How to Become a Freight Broker in Kansas

As a freight broker in Kansas, your job involves helping truck drivers and freight carriers find loads.

These loads include anything that can fit within the space of a tractor-trailer.

This truck is also called an 18-wheeler because it has many wheels compared to a passenger car.

Before you can source freight for truck drivers and carriers, learn what it takes to become a freight broker in KS.

Freight Broker Duties in Kansas 

A freight broker must arrange pick-up and delivery times with drivers from there.

This involves sorting paperwork, such as purchase orders, carrier identification, and insurance information. 

Freight brokers are generally third-party logistics (3PL) providers who do not work directly with trucking companies in KS.

However, almost all trucking companies hire freight brokers for in-house services.

Therefore, you can look for freight brokerage jobs with trucking and shipping companies or work independently at home. 

A freight broker’s job can be done remotely, which is how most 3PL freight brokers operate.

Since most freight boards are online, you need to know how to use a computer and be internet savvy.

Customer service skills are also a must.

You will be expected to make phone calls to communicate with carriers, drivers, and shipping customers.

Licensing Requirements to Become a KS Freight Broker

To become a freight broker in Kansas, you do not need to attend college or have a degree.

However, you are required to be licensed as a freight broker to work in the industry legally.

The US federal regulations mandate that freight brokers obtain a Motor Carrier Authority (MCA) license. 

In addition, you will be expected to have a DOT license and number, which is received via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The DOT license and number are available through your Kansas Department of Transportation (DOT) office, where you apply for a driver’s license. 

The other requirement for a freight broker operating in Kansas is to be bonded with insurance.

The freight broker bond requirement is $75,000 at a minimum to be eligible for in-state employment.

You must also have a business license if you operate independently as a Kansas freight broker.

The business authority office in the local city hall is where you can apply for a business license.

Freight Broker Programs 

Kansas Works

Kansas Works is a state-run job placement service that offers training for freight brokers.

Located in Kansas City, Kansas Works provides remote, virtual training for those students interested in becoming freight brokers in the state.

You earn a logistics, materials, and supply chain management certificate.

The course takes 24 weeks and is a 100-hour course.

There are zero entrance requirements, and the total cost is $1,895, in which students have some financial aid options.

Washburn Institute of Technology

The Washburn Institute of Technology school provides 100 percent online training for freight brokers.

This training costs $2,095 and is self-paced for remote students.

You have up to six months to complete the course, which covers 100 credit hours.

Learn about freight brokerage terminology, recordkeeping processes, and how to use software to provide computerized freight brokering services. 

In addition to the training program, Washburn Institute of Technology arranges for a one-day-a-month free job fair via Brooke Transportation Training Solutions.

The event is called Broker/Agent Resources Day, and it is for graduates of the freight broker program.

This event is in-person with virtual components and includes a meet and greet with potential employers. 

Freight Brokers Schools in Kansas – Summary Table

Salary 

The average salary of a freight broker agent in the US is approximately $35,000 per year.

This is based on a range of $33,016 to $37,289 earned annually by freight brokers nationwide.

Consider more training or educational opportunities to improve earnings by having more qualified skill sets employers want and demand.

You will also expect to make more money after working in the industry for several years. 

Other factors, including location, can determine how much you will earn in real-time compensation as a freight broker in Kansas.

For example, freight brokers who work and reside in Manhattan, KS make approximately $32,144 a year.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Wichita	$45,207
Overland Park	$46,866
Kansas City	$47,005
Topeka	$44,339
Olathe	$46,738
Lawrence	$45,283
Shawnee	$46,866
Salina	$44,728
Manhattan	$43,860
Hutchinson	$44,728

Regional Salary in Kansas

* 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

What Are the Fees for Becoming a Licensed Freight Broker in Kansas?

The only fee you can expect is $300 for a surety bond as a bonded freight broker.

This is paid when you become bonded by an insurer or financial agent.

How Long Does the Process Take to Become a Freight Broker in KS?

Typical training courses in Kansas for freight brokers last for about six months.

After you are fully trained and have a certificate as a freight broker, you are ready to be bonded.

This process generally takes one day to one week, depending on what paperwork needs to be organized.

Do Freight Brokers in Kansas Require Certification for Employment?

No, freight brokers in Kansas are not required to be certified to gain employment.

However, you are required to have a bond if you are working as a freight broker.

In addition, you should earn a certificate from a training program or college that teaches freight brokerage skills.

Freight Broker Info by State