Minnesota is home to many prominent professional organizations that help facilitate career success for freight brokers. The state also makes it straightforward for candidates to enter this profession and boasts an amazing training program. Candidates may also leverage continuing education opportunities and business initiatives to differentiate themselves further from the competition during their careers.
In the article on this page, we provide a detailed analysis of the key requirements needed to become a successful freight broker in Minnesota and enjoy all of the above opportunities.
How to Become a Freight Broker in Minnesota
The following steps are crucial to launch a successful freight broker career in Minnesota.
Step 1: Attend a Training Program
Prospective freight brokers are expected to attend a training school to understand the tools and best practices for the job. They will also be able to learn through these programs how to operate their own freight brokering business.
Along with formal training in an academic environment, candidates in Minnesota can greatly increase their chances of success by learning “on the job” through a hands-on approach. They may do this by working for existing brokerages or learning directly under the supervision of a qualified professional.
Candidates will find some of the best programs to consider in an upcoming section.
Step 2: Building Real-World Experience
Many companies that hire freight brokers also offer on-the-job training to help candidates build their skills in the real world. During this time, candidates are expected to observe and learn how a freight brokerage business operates.
Candidates may also use the opportunity to start developing their business plans.
Step 3: Starting a Business
To start a freight brokering business, the first step is to register a legal entity within a specific framework. Once this is done, they may start working on receiving approval from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Step 4: Marketing & Legal Considerations
Once licensed, freight brokers in Minnesota may begin marketing themselves and establishing a solid reputation. They may also leverage the Internet and online directories to improve their footprints even further.
As for legal considerations, all freight brokering businesses are expected to have a BMC84 plan to cover the loss of goods in transit.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
In order to become certified as a freight broker in Minnesota, candidates must be prepared to pass a professional examination and show proof that they have completed a training program. The specific credentials that they would like to acquire will depend on the chosen credentialing organization.
Major alternatives include the Association for Supply Chain Management and the Transportation Intermediaries Association. While certification is beneficial, it is not compulsory for freight brokers in Minnesota or the rest of the country.
When it comes to licensing, following the process outlined earlier, including acquiring a Department of Transportation number and sending an application to the FMCSA, are the prominent steps to follow.
Top Freight Broker Schools in Minnesota
The following institutions offer relevant programs for future freight brokers in Minnesota.
Minneapolis College
Online, MN Online Only
Minneapolis College offers an online freight broker training program that combines freight brokering with supply chain management.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Minnesota State College Southeast
Online, MN Online Only
Minnesota State College Southeast offers an online freight broker training program with 100-course hours of instruction.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
South Central College
Online, MN Online Only
South Central College offers a self-paced online Freight Broker/Agent Training program. The curriculum covers transportation law, contracts, insurance, marketing, and load management.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore freight broker training schools in Minnesota by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of freight brokers in Minnesota can be divided into three categories. The first category includes low-level earners, who earn an average of $33,583.
In the second category of freight brokers in Minnesota, we have those who manage an annual average salary of $56,130 to be among the median earners. Lastly, in the final category are the top 10% of earners whose annual average salary can be as high as $93,814.
Location often plays a key role in determining how much professionals in this field earn. The following are some of the places revealed to be the most prominent in the state:
- Minneapolis, with an annual average salary of $100,713;
- Saint Paul, with an annual average salary of $69,397;
- Brooklyn Park, with an annual average salary of $66,029 and
- Worthington, with an annual average salary of $58,110.
Location, experience, business strategy, and networking strategies all play key roles in determining these figures.