Maine has a high employment rate for freight brokers, and this trend is expected to continue for the coming decade. This article introduces interested individuals to the general requirements and unique expectations involved in launching a successful freight brokering career in the state.
The guide begins by reviewing the preparatory steps and training considerations a candidate needs to make when choosing a training environment. It then moves on to the subsequent steps to prepare them to start their own business. The guide then discusses legal requirements, certification options, and top programs.
We finally conclude by examining the annual average salary figures for freight brokers in Maine and the factors that influence these numbers.
How to Become a Freight Broker in Maine
The following is a step-by-step overview of how to launch a freight brokering career in the state of Maine.
Skills & Attributes
The skills and attributes to become a freight broker in Maine include problem-solving, organization and planning, multitasking, and critical thinking, among others. Candidates who already possess these skills will no doubt enjoy their path to a professional career, while those who don’t will be able to develop them during their training hours.
Technical & Business Training
A freight brokering training program is both a technical and business school. It introduces students to principles of rate quoting, freight service selection, tools and resources, and best practices.
It also teaches them everything they will need to know concerning advanced sales and marketing, bookkeeping, and other business-oriented practices. Many freight brokering schools offer classes online via a self-study approach.
They can be completed in around 6 months for those who would like to spend the maximum time or in a matter of a few weeks for those who would like to finish as early as possible.
Insurance & Marketing
When they start their freight brokering agency, freight brokers are expected to have relevant coverage for unforeseen scenarios. For this, professionals purchase blank coverage insurance.
They are also expected to have a bond of $75,000 to cover damages that may arise during the shipping process. Lastly, for marketing and outreach, candidates have to build a solid network of carriers and leverage the internet for effective promotion.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration expects all freight brokering businesses to register. To do so, businesses must send an official application, which costs $300, along with the USDOT number.
After receiving a license from the FMCSA and completing the other steps above, candidates will become fully-fledged freight brokers with successful businesses. However, they can improve their reputation even further through certification.
To do this, they must choose a certifying body and pass a professional examination. The most popular are the Transportation Intermediaries Association and the Association for Supply Chain Management.
Top Freight Broker Schools in Maine
These are the top training programs for aspiring freight brokers in Maine.
Central Maine Community College
Online, ME Online Only
Central Maine Community College offers an online freight broker and freight agent program designed to meet high educational standards.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME Campus + Online
The University of Southern Maine offers an online Operations and Supply Chain Management training program with a blended learning option. Over 92% of graduates receive job offers, and 91% receive financial aid.
Tuition
$343 - $1,010 per CreditContact
(207) 780-5670
admitusm@maine.edu
Brooke Transportation Training Solutions
Online, ME Online Only
Brooke Transportation Training Solutions is a leading institution for freight broker education, partnering with numerous community colleges and technical schools nationwide.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
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Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of a freight broker in Maine will depend greatly on their business strategy. It will also depend to an extent on how long they have been on the job and their specific locations within the state.
Generally, it is common for freight brokers in Maine to earn an annual average salary of $24,689 in the bottom 10% and an annual average salary of $113,280 in the top 10%. In the median category, professionals in this field in the state end the year with an average salary of $64,557.
Data showing the most favorable places to work as a freight broker in Maine shows that Auburn is where professionals earn the highest average salary, around $71,820 per year. Also among the top places are Monmouth, with an annual average salary of $71,258, and Brownfield, with an annual average salary of $71,248.