Freight Broker/Agent Training Schools in Washington

A freight broker acts as a bridge between companies that haul goods and those that buy them. Washington has a high demand for professionals in this field. It already offers several institutions and organizations that help candidates launch careers and achieve incredible success as freight brokers.

Through the guide on this page, interested individuals in the state will get to understand all of the requirements they need to meet before they can call themselves full-fledged freight brokers. They will also discover what to look for in a training program and which schools offer options that meet these criteria.

The article also touches upon the annual average salary for freight brokers in Washington.

How to Become a Freight Broker in Washington

Freight brokers in Washington often follow the outline below to start their careers on a strong path.

Educational Considerations

Freight brokers don’t just have to know about the transportation industry, but they also need extensive knowledge of industry trends, history, customer service, business tracking, and price negotiation. Luckily, there are dedicated training programs where candidates can receive all of these instructions and more.

Some programs will also offer career services along with other business highlights that will help candidates start their careers on the right path. For candidates who desire flexibility, it is also possible to find amazing online training programs.

Legal Considerations

Legal considerations for owning a successful freight brokerage business in Washington include registering a formal business entity (such as a limited liability corporation or any other legal designation) and acquiring the right bonds and insurance.

Candidates are also expected to send an official application to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration before they can start a brokerage business. This requires a unique number from the Department of Transportation in Washington.

Candidates will also need a BMC 84 Bond of $75,000 and blanket insurance coverage.

Marketing Strategy

Lastly, freight brokers must have a strong network of reliable carriers and a working marketing strategy. Common approaches include leveraging online directories and marketing platforms.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become an auto mechanic in Washington

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Certified Supply Chain Professional credential offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management is one of the most common credentials that freight brokers in Washington may consider to improve their career opportunities. Although becoming certified is not compulsory by law, it is essential for credibility, networking, and other benefits that can help candidates quickly ascend the career ladder.

State licensing is not required for freight brokers in Washington, but they are expected to register with the state when starting their businesses. As highlighted above, registration with the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration through a unique identification number from the State Department of Transportation is also essential.

Top Freight Broker Schools in Washington

Below are some of the most prominent training programs for future freight brokers in Washington.

Explore freight broker training schools in Washington by city:

• Freight broker training schools in Seattle

Salary & Career Outlook

Freight brokers in Spokane earn the highest annual average salary in Washington, around $123,388. Other best places to work in the state are Yakima, where professionals earn an annual average salary of $114,461, and Wenatchee, which also has an annual average salary of $114,461.

Freight brokers in Renton are also well-rewarded, with an annual average salary of $97,948.

Experience, networking, business strategy, and reputation influence the annual average salary of professionals in this discipline. However, without focusing on any singular factor, freight brokers in the state earn an annual average salary of $163,448 if they are among the highest-paid.

If they are just starting, it is more common for professionals to manage an annual average salary of $80,256 in the median-earning category or $39,407 in the low-earning category.