A freight broker must be able to negotiate prices and contracts with carriers while keeping customers updated on the status of their shipping and responding to any requests they may have. Entering this profession as a resident of Massachusetts can be challenging without proper preparation.
In the guide below, we aim to introduce state residents to everything they need to know to be as well-prepared as possible and launch their careers in this field easily.
By the time they are done reading, individuals will know exactly what to prioritize and what requirements are expected of them to launch a successful freight brokering business in Massachusetts and continue to grow.
How to Become a Freight Broker in Massachusetts
The following considerations are needed to become a thriving freight broker in Massachusetts.
Basic Requirements
A high school diploma or GED may be needed to enter into the freight brokering field. Foundational problem-solving and organizational skills are also very important and will help candidates settle quickly into a practical learning environment.
Practical Education
Academic programs in logistics, supply chain management, and freight brokering are all relevant to starting a freight brokering career as a Massachusetts resident. These programs teach students the fundamentals of the transportation and logistics industry while also introducing them to technology tools, best practices, and trends.
These programs also teach sales and marketing, inventory management, and other skills to ensure that candidates have what it takes to start their own freight brokering business.
Business Needs
As academic programs lay the foundation for technical and business expertise, candidates need some experience in the real world to build upon this foundation. They can work for some time at an existing freight brokering agency to develop this area of expertise.
Further down the line, when starting their own business, candidates will need blanket coverage insurance and surety bonds to protect themselves and offer guarantees to prospective customers. They must also separate themselves from the pack with effective marketing and sales strategies.
FMCSA approval is also needed, and we discuss this in depth below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration oversees freight brokers in Massachusetts and across the country. Candidates working under an existing agency don’t have to worry about FMCSA registration until they launch their businesses.
At this stage, they will need to send an official application form with their USDOT number. Processing might take a couple of weeks and usually costs around $300.
For additional lift as a freight broker in Massachusetts, interested professionals may consider becoming certified by organizations like the Transportation Intermediaries Association. State or federal laws do not make this compulsory.
Top Freight Broker Schools in Massachusetts
The following are some of the top training programs for aspiring freight brokers in Massachusetts.
Bunker Hill Community College
Online, MA Online Only
Bunker Hill Community College offers a comprehensive online freight broker and freight agent training program designed for flexibility and convenience.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Westfield State University
Online, MA Online Only
Westfield State University provides an online freight broker training program known for its rigorous education and flexible learning approach. Students start with foundational knowledge in freight brokering before advancing to specialized topics such as niche market exploration, rate quote determination, sales strategies, and profitability.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Online, MA Online Only
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts offers a Certified Supply Chain Professional program that includes freight brokering courses.
Tuition
$3,795 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore freight broker training schools in Massachusetts by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Among the top places to work as a freight broker in Massachusetts are Shirley, with an annual average salary of $75,023; Ayer, with an annual average salary of $74,691; and Devens, with an annual average salary of $74,194. Although location is important in determining these professionals’ yearly returns, other factors, such as experience, networking, and business strategy, are more important.
Without highlighting specific factors, freight brokers in Massachusetts generally earn an average annual salary of $27,849 if they are among the lowest-paid in the state. They earn an average annual salary of $127,778 if they are among the highest-paid in the top 10 percent.
For those who are among the average earners, the salary figure usually hovers around the $72,820 figure. Those in this category are the most common.