How to Become a Freight Broker in Michigan

Freight brokering is a great career choice for hard-working and self-motivated people.

Becoming a freight broker may be an excellent option if you want a self-directed job that allows you to communicate with various clients and carriers while being self-motivated to drum up new business.

To be successful, you must learn how the industry operates while gaining a license before diving immediately into this career.

Completing a freight broker training program is always advisable to be the most effective in your role.

Keep reading to learn more about how to become a freight broker in Michigan!

Freight Broker Duties in Michigan

Michigan-based freight brokers play a critical role in the transportation and logistics sector by liaising between carriers and shippers to simplify the movement of raw materials and finished goods smoothly and efficiently.

Freight brokers implement basic marketing techniques to gain new business, marry customers and freight carriers, line carriers for loading, and book orders.

Other responsibilities include maintaining records, updating customers on shipments, tracking loads, providing quotes, and learning about new industry trends.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in Michigan

While the Michigan State Government doesn’t license freight brokers, those new to the industry must meet federal requirements to work in this field.

The U.S. Government doesn’t have any educational needs, but the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requires the following to obtain a license:

• Apply for a U.S. Department of Transportation number specific to your company.
• Secure a Trust Fund Agreement of Surety Bond for at least $75,000 for insurance purposes.
• Complete the BOC-3 form that designates you as a process agent. If you have multiple employees, you can specify a different individual as the process agent to represent the business.
• Pay the $300 for the license, which will be available in four-to-six weeks.

Most freight brokers also want a legal framework for the company, with the most popular designation being a limited liability corporation (LLC).

Furthermore, many freight brokers opt to become CTB (Certified Transportation Broker), a widely recognized credential that some clients require when hiring a broker.

Freight Broker Programs

While education is not a requirement to become a licensed freight broker in Michigan, it’s advisable to complete a training program before entering the industry.

While firsthand training helps with the daily specifics of the position, formal education can significantly boost your effectiveness when working with clients and carriers.

Two primary training program options exist, including:

Monroe Community College

The Monroe Community College freight broker program is online and comprises 180 hours.

Throughout the program, students learn the skills required to enter the industry, marketing, promotion, how to work with carriers, and customer service skills.

Business and entrepreneurship are also visiting during the program.

Mott Community College

Located in Flint, the Mott program offers graduates a logistics, distribution, and transportation certificate, which is an excellent option for learning the trade while having a document to show at the end of the curriculum.

Freight Brokers Schools in Michigan – Summary Table

Salary

The median U.S. annual freight broker salary is $35,100, ranging from $33,000 to $37,300.

In Michigan, the median salary is $34,800, with pay ranging from $32,700 to $37,000.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Detroit	$48,472
Grand Rapids	$46,492
Warren	$48,472
Flint	$44,686
Sterling Heights	$48,318
Lansing	$46,405
Ann Arbor	$49,469
Livonia	$48,318
Dearborn	$48,472
Westland	$48,778

Regional Salary in Michigan

* 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 skills are needed to sell yourself as a freight broker in Michigan?

The most successful freight brokers use standard marketing techniques, like posting photos of recent loads they’ve moved and other testimonials to attract new business.

Like most businesses, social media is the best friend of a freight broker since it allows them to promote their business.

Online reviews from satisfied customers are another excellent method of generating new business, and having a company website can highlight all services.

Is being a freight broker in Michigan difficult?

Freight brokering is a demanding, challenging, and incredibly lucrative career.

Like any entrepreneurial role, it’s critical to market yourself and your business to gain new leads and clients.

Client referrals in this industry are a tremendous networking strategy and a requirement for success.

Therefore, many freight brokers utilize a referral program to incentivize satisfied customers to spread their professionalism to colleagues, friends, and family.

What are the essential skills a Michigan freight broker should possess?

While there are many skills a successful freight broker must possess, negotiation is always at the top of the list.

Negotiation is required to get the best customer quotes since the broker is an intermediary between clients and carriers.

Other critical skills include working with various individuals and personality types, including interpersonal and communication.

Furthermore, analytical skills allow you to determine those carriers that offer the right services to different client types.

Are freight brokers in high demand in Michigan?

With an evolving logistics landscape and more movement of goods now than ever, freight brokers continue to be in high demand in Michigan and worldwide.

The U.S. carrier network continues to become more fragmented because of the entrance of many smaller companies into the market during 2021 and 2022.

With more options now than ever, freight brokers must shop and negotiate the best prices across numerous sources.

Freight Broker Info by State