisite for securing your freight broker license and starting your business. However, if you complete a good quality course, you’ll learn how to become a freight broker and be taught all the steps you need to take in order to meet federal requirements.

As you’ll learn on your freight broker training program, the first thing you’ll need to do to become a licensed broker is correctly register your business. You’ll also need to select a structure for your business. Talk to an accountant or lawyer about the different options available.

You’ll then need to apply for your USDOT number from the Department of Transportation and purchase a $75,000 freight broker surety bond. If you plan to operate outside of Georgia, you’ll need to appoint a registered process agent in every state where you intend to do business.

Once you’ve got all this paperwork in order you can apply for your Motor Carrier Authority Licence from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Applying for your license will cost $300.

• Show evidence that your business is correctly registered
• Apply for a USDOT number from the Department of Transportation
• Acquire a $75,000 freight broker bond
• Appoint a registered process agent in each state in which you intend to operate
• Pay a $300 application fee

Which Skills Are Required to Be a Successful Freight Broker?

Because freight brokers act as intermediaries between shippers and trucking companies, they need to have excellent people and communication skills. Having strong people skills can help brokers to build their network of truckers and grow their business. Being a good communicator can also make it easier to manage the fallout if something goes wrong.

These days, mastering technology is key to becoming a successful freight broker. Freight brokerage companies often use load boards to help streamline their businesses, minimize deadhead journeys and ensure truckers carry as much freight as possible. Being able to use this technology effectively could make a big difference to your business.

Freight brokers need to be good multitaskers in order to keep track of the various loads they have moving across the country. Having an in-depth knowledge of sales, marketing, promotions and networking will also help brokers to build their companies and maximize their earnings.

Choosing a Freight Broker Training School in Atlanta

There are a number of in-person and online freight broker training programs available in Atlanta. Here’s our pick of some of the best options in the city.

Freight Movers School

The Freight Movers School teaches in-person courses in two locations: Atlanta, Georgia and Dallas, Texas.

If you have previous experience in the transportation industry, for example as a freight agent, dispatcher or transportation broker, you can sign up for the school’s one-day refresher course. This course will help you brush up on your knowledge and learn the sales skills you need to succeed.

Other options available at the Freight Movers School include a two-day quick starter course and an in-depth program. The in-depth course is available at one of their two locations, while their other courses are available online.

The Freight Broker Agent School

The Freight Broker Agent School offers in-person courses in Winder, Georgia, around 50 miles from Atlanta. The school also provides live online sessions for those who want to learn from the comfort of their own homes. Classes are available both during the day and at night and occasional weekend courses are also on offer.

Freight Brokers Course

If you’re looking for a comprehensive online course, the Freight Brokers Course is a good option. The freight broker training school offers a choice of programs that allow you to work at your own pace. These range from a basic class to a deluxe, fully comprehensive course.

If you choose the deluxe option, you’ll get help to start-up your business as well as access to a variety of resources. These include website templates, a transportation directory and social marketing leads.

Load Training

Load Training is another very established name in the world of freight broker and freight agent training. The school offers a five-day course, a seven-day course and a self-study program.

One thing that makes Load Training stand out is that it offers ongoing, lifetime support to graduates and guarantees agent placements for those who don’t want to start their own business. So, if you want to get some hands-on experience, this could well be the course for you.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Training Program

When choosing a freight broker or freight agent training program, it’s important to consider the cost of the course, the convenience of the location and the quality of the teaching.

If you opt for an online program, you’ll be able to study from home at times that suit you. If you prefer in-person training, you’ll need to select a school that’s within easy reach of your home.

Whether you choose online or offline training, it’s important to select a school with a good reputation. This will help to ensure a high standard of teaching and should guarantee you acquire the skills you need to succeed.

Certifications for Becoming a Freight Broker in Atlanta

In order to act as a freight broker in Atlanta, you’ll need to get your Motor Carrier License from the FMCSA. The license costs $300 and allows you to work legally as a freight broker in the US.

If you want to take things one step further, you can become a certified transportation broker by taking an exam set by the Transportation Intermediaries Association. While this isn’t an industry requirement, getting certified can help to give your career a boost.

How Much Does Freight Broker Training Cost in Atlanta?

The cost of freight broker training in Atlanta varies considerably depending on the school you choose and the course you opt for. Basic online courses can cost as little as $99. However, if you decide to go for a fully comprehensive option, you could pay as much as $3,000 for your training.