Freight Broker/Agent Training Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee residents with a passion for transportation and logistics may consider a career in freight brokering. Freight brokers have a great deal of control over their careers, can start successful businesses from scratch, and can achieve great things in the industry.

By utilizing the guide on this page, individuals interested in entering the freight brokering profession in Tennessee can establish a strong foundation and be well-positioned for career opportunities. The guide also covers the licensing and certification possibilities that may help candidates continue to improve their skills.

Readers will ultimately find out what training programs to choose from to ensure convenience and quality education.

How to Become a Freight Broker in Tennessee

The following is an overview of how to launch a freight brokering career in Tennessee.

Step 1: Finish a Freight Brokering Course

Completing a freight brokering course provides candidates with the foundation they need to assume more complex duties in the field. A typical freight brokerage course covers a range of important topics, including technology and tools, best practices, and industry trends.

Most programs also offer self-guided online education, allowing individuals to focus on learning while attending to other commitments in their lives.

Step 2: Work as a Freight Agent

After receiving proper training, candidates are then required to work as freight agents for a specified period. This part of the process is designed specifically to help candidates acclimate easily to a real-world environment before starting their freight brokerage agency.

It is also a crucial time for candidates to network with fellow professionals and develop a strong understanding of potential partners.

Step 3: Start a Business

Only after starting a legitimate freight brokering agency can candidates legitimize themselves in the profession. The process involves obtaining approval from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and securing relevant insurance and bonds to cover potential damages.

Candidates will also need to incorporate their businesses in accordance with state laws. In the next section, we will examine the process in more detail.

Step 4: Networking & Marketing

As previously mentioned, a robust network of peers and partners is crucial for success as a freight broker in Tennessee. Candidates need to have a solid list of reputable and trustworthy carriers and peers with whom they can exchange ideas and strategies.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a travel agent in Tennessee

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Licensing requirements for freight brokers in Tennessee are established at the federal level, not the state level. Individuals seeking to launch a career in this field must follow the necessary steps to register and obtain approval from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

These steps include registering a legal business entity according to state laws, acquiring a USDOT number, acquiring blanket coverage insurance and a surety bond, and completing what the administration refers to as the OP-1 form. Those who complete these steps should have their approval within a month.

The Association for Supply Chain Management and the Transportation Intermediaries Association offer credentials that freight brokers in Tennessee can pursue to advance their careers. These credentials are optional and not mandated by law.

Top Freight Broker Schools in Tennessee

The following schools offer convenient and high-quality training programs for aspiring freight brokers in Tennessee.

Explore freight broker training schools in Tennessee by city:

• Freight broker training schools in Nashville

Salary & Career Outlook

The state of Tennessee offers freight brokers an annual average salary that is in line with the national average for other freight brokers in other states. This figure of $55,705 is particularly relevant for those who fall within the median earners, which currently encompasses the majority.

However, it is still possible for the annual average salary of a freight broker in Tennessee to be above or below the average figure, depending on where they fall in relation to key determinants. Those who are on the favorable side of the determinants can end up with an annual average salary of $110,370, while those who are on the less favorable side tend to end the year with an annual average salary of $28,115.

Experience, location, and business strategies are among these key determinants. Concerning location, freight brokers in Memphis are the highest-paid in Tennessee, with an annual average salary of $94,105.

The top three also include Hendersonville and Knoxville, with annual average salaries of $71,350 and $59,281, respectively.