How to Become a Freight Broker in Arkansas

If you enjoy the transportation industry, but spending your days in a big rig doesn’t appeal to you, you should consider becoming a freight broker. 

You can begin your new career with little training.

However, you do need to get licensed before starting. 

Freight Broker Duties in Arkansas

As a freight broker, you’ll act as the middleman between shippers and carriers.

This means that you are responsible for ensuring that freight gets to where it’s going safely and in a reasonable time. 

You’ll need certain skills to be effective as a freight broker.

You’ll need strong communication and customer service skills. 

You’ll also need to have marketing skills and be detail oriented. 

What Freight Brokers Do for Shippers and Carriers 

Freight brokers provide benefits for shippers and carriers. 

Freight brokers will give shippers a single contact point as the freight moves through the transportation system.

You will negotiate with the carrier, and track the freight as well. 

Freight brokers also benefit carriers.

Carriers can reduce their deadhead miles and optimize their routes.

This allows them to earn more money by operating more efficiently.   

Duties of a Freight Broker 

As a freight broker, your duties will include:

• Locating carriers to create a network of service providers
• Learning the client’s shipping needs
• Negotiating shipping quotes with carriers and giving the quote to the shipper
• Scheduling routes and booking freight services
• Tracking the progress of shipments and keeping shippers in the loop
• Keeping detailed client records

Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in Arkansas

There are no state-specific regulations for being a freight broker, but you will need to meet the national requirements. 

These requirements are managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA.

The first thing you’ll need is a high school diploma or GED.

You will also need a valid driver’s license.  

You will register with the U.S. Department of Transportation or DOT. 

They will give you a transportation number.

If you plan on working with different types of carriers, you may need numbers for specific types of transport, like cargo tanks. 

You will fill out an application that includes your transportation number, and $300 for a licensing fee. 

You’ll also need a surety bond of $75,000 before you begin working as a freight broker. 

Freight Broker Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University offers a freight broker training program.

The course takes 100 hours to complete.

It’s self-paced, and you can take up to 6 months to complete it.

The course costs $1,995. 

You’ll learn about the laws that apply to freight brokers, how to set up your business, how to use tools and software to operate your business, how to find shippers and lots more. 

You’ll learn how to negotiate rates, how to market yourself, and back office procedures as well. 

After graduating, you can sign up for virtual resource days, which allow you to connect with potential clients and brokers. 

Northwest Arkansas Community College

Northwest Arkansas Community College, or NACC, offers an online freight broker course as well.

The course takes 100 hours to complete and costs $1,895.

You can enroll at any time, and you have 6 months to complete the course.

It’s self-paced, so you can complete it much sooner if you wish. 

You’ll learn about the basics of being a freight broker, how to set up your business and brand identity, create a shipper packet and carrier packet, how to set up and use the software you’ll need to operate your business, and how to use sales techniques for success. 

Brooke Training Solutions

Brooke Training Solutions offers both basic and advanced freight broker courses.

The basic course will teach you prospecting, dispatching, how to determine rate quotes, and how to manage accounts payable.

This course costs $2,495. 

During the advanced program, you’ll work in a live brokerage firm.

This gives you valuable hands-on experience.  

This course costs $3,995.

Freight Broker Schools in Arkansas – Summary Table

Freight Broker Salary in Arkansas

The average salary for a freight broker in Arkansas is $32,018.

The salary range is $30,087 to $33,981.

Generally, brokers in large cities make more than those in rural areas.

How much you earn is also affected by your experience, marketing skills, and education. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Little Rock	$44,268
Fort Smith	$41,875
North Little Rock	$44,268
Fayetteville	$43,673
Jonesboro	$44,090
Pine Bluff	$42,906
Springdale	$43,673
Conway	$43,837
Rogers	$43,415
Hot Springs Village	$43,837

Regional Salary in Arkansas

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Cargo and Freight Agents, OCC Code 43-5011, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there yearly costs to be a freight broker in Arizona?

Yes.

You aren’t required to renew your broker license.

However, you will need to renew your bond each year.

Costs for this vary based on your credit score and history.

Do freight brokers in Arizona need training?

Even though training isn’t required to be a freight broker in Arizona, it’s still beneficial.

It gives you a credential that shows you know what you are doing.

It also gives you the skills you need to do your job well.

It’s particularly important if you are new to the transportation industry.

Are freight brokers in demand in Arizona?

Yes.

Demand for freight brokers is expected to grow by 7% over the next decade, which is slightly better than average.

Freight Broker Info by State