How to Become a Freight Broker in Hawaii

Living in Hawaii is an amazing experience, especially if you have a rewarding job that earns you good money.

For example, freight brokers in Hawaii can help ensure that goods get shipped to where they need to go and provide the high-quality support businesses need to keep their services and goods moving.

Freight Broker Duties in Hawaii

As a freight broker, you’ll perform many duties for your clients.

You will be in charge of general shipping and transportation, meaning that you’ll ensure that strong logistical lines are built between each business.

Furthermore, you’ll communicate regularly with truckers and businesses to streamline production and ensure everything is done on time.

Other job duties include:

• Creating sales leads for your employer to continually make money 
• Collecting and storing important information about goods and shipping 
• Negotiating prices and creating quotes for goods and services 
• Tracking and managing all goods as they move from place to place 
• Handling emergencies as they occur during shipping 
• Regularly updating shipping lines to keep them open and smooth 
• Managing carrier relationships and keeping them strong 
• Finding ways to reduce costs for the shipping process

Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in Hawaii

Like most states, Hawaii doesn’t have a state-based licensing requirement for their freight brokers.

Instead, you must apply for national certification with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

You start by registering with them to get a DOT number, which you use to apply for a license.

Other steps include:

• Filling out your paperwork using the DOT number that you received 
• Paying the $300 application fee required for this process 
• Obtaining and demonstrating a $75,000 minimum surety bond 
• Getting appropriate cargo and general liability coverage 
• Setting up freight agents in each state where you’ll do business 
• Creating a repayment plan for your surety bond

At this point, you can apply for a job with a brokerage firm, set up your own business, or get certified. 

Certified Transportation Broker or CTB certification occurs through the Transportation Intermediaries Association or TIA.

Getting this non-mandatory certification can improve your business in many ways, such as:

• Showing you have more specialized skills
• Helping you master more complex ideas
• Highlighting your abilities in more depth 
• Providing more information about your training 
• Ensuring that you stand out compared to other potential brokers in your area

Freight Broker Programs In Hawaii

While not all states have freight broker training programs, Hawaii has several options through the University of Hawai’i’s many community colleges.

These schools can help you learn about this in-depth training and ensure you have the skills necessary to thrive.

They include:

Hawai’i Community College

At Hawai’i Community College, you can spend $1,895 to take a self-paced training program that will help you become a freight broker.

You can study online or in person and learn about the basics of freight brokerage, the qualifications you need, how to set up your office and corporate identity, setting up shipper and carrier packages, and more. 

Kaua’i Community College

At Kaua’i Community College, you can quickly learn how to become a freight broker, including how to set up your personal goals, produce a unique identity, and operate shipping software.

You’ll also learn about common types of freight in Hawaii, as well as niche markets within the islands that you can work within.

Maui College

Maui College provides a more in-depth certified supply chain professional and freight broker/agent training program that you can use to prepare for your Certified Supply Chain Professional or CSCP exam.

Completing this course will not only train you in this important field but also ensure that you have a certification to potentially improve your career.

Freight Broker Schools in Hawaii – Summary Table

Salary for a Freight Broker in Hawaii

As a freight broker in Hawaii, you can make between $34,640 to $39,123 or an average of $36,862.

Note that higher pay rates are available if you’re good at setting up multiple routes throughout the islands and master shipping options like freight plane shipping.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Honolulu	$49,996
Hilo	$49,661
Kailua	$49,996
Kaneohe	$49,996
Waipahu	$49,974
Pearl City	$49,996
Waimalu	$49,974
Ewa Beach	$49,996
Kealia	$49,661
Kihei	$49,661

Regional Salary in Hawaii

* 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

Is This a Good Salary for Delaware?

In Hawaii, there’s currently an average salary of about $73,000.

That might seem higher than most people you know and is likely inflated due to the higher salaries of several celebrities that live on the island and other higher-earning jobs.

For the average Hawaii resident, a potential salary of $39,000 or higher is a good wage, especially considering the training you need.

Do You Have to Pay to Renew Your License?

Yes, you need to pay regular licensing fees to keep your freight brokerage license active.

Thankfully, it costs no more than the initial $300 fee and should keep you up-to-date and operational for a year.

Who's a Good Fit for This Job?

If you love working with multiple people and have a good mind for logistics, you may enjoy a freight broker position.

It can be a fast-paced job and one with a lot of action, so make sure that you’re ready for the potential stress that it might cause.

Freight Broker Info by State