Freight brokers do not necessarily own trucks or shipping equipment. Instead, they are duty-bound to take advantage of their strong relationships with carriers and secure favorable transportation arrangements for their clients who need carrier service.
Freight brokers in Texas must usually receive training in this field before being ready to perform their duties at the highest level. The guide on this page explores how candidates can get this training and start their careers properly.
We don’t just stop there; however, we also examine the certification and licensing considerations, top training programs for interested individuals, and the projected annual average salary based on major factors in the state.
How to Become a Freight Broker in Texas
Below is an overview of how to start a freight broking career in Texas.
Step 1: Enrolling in a Training Program
Enrolling in a training program is as important to starting a freight brokerage career in Texas as anywhere else. Even though this is not mandatory by law, candidates who attend training programs tend to gain confidence in starting a business, having learned about key principles in the field.
The best programs also teach students about industry trends, technology, and best practices for achieving optimal results. Furthermore, candidates can receive hands-on experience to familiarize themselves with what to expect once they start their careers.
It is also worth pointing out that students have a lot of flexibility regarding their online or in-person programs.
Step 2: Making a Business Plan
After learning fundamental principles in the field, candidates can start their businesses. In the planning stage, they must pick a name and develop an operating principle for marketing and compliance.
From there, they can proceed to register their business and work on obtaining a license.
Step 3: Bond & Insurance
Generally, freight brokers in Texas must receive a unique identifier from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They also need insurance and a surety bond of at least $10,000. We will examine these requirements further in the next section.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Freight brokers in Texas need a license from the US Department of Transportation, specifically the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Candidates need an existing business to acquire this license.
They are also expected to pay an application fee of $300.
Even though it is not mandatory for freight brokers in the state to be certified, candidates may consider certification as it offers several professional benefits. The Transportation Intermediaries Association offers a Certified Transportation Brokers credential that many candidates in the state consider.
Other relevant forms to process include the BMC-84/BMC-85 forms and a BOC-3 form. Once all these are complete, candidates may start working as full-fledged freight brokers in Texas.
Top Freight Brokerage Schools in Texas
The following are among the best programs for future freight brokers in Texas.
Houston Community College
Online, TX Online Only
Houston Community College is a wonderful destination for aspiring freight brokers in Texas looking for a robust yet convenient training arrangement to start their careers.
Tuition
Call for DetailsContact
(713) 718-5275
hcc.online@hccs.edu
University of Texas at El Paso
Online, TX Online Only
Students of the Freight Broker program at The University of Texas at El Paso will learn about the marketing and sales techniques that help drive growth in the industry. The program takes place entirely online.
Tuition
$2,195 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
University of Houston
Online, TX Online Only
At the University of Houston, individuals may enroll in a top-class Freight Broker program courtesy of the school's Online and Special Programs Division.
Tuition
$1,995 - $4,390 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
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Salary & Career Outlook
As with anywhere else in the country, Texas freight brokers can be among the state’s average earners, the highest-paid, or the bottom 10% of earners.
Those who fall among the average earners take home an annual average salary of $68,194, while those who fall among the highest-paid manage an annual average salary of $154,068 or more. The lowest-paid freight brokers in Texas still go home with an average salary of at least $30,184 at the end of every year.
One factor that influences where candidates fall among these possible categories is location. Experience and professional reputation also play key roles.
The best places to work as a freight broker in Texas for the highest salary potential are Plano, with an annual average salary of $101,038; Dallas-Fort Worth, with an annual average salary of $81,008; and Dallas, with an annual average salary of $81,000.