As a freight broker, your daily objectives will be to reduce customers’ costs, save time, preserve quality, and increase shipping capacity. Thanks to the enormous value these professionals offer in Colorado, the demand and employment rate continue to increase.
Thanks to a straightforward process, state residents who would like to try their hand at the profession can do so easily. The article below analyzes the various elements of this process, including educational preparation, training pathways, and certification requirements.
We also provide possible training programs and salary projections.
How to Become a Freight Broker in Colorado
Colorado freight brokers often start their careers following the steps below.
Attending a Training Program
The first step to becoming a successful freight broker in Colorado is attending a training program. Although this isn’t required by law, it has become an established convention simply because these programs effectively teach candidates everything they need to know to succeed on the job.
One of the following sections introduces students to some quality programs they may consider.
It is also worth mentioning that, for convenience, a lot of freight brokering programs will allow candidates to learn online or through a hybrid arrangement.
Working with a Company
Although most freight brokers eventually start their businesses, it is advisable to start by working with an existing business. This way, candidates can settle into the job as smoothly as possible and gain crucial knowledge about how the business works in the real world.
Planning a Business Strategy
Afterward, candidates must develop their business strategy and plan how to incorporate their business within a desired legal framework. Candidates also commonly leverage online directories to market themselves and position themselves as authorities in the field.
Cultivating relationships with fellow professionals and having multiple trusted carriers are also important business strategies.
Meeting Legal Requirements
Lastly, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires freight brokers nationwide to register and submit a formal application. A surety bond of at least $75,000 and blanket insurance coverage are also required.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Regarding licensing, freight brokers in Colorado only need to register with the state when they launch a business and apply for their Department of Transportation number. As mentioned above, this number will then be used to secure a license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Certification can be quite beneficial for professionals in this field, even though no law makes it an absolute necessity. However, getting a credential like the Certified Supply Chain Professional from the Association for Supply Chain Management can help candidates attain a higher level of credibility and enjoy continuing education opportunities.
Top Freight Broker Schools in Colorado
Prospective freight brokers may attend any of the schools below for comprehensive freight brokering training.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Online, CO Online Only
The Metropolitan State University of Denver offers an online freight broker and freight agent training program that students can start anytime from anywhere.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Colorado State University - Professional Education
Online, CO Online Only
Colorado State University Professional Education provides an online freight broker training program with 100 course hours of instruction.
Tuition
$2,274 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Aims Community College
Online, CO Online Only
Aims Community College offers a self-directed online freight broker-agent training program with an updated curriculum reflecting industry trends.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore freight broker training schools in Colorado by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Freight brokers in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $184,520. This figure applies only to the highest-paid in the state.
To reach this stage, candidates may work on optimizing factors like their business strategy, professional network, and credentials. Naturally, a professional’s experience and their specific location within the state will also influence how much they make at the end of the year.
Those who are yet to optimize these factors may end up with an annual average salary of $72,658 in the median category or an annual average salary of $28,611 in the low-earning category.
As for prominent locations, Colorado Springs is where candidates earn the highest income as freight brokers in Colorado, with an annual average salary of $104,239. Those in Denver and Commerce City manage annual average salaries of $76,138 and $74,834 respectively.