Becoming a freight broker in Montana is advisable for several reasons, not the least of which is the encouraging salary and career potential. The fact that candidates can receive a comprehensive education to enter this field and do so entirely from the comfort of their own homes is just a bonus.
In the following sections, readers will discover all the major aspects of entering the freight brokerage discipline as Montana residents. They will understand how to prepare for training and choose the right training destination, and they will become familiar with the federal requirements for licensing and certification.
How to Become a Freight Broker in Montana
The following is a step-by-step overview of how to launch a freight brokering career in the state of Montana.
Training Expectations
In Montana, freight brokers are expected to attend a training program to pick up the necessary technical skills. However, no law mandates in-person classes, and the majority of professionals tend to allow online, self-guided learning arrangements.
Some programs will also combine freight brokering, freight agent, and supply chain management programs to produce graduates who are as well-rounded as possible.
Real-World Practice
After completing a freight brokering training program at a community college or vocational institution, candidates are expected to continue to gain more skills in an actual work environment.
After this, they may proceed to start their freight brokering agency. For those who already have some form of experience before attending a training program, it is possible to go straight into launching a business.
Networking
During their time in a work environment, prospective freight brokers usually develop a list of strong and trustworthy carriers with whom they will subsequently work. Having a strong network of fellow professionals is also important to keep up with best practices and Industry standards.
Business Expectations
The business requirements to launch a freight brokering career in Montana include having blanket coverage insurance. Candidates must also have a bond guarantee to assure customers that possible damages will be covered.
This is also a requirement needed to register a freight brokering business with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the most important consideration when it comes to licensing for freight brokers in Montana. This is because there are no state requirements that require registration with a particular local body.
Additionally, FMCSA registration is only compulsory for freight brokers who are starting their businesses. Those who are working under an existing agency don’t need to send an application to the administration.
Certification, along with approval from the FMCSA, is another thing that can help with a freight brokering career in Montana. However, even though it is important, certification is not compulsory by federal or state law.
Top Freight Broker Schools in Montana
Below are some excellent training programs for prospective freight brokers in Montana.
The University of Montana Bitterroot
Online, MT Online Only
The University of Montana Bitterroot offers an online freight broker training program that covers licensing, operations, marketing, and business practices.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
University of Montana Western
Online, MT Online Only
The University of Montana Western, in collaboration with Brooke Transportation Training Solutions, offers a self-guided online Certified Supply Chain Professional and Freight Broker program.
Tuition
$3,795 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Brooke Transportation Training Solutions
Online, MT Online Only
Brooke Transportation Training Solutions offers a flexible, nationwide freight brokering program that is available online and through partnerships with colleges.
Tuition
$1,895 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
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Salary & Career Outlook
As a fresh freight broker in Montana, it is common to start a career with an annual average salary of $23,405. This is the figure for the bottom 10%, but this figure doesn’t usually last because it is very easy to continue to earn more money by working on relevant factors.
Relevant factors include experience, location, business strategy, marketing strategy, networking, and more. By working on these factors, candidates can immediately improve their yearly returns to around $61,199, which is good enough for them to be among the median earners.
Ultimately, the number can continue to increase until freight brokers in Montana start earning an annual average salary of $107,388 or more, which is the number relevant to the top 10 percent.
Location is another factor that can influence the yearly returns of professionals in this field. Sidney, Belgrade, and Bozeman enjoy the highest salaries in Montana, with respective figures of $72,487, $71,320, and $68,044.