Top Freight Broker Training Schools in the US

Freight brokers play an integral role in the national and international shipping industry. Not only do freight brokers ensure shipments reach their final destinations safely, they also help truckers to stay on the road and maximize their earning potential. Sometimes referred to as transportation brokers or truck brokers, freight brokers are essential to the supply chain.

Because the job is so important, freight brokers need to know exactly what they’re doing. One of the best ways to learn the trade is to undergo freight broker training. These programs are designed to help professionals learn the freight broker business and give them tools they need to succeed.

If you’re considering a new career as a freight broker or freight broker agent, taking freight broker training will help you achieve your goal. To help you in your new profession, we’re taking a look at some of the best freight brokerage training options in the US, specializing in transportation law, types of freight, and recordkeeping, among other aspects of the business.

Freight Broker Boot Camp

If you’re looking for a comprehensive online course, the Freight Broker Boot Camp is a good option. The school was created by Dennis Brown and the course is based on his own extensive experience of operating a freight brokerage business. It covers the whole process of becoming a freight broker, including the formal requirements – like getting your freight broker license, obtaining a surety bond – and other legal conditions that you need to meet.

The course also features in-depth tips on how to reduce startup costs, how to create a business plan and how to find and contact shippers. There’s lots of reading and video material available to help you get to grips with the subject and get your new career off on the right foot.

Course Price

For $185, applicants get unlimited access to a whole online program, with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Location: Online/Offline

The Freight Broker Boot Camp is available online

Brooke Transportation Training Solutions, LLC

Brooke Transportation Training Solutions (BTTS) is a highly regarded freight broker training school. Brooke Transportation Training Solutions offers classes in four locations:

• Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
• Ontario, California
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Charlotte, North Carolina

During the intensive 5-day course you’ll learn all the practical skills required to set up and operate a freight broker business. The course also covers other subjects like sales, marketing, goal development, personal growth and the power of positive thinking.

Classes are small (with a typical ratio of 1:10) and all of them are taught by qualified professionals with many years of experience.

Course Price

Prices start from $2,495 for the intensive 5-day course

Location: Online/Offline

Courses are taught in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Ontario, California, Jacksonville, Florida

and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Load Training

David Dwindle, founder of Load Training started doing trucking jobs to support his education in Wisconsin State College-Whitewater. He gradually fell in love with the trucking industry and went on to launch his very own freight broker training school.

The Load Training program is designed to help students avoid the common pitfalls of the industry. Dwindle wrote the textbooks himself and has based the course on his decades of experience in the transportation industry. Classes are offered in 5-day or 7-day seminars and big discounts are available if you register early.

Course Price

The 5-day course starts from $1,999.

A low-budget self-study option is also available for $799.

Location: Online/Offline

Online and offline options are available.

In-person training takes place in Phoenix, AZ, Houston, TX, Dallas, TX, New York, NY, Chicago, IL, San Luis Obispo, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Kansas City, KS, Raleigh, NC, Nashville, TN, Louisville, KY, Atlanta, GA

Freight Broker Course

The Freight Broker Course offers a variety of different options for those just starting out in the freight broker industry. The courses allow participants to develop all the skills needed to become brokers and agents and manage the day-to-day running of their businesses.

The courses teach techniques for successfully tackling sales, marketing, prospecting and negotiations – all areas that make up a significant part of a freight broker’s job duties. Depending on the course you choose, you may be able to use the school’s training portal and transport management system (TMS), as well as different forms and hard copy materials.

Course Price

There are four different courses that range between $124 and $774.

Location: Online/Offline

Online options are available

Transport Training International

Transport Training International (TTI) is a good option for aspiring brokers looking for flexible training. The TTI offers a choice of courses to suit different needs and budgets.

The in-depth freight broker course, offered in Dallas and Georgia, is a comprehensive 5-day class aimed at beginners. The course is designed to give you everything you need to start your freight broker business from scratch.

If you want to gain real-world experience after graduating from the course, TTI offers placement opportunities with a licensed freight brokerage. Online options are also available for those unable to attend in-person training.

Course Price

The 5-day intensive course starts from $2,250

Location: Online/Offline

Courses are taught in Dallas and Georgia. Online options are available

American Broker Academy

Based in Seattle, Washington, The American Broker Academy (ABA) offers classes for truckers, brokers, agents and entrepreneurs. The ABA uses an immersion method. This means that taking a class with them resembles the actual workday of a freight broker or agent.

You’ll learn about moving loads, negotiating rates, communicating with clients and finding suitable carriers. The course also covers sales, marketing and trucking software.

Location: Online/Offline

The full 5-day course is only available in ABA’s Seattle location. However, numerous classes and seminars are offered in other cities year-round, so be sure to check their calendar.

Is Freight Broker Training Required to Get Licensed?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) doesn’t require brokers to undergo freight broker training programs in order to apply for a license. However, completing a high quality training class can help novice brokers to get a better understanding of the industry, get their business up and running and maximize profitability.

How to Choose the Right Freight Broker School

One of the most important factors in choosing between broker training programs is quality. The higher the quality of your course, the more you’re likely to get out of it. Look for a school with a good reputation and ask those already in the industry for recommendations. If you’re still unsure which school to choose, look for a course with a money back guarantee so you can try before you buy.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Training Program

When choosing your freight broker training program, it’s important to consider cost, quality and convenience. While no one wants to pay a small fortune for their training, spending more on a good quality course can pay dividends in the long run. Courses that cover subjects like sales, marketing, surety bonds and financial management can help to ensure you have the knowledge you need to turn your business into a real success.

As well as getting a high quality course at a good price, you’ll need to think about the convenience of the training. If you’re going to attend in-person classes, you’ll need to choose a freight broker training school within easy reach of your home.

Online courses are often a much more convenient option. Most online schools have videos and texts available for you to watch and download, allowing you to study at a time and place that suits you.

How Long Does Freight Broker Training Take?

Most freight broker training courses are designed to take between 5 and 45 days to complete. If you opt for an online course, you will be able to enjoy self-paced learning. This is ideal for those who are still working or who have other time commitments.

FAQs

Are freight broker jobs high-paying?

The amount you can earn as a freight broker varies state by state. It will also depend on the hours you work, your contacts and your experience. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a freight agent is $ 46,910, while the top 10% earn $ 69,450 per year. One attractive part of the job is that it is possible to maintain work from home arrangement.

Online vs. on-location training: which is better?

The choice between online and in-person training really just comes down to personal preference. While some people might prefer to have hands-on training with teachers and a more structured timetable, others will enjoy the flexibility and affordability of online courses.