Freight brokers play a crucial role in the transportation industry. These professionals make sure that shippers are matched with the appropriate carriers and transport services.
They also ensure that shipping schedules are properly organized and that customers are kept up to date on the status of their goods. Idaho residents interested in entering this discipline can follow the framework we have analyzed extensively below.
Interested candidates will also discover in one of the upcoming sections the projected annual income for freight brokers in Idaho and the factors that influence these numbers.
How to Become a Freight Broker in Idaho
Candidates in Idaho may follow the outline below to start a successful freight broker career in the state.
Formal Training
Individuals looking to become successful freight brokers in Idaho must consider comprehensive training as early as possible. This will give them a strong foundation upon which to build when they eventually start their own business.
Furthermore, many training programs allow candidates to learn relevant business skills, including organization, inventory management, sales, and marketing. Freight brokering programs also teach candidates the steps and considerations they will need to become licensed by the relevant federal authorities.
Additionally, those who are worried about conflicting schedules needn’t be, as the majority of programs allow online education.
Real-World Experience
Classroom training is great for a future freight broker in Idaho, but it is not enough. Students still need to receive training in the real world to build their confidence.
Additionally, working at an existing freight brokering agency will give candidates the first-hand experience they will need to launch their businesses.
Business Registration
When they feel ready, fresh freight brokers can incorporate their own businesses under a legal framework approved by the state. They will also need a US Department of Transportation number, insurance, and a surety bond of $75,000 to cover potential damages.
FMCSA Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires prospective freight brokers to send an official application by mail and receive a license. To do this, they must spend around $300 on an application form.
They will also need to reveal their USDOT number, without which they cannot receive a license.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The state of Idaho expects freight brokers to register with the state when registering their business. However, other than this, there is no state body in charge of carrying out registration or issuing a license to professionals in this field.
The state does not mandate certification, either. However, certification remains popular among professionals in the field simply because of the array of benefits and professional opportunities it offers.
For instance, the Transportation Intermediaries Association is in charge of issuing the Certified Transportation Broker credential. Possessing this credential usually signifies to clients and customers that the broker is credible and can provide high-efficiency services.
Top Freight Broker Schools in Idaho
Below are the most prominent training options for future freight brokers in Idaho.
College of Southern Idaho
Online, ID Online Only
The College of Southern Idaho offers a self-guided online freight brokering program that covers legal considerations, project management, inventory management, and advanced sales and marketing. Students will also learn to identify and specialize in niche markets within the industry.
Tuition
$3,795 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Idaho State University
Online, ID Online Only
Idaho State University – through its Continuing Education and Workforce Training division – provides a freight brokering program that includes the opportunity to become a Certified Supply Chain Professional.
Tuition
$3,795 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
College of Eastern Idaho
Online, ID Online Only
The College of Eastern Idaho's Workforce Training and Community Education Division offers an online freight brokering program.
Tuition
$1,995 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore freight broker training schools in Idaho by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
A freight broker in Idaho can earn an average annual salary of $110,086. However, this is only possible if they have worked their way up to being among the top 10 percent in the state.
Those who have yet to do so but are still optimizing relevant factors may find themselves among the bottom 10%, earning an annual average salary of $23,993, or among the median earners, with an annual average salary of $62,736.
Along with experience, a professional’s location within the state, business strategy, and professional credentials will also be crucial in determining their annual salary. Regarding location only, freight brokers in Lewiston make the highest annual average salary in Idaho, at around $66,762.
Also worth mentioning are places like Pocatello, with an annual average salary of $65,554, and Post Falls, with an annual average salary of $65,440.