Anyone who wants to become a successful freight broker in Connecticut must understand the general process as early as possible. This will ensure that they are optimally prepared to handle any challenges and make the right career decisions.
The following guide helps candidates achieve all of these objectives by outlining the key requirements involved in the process and providing several helpful resources. For instance, readers will find some amazing programs to enroll in, as well as the annual average projections for a freight broker’s salary in Connecticut.
How to Become a Freight Broker in Connecticut
Below are the requirements needed to become a freight broker in Connecticut.
Completing Formal Training
While freight brokers are not legally mandated to attend a training program to start their careers, doing so is absolutely recommended for various reasons. For one, by attending a training program, candidates have a solid foundation upon which to base their real-world skills.
Secondly, most training programs will also allow candidates to receive business training geared towards helping them prepare to start their freight brokerage agencies. It is also possible to complete a training program as a prospective freight broker that will allow a hundred percent online training.
We explore some notable options to consider in an upcoming section.
Legal Requirements
In Connecticut, the legal requirements to become a successful freight broker are usually set on the federal level by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Candidates are expected to receive a license from the administration after obtaining a unique identification number from the state branch of the US Department of Transportation.
It is also important for anyone who wants to start a freight brokering business to follow the regular steps to incorporate a business entity in the state. They need to choose a framework, such as a sole proprietorship or LLC, to organize their business.
Completing Business Requirements
Lastly, candidates must also meet some requirements to start a business as a freight broker. One of the most important is to have relevant bonds and insurance coverage. Professionals typically obtain a $75,000 surety bond and blanket insurance coverage.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Connecticut is one of the states where a new freight broker can start working without receiving a state license. However, as specified earlier, the FMCSA only issues licenses, and candidates must have a USDOT number to acquire one.
State registration is needed for business incorporation.
Certification is also optional, but very important. The Transportation Intermediaries Association offers the Certified Transportation Broker credential, which is quite common among professionals in the field.
However, before they can apply for this credential, interested individuals must have at least 2 years of industry experience. They will also have to pass a rigorous examination and commit to the organization’s code of ethics.
Top Freight Broker Schools in Connecticut
The following institutions offer amazing freight brokering programs for residents of Connecticut.
Capital Community College
Online, CT Online Only
Capital Community College offers a 100-hour self-paced freight brokering training program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the freight and transportation industry.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
CT State Community College Middlesex,
Online, CT Online Only
CT State Community College Middlesex provides an online freight brokering and supply chain management program that covers the profession’s history, legal considerations, demand forecasting, project management, inventory tracking, ethical sourcing, and customer relationship management.
Tuition
$3,795 - $4,190 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Mitchell College
Online, CT Online Only
Mitchell College offers a freight brokering training program through its Mitchell Hub Digital Innovation and Educational Excellence division.
Tuition
$2,395 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore freight broker training schools in Connecticut by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
A survey of freight brokers in Connecticut shows that professionals can be grouped into the following categories depending on how much they manage at the end of each year:
- In the first category are the bottom 10% managing an annual average salary of $39,906;
- The second category includes the median earners, who make around $76,665 in annual average salary;
- The third category of freight brokers in Connecticut earns an annual average salary of $147,287, which is among the top 10 percent.
The same data also shows that the salary figures can be grouped by location. In this case, the distribution is as follows:
- Norwalk is the highest-paying, with an annual average salary of $83,007;
- Freight brokers in Bridgeport manage an annual average salary of $83,007;
- Those in Hartford make an annual average salary of $78,198.
Business strategy, professional network, professional credentials, and, of course, experience also influence the annual average salary of professionals in this field.