How to Become a Freight Broker in Montana

Have you ever considered becoming a freight broker?

Do you know what a freight broker is?

A freight broker is a middleman between companies or product owners and the shipping company to ensure the shipment is picked up on time and arrives at the destination on time.

Freight brokers play an essential part in the transpiration system by arranging for the transport of goods.

If you’re considering becoming a freight broker in Montana, you should know how much money you can make and what it takes to land a job.

Freight Broker Duties In Montana

As mentioned above, freight brokers act as a middleman between the shipper and the shipping company.

There are several things you’ll be responsible for, including:

• Creating new leads and attracting new customers to create a sales pipeline.
• Identifying and selecting safe and reputable carriers for freight services.
• Providing customers with shipping quotes for their products.
• Booking orders with various carriers.
• Helping carriers prepare their loads.
• Tracking the status of loads throughout the shipping process.
• Working with shippers, carriers, and dispatchers to manage collections and drop-offs that have already been scheduled.
• Keeping accurate records.
• Updating customers regarding the status of their shipments.
• Assisting with customer inquiries.
• Staying up-to-date on market trends in the transpiration marketplace.
• Issuing invoices and collecting payments.
• Processing permits for customs and other legal requirements.

Overall, it’s your job to ensure the customer is happy and working with a reputable shipper.

Licensing Requirements To Become a Shipping Broker In Montana

You must be licensed to become a shipping broker in Montana and meet the necessary requirements to make this your career.

Montana doesn’t require freight brokers to have formal post-secondary training, but you must obtain a Broker Authority License, which is also known as a Motor Carrier Operating Authority license.

The license can be obtained from the US Department of Transpiration’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and you must meet the requirements and follow the following process.

The first thing you must do is register your company’s name with the Department of Transportation and receive a DOT number, you can only get your license with this number.

You must also be able to demonstrate the following:

• Prove that you have a $75,000 surety bond.
• Prove that you have adequate insurance for general liability and cargo.
• Prove that you have a freight agent in every state you plan to conduct business.

You can apply for the license when you have the necessary documentation and a check for $300.

The license can take four to six weeks to process, and you can only conduct business once you receive the license.

Freight Broker Programs In Montana

There are no laws that require freight brokers to obtain formal education, but it is a good idea.

Completing a program will prepare you for problems and complexities you may run into on the job.

Also, training is essential if you plan to open a brokerage.

Also, formal training will allow you to become a Certified Transpiration Broker through the Transportation Intermediaries Association.

Certification isn’t necessary; however, it shows potential employers that you’re serious about your career in the transportation industry.

Fortunately, Montana has an excellent program where you can learn everything you need to know to become a freight broker.

LearnFreight

LearnFreight provides an online Freight Broker course.

The course will teach you insights into logistics, introduce different cargo types, and discuss the equipment necessary for freight.

The program is broken up into ten parts, including:

• Introduction 
• Parties Involved in Transportation
• Equipment and Freight
• Setting Up Your Brokerage
• Preparation for Operations
• Sales and Marketing
• Rates and Logistics 
• Finding Carriers
• Booking Your First Load
• Making Your Business Better 

There are two class options to choose from, and the first is the Core Version.

You’ll learn what you need to know and will have access to RoseRocket TMS software, which allows you to practice the basics of transportation management.

This program costs $360 and can be broken up into monthly payments of $60. 

You can also go with the Extended Version, which has everything the Core Version has, along with 64 extra lessons to better understand the trucking industry basics, the booking process, problem resolution, and marketing.

This version costs $600 and can be broken up into monthly payments of $100.

Salary For Freight Brokers In Montana

You can make good money working as a freight broker in Montana.

The average salary for an entry-level freight broker is $59,962 a year, or $28.83 per hour.

Your salary will depend on the company, and as you gain experience, your salary will increase.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Billings	$46,118
Missoula	$40,485
Great Falls	$42,220
Butte-Silver Bow	$40,485
Bozeman	$40,485
Helena	$41,204
Kalispell	$42,932
Havre	$41,501
Anaconda	$40,485
Miles City	$45,399

Regional Salary in Montana

* 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

Do I need special skills to become a freight broker?

Yes, you will need skills to be a successful freight broker, including:

• Strategic skills
• Organizational skills
• Management skills
• Multi-tasking skills
• People skills
• Networking skills
• Compliance skills
• Technical skills
• Analytical skill
• Business development skills, such as negotiation, financial planning, and marketing knowledge.

Should I become certified?

You don’t have to become certified, but it is a good idea.

Becoming certified will show potential employers that you’re serious about a career as a freight broker, and you’ll receive more job offers.

If you don’t have time to complete the certification process now, you can work on it after you land a job.

Do I need a college degree to become a freight broker?

To become a freight broker, you must have a high school diploma or a GED.

You can apply for a job right out of high school, but taking a freight broker course is best.

The course is essential in teaching you the ins and outs of working as a freight broker and also how to attract clients and deal with issues when they arise.

Freight Broker Info by State