Florida freight brokers are independent contractors who broker shipping and transportation deals between suppliers and motor carriers.
These third-party logistics providers help keep the US supply chain moving by handling the scenes components of commercial transport.
Table of Contents
- Freight Broker Duties in Florida
- Licensing Requirements for Florida Freight Brokers
- What Kind of Licenses Do Freight Brokers Need?
- Who Issues Freight Broker Licenses in Florida?
- Freight Brokers Programs in Florida
- Freight Broker Schools in Florida – Summary Table
- Freight Broker Salary in Florida
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Freight Broker Info by State
Freight Broker Duties in Florida
- Florida brokers contact shippers with a bulk load of commercial products that need to get to distribution centers, retailers, and other locations along the supply chain route.
- They learn about the needs of the shippers and then use their resources to contact motor carriers and truck drivers to facilitate the delivery of supplier goods.
- Freight brokers are also primarily responsible for commercial transportation processes for logistics, tracking, and receiving payment for services.
- They deduct their fees from payments made by shippers and are responsible for forwarding the balance of payments to the motor carriers to complete commerce transactions.
Licensing Requirements for Florida Freight Brokers
If you’re considering becoming a freight broker in Florida, there are a few steps to take to operate legally.
All parties involved in moving commercial goods across the country for distribution and sale require licensing.
This group includes freight brokers, freight agents, motor carriers, truck drivers, and other key parties responsible for shipping and transport.
What Kind of Licenses Do Freight Brokers Need?
US freight brokers and Florida-based brokers must have the following licenses and registration numbers to operate legally.
Motor Carrier Operating Authority License Number: The MC Authority License is required to transport goods legally across state lines and becomes active within around 21 days after application approval.
This number may not be enough to operate legally in all states.
US Department of Transportation License Number: The Department of Transportation requires all operators who haul cargo or transport people to register for a USDOT for legal commerce.
Who Issues Freight Broker Licenses in Florida?
The United States Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, issue license and registration numbers in Florida and the US.
The license and registration numbers are unique identifiers of commercial drivers and commercial business operators who use US roads for commerce and transport.
Licensing and registration numbers allow for the assignment and tracking of all individuals involved in the commerce process.
These licenses are mandatory for operating and must be renewed annually to comply with state and federal transportation laws.
Florida business owners who want to operate as freight brokers must also secure surety bonds and business licenses and comply with local laws and regulations for operations and paying taxes.
Freight Brokers Programs in Florida
While traditional education isn’t a requirement for Florida freight brokers, many new brokers opt for formal education to guide their careers.
Below are a few schools in Florida that offer freight broker training, transportation training, and logistics training for Florida students.
University of West Florida – Pensacola
Freight Broker Program
The University of West Florida offers a program that teaches students how to start, own, operate, and market a freight broker business in Florida.
Contact Information
- Address: Continuing Education, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida – 32514
- Website: https://uwf.edu/continuinged/programs/career-training/freight-brokeragent
- Phone: 850-473-7648
Santa Fe College – Gainesville
Freight Broker Agent Training
The continuing education department at Santa Fe College in Gainesville offers students the opportunity to earn a Freight Broker certificate that prepares them to apply for their USDOT numbers and work as independent freight brokers in Florida.
Contact Information
- Address: 3000 NW 83rd Street – Gainesville, Florida – 32606
- Website: https://www.sfcollege.edu/continuinged/online/GES703/
- Phone: 352-395-5896
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University – (FAMU) Tallahassee
Freight Agent, Freight Broker Training – Online
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University offers a freight broker, and freight agent training program through its continuing education and professional development program.
Their program prepares students to embark on a career as a freight agent or broker upon successfully completing their certificate program.
Contact Information
- Address: 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307
- Website: https://www.famu.edu/academics/all-programs/cepd/freight-broker-agent-training-online.php
- Phone: 850-599-3000
Freight Broker Schools in Florida – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of West Florida - Pensacola | Continuing Education, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida - 32514, USA |
| Santa Fe College - Gainesville | 3000 NW 83rd Street - Gainesville, Florida - 32606, USA |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - (FAMU) Tallahassee | 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA |
Freight Broker Salary in Florida
How Much Do Freight Brokers Make in Florida?
Florida freight brokers fall in line with the average annual salary reported by Salary.com at just over $35,000.00 per year.
New brokers in Florida can easily increase their earnings by taking freight broker training online or partnering with agencies for long-term contracts.
The amount of money brokers can make is unlimited based on effort.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $45,581 |
| Miami | $46,526 |
| Tampa | $45,629 |
| St. Petersburg | $45,638 |
| Hialeah | $46,310 |
| Orlando | $45,538 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $46,554 |
| Tallahassee | $43,193 |
| Hollywood | $46,554 |
| Pembroke Pines | $46,252 |
Regional Salary in Florida
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 190 | $54,230 | $26.07 | $69,910 | $39,480 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | 40 | $54,170 | $26.04 | $66,620 | $33,030 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 160 | $52,660 | $25.32 | $72,560 | $38,490 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 990 | $52,290 | $25.14 | $64,430 | $39,740 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | 200 | $49,710 | $23.9 | $61,390 | $36,820 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 4,510 | $55,230 | $26.55 | $85,920 | $35,340 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | ** | $65,050 | $31.27 | $88,380 | $45,410 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | 150 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 780 | $55,610 | $26.74 | $75,860 | $36,410 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 30 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Tallahassee, FL | 30 | $52,620 | $25.3 | $74,540 | $26,300 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 700 | $55,270 | $26.57 | $72,730 | $40,000 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I learn in Florida freight broker school?
Florida students enrolled in freight broker training learn the basics of owning and operating an independent freight broker business, including licensing requirements, sales, operations, and business management skills.
Do I need a license to become a freight broker in Florida?
Yes!
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the US Department of Transportation mandate that anyone who operates or engages in commercial transport on US roads must have an active license.
Who hires freight brokers in Florida?
While freight brokers in Florida typically work as independent agents, there are a multitude of opportunities for new brokers to partner with shippers and motor carriers in the state.
Freight Broker Info by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
