Freight brokers in Alaska offer various services to companies and individuals looking to ship goods effectively. In addition to ensuring that products are delivered on time, a freight broker has the skills to help customers increase their shipping capacity, reduce costs, and optimize various processes in the entire chain while handling any challenges that may occur.
The skills to perform these duties can be acquired at a worthwhile training institution. The guide below analyzes the exact requirements that candidates need to keep in mind when doing so and showcases some top training options to consider
We also review the annual average salary categories for freight brokers in Alaska.
How to Become a Freight Broker in Alaska
These are the most important steps needed to become a successful freight broker in Alaska.
Step 1: Proper Training
The optimal approach to becoming a successful freight broker in Alaska is to complete a training program and learn in the real world under the supervision of a professional broker. Candidates may attend any of the programs listed below for their academic training.
Here, they will develop a robust understanding of transportation networks, industry trends, best practices, and technological tools, among others.
A lot of programs also incorporate business classes needed to help candidates start their agencies.
Step 2: Business Plan
All freight brokering businesses must have a solid plan to ensure success. It is usually easier to come up with a plan if candidates already have some experience working and learning at an existing freight brokerage business before starting their own.
Step 3: Networking
A strong network of professionals is essential to becoming a successful freight broker. In addition to sharing insights, candidates can also acquire solid recommendations for trustworthy carriers from their fellow professionals.
Seminars, workshops, and professional organizations offer excellent opportunities for effective networking in this discipline.
Step 4: Bonds and Insurance
A $75,000 surety bond is compulsory by law for freight brokers, helping them gain the trust of their clients. Professionals in the field are also expected to have relevant general coverage insurance before they start operating their businesses.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The Transportation Intermediaries Association offers an excellent credential for freight brokers in Alaska: the Certified Transportation Brokers credential. These documents can be quite important as they often signify credibility, expertise, and professionalism.
Freight brokers in the state are also encouraged to become certified, even though it is not compulsory. Certification can lead to valuable resources for networking and continuing education.
As for licensing, candidates only need to register with the state when they start their own brokerage business, not when they work under an existing entity. Lastly, professionals must also take notes to acquire the USDOT number and licensing from the FMCSA.
Top Freight Broker Schools in Alaska
Alaska offers the following top-quality training programs for prospective freight brokers in the state.
Greenways Academy of Alaska
Online, AK Online Only
Greenways Academy of Alaska offers an online freight broker training program with self-paced learning and open enrollment.
Tuition
$3,795 - $4,340 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK Campus Only
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a Global Logistics and Supply Management program with advanced logistics training.
Tuition
$241 - $890 per CreditContact
(907) 786-4121
cbppdeanreception@alaska.edu
Brooke Transportation
Online, AK Online Only
Brooke Transportation Training Solutions offers online freight broker training for Alaska residents. The program provides a structured roadmap to success in the industry, with some students qualifying for 100% financial aid.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(214) 206-1169
Explore freight broker training schools in Alaska by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of a freight broker in Alaska can depend on several factors, like experience and business strategy. Generally, the distribution can be categorized as follows.
- Those who are in the top 10% make an annual average salary of $70,541;
- Those who are in the median category make an annual average salary of $50,056;
- Freight brokers in Alaska in the bottom 10% still make an annual average salary of $31,770.
Another factor that influences the yearly earnings of professionals in this field is location. The most favorable locations in the state are as follows:
- Nome, with an annual average salary of $57,658;
- Sitka, with an annual average salary of $55,993;
- Soldotna, with an annual average salary of $50,613 and
- Anchorage, with an annual average salary of $48,277.