How to Become a Freight Broker in Georgia

Being a freight broker allows you to work in the transport industry, without driving a truck yourself.

If you are detail-oriented, highly organized, and find it easy to work with customers, this could be the job you’ve been looking for. 

Let’s take a look at what a freight broker does, and how you can become a freight broker in Georgia.  

Freight Broker Duties in Georgia

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

It’s your job to make sure that the freight gets to its destination safely and on time. 

You offer benefits to both shippers and carriers.

You give shippers a single point of contact as the freight is moving towards its final destination.

You are responsible for conducting negotiations with carriers, and monitoring the cargo as it moves through the system. 

You also make things easier for carriers.

When you plan the routes well, carriers can reduce the amount of deadhead miles they have because their routes are optimized.

This allows carriers to earn more money thanks to the increased efficiency. 

As a freight broker, your duties will include:

• Developing a network of service providers
• Understanding and meeting clients’ shipping needs
• Negotiating shipping quotes and informing shippers of the quote 
• Scheduling routes and booking freight service
• Tracking the progress of shipments and keeping shippers up to date
• Maintaining detailed client records

Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in Georgia

You won’t have any Georgia-specific regulations to become a freight broker.

However, there are national licensing requirements you’ll need to meet.

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

The first step to becoming a freight broker in Arizona is to get your high school diploma or GED.

You’ll also need a valid driver’s license.

You’ll register with the U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT.

You’ll get a transportation number from the DOT.

If you plan to broker different types of cargo, you may need to register for several transportation numbers. 

You’ll complete an application for the FMCSA, which includes your transportation number.

Along with the application, you’ll need to pay a $300 licensing fee. 

When your license arrives, you will need to get a $75,000 surety bond.

You’ll also need a liability insurance policy for at least $750,000.

The last step is appointing a process agent.

You can choose an individual or a company to act as your process agent.

The only requirement is that they have a physical office in Georgia. 

Now, you are ready to get started as a Georgia freight broker.

Freight Broker Programs in Georgia

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University offers a comprehensive freight broker training course online.

You can begin the course anytime.

Once you start, you’ll have 6 months to complete the course.

However, because it’s self-paced, you can complete it much faster. 

You’ll learn the basics of being a freight broker, how to set up your business and office, and how to create shipper and carrier packets.

You’ll also learn how to use needed operations software, forms, and logs. 

Lastly, you’ll learn how to negotiate, sales techniques, and advanced sales techniques for success.

The course costs $1,9995. 

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia’s Center for Continuing Education division offers freight broker training.

The cost is $1,895. 

The course takes 100 hours to complete, and it provides 10 CEU credits.

The course is completely online and can be completed at your own pace. 

You’ll learn everything you need to get started as a freight broker.

This includes how to create shipper and carrier packets, how to set up your office and business, and how to determine rates through negotiation. 

Freight Brokers Schools in Georgia – Summary Table

Freight Broker Salary in Georgia 

The average salary for a freight broker in Georgia is $53,821.

Salaries range from $46,517 to $61,788.

Your salary will depend on your experience, education, skills, and location.

Typically, brokers in big cities make more than those in rural areas.

For example, Atlanta freight brokers make an average of $54,479. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Atlanta	$47,086
Augusta-Richmond County	$44,862
Columbus	$43,600
Savannah	$45,046
Athens-Clarke County	$46,750
Macon	$44,530
Roswell	$46,906
Albany	$44,067
Marietta	$46,951
Warner Robins	$44,396

Regional Salary in Georgia

* 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 Georgia?

Yes.

You aren’t required to renew your broker license.

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

The costs for this vary based on your credit score and business experience.

Do freight brokers in Georgia need training?

Training isn’t required to be a freight broker in Georgia, but it is strongly recommended.

The right training can teach you how to do your job correctly.

This can set you up for success in your business.

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

It’s particularly important if you don’t have any experience in the freight industry.

Are freight brokers in demand in Georgia?

Yes.

Demand for freight brokers is expected to grow by 30% over the five years, which is much better than average.

Freight Broker Info by State