How to Become a Freight Broker in Nevada

In Nevada, freight brokers provide valuable services to trucking carriers and truckers.

Drivers depend on freight brokers to negotiate goods for transport.

These goods are called freight loads, and freight brokers are the agents who handle the paperwork.

If you want a stationary job in the trucking industry besides being an over-the-road truck driver, consider a career as a freight broker in NV. 

Freight Broker Duties in Nevada 

The typical duties of a freight broker involve managing hauls and providing logistics for shipping companies.

You work directly with truck drivers and carrier companies that want to earn money from freight shipments.

In addition, you must be able to source freight loads from shipping customers. 

This generally involves working with manufacturers, retailers, and international companies.

If you have experience or were employed in shipping or retail, such as for UPS or Whole Foods Market, you most likely understand the receiving end of this process.

Such work history can benefit you when seeking employment as a freight broker.

Other duties you can anticipate in this line of work include:

• Cold-calling customers and carriers regarding shipments
• Negotiating brokerage fees for large loads
• Dealing with shipping boards, including online DAT
• Talking with truck drivers in a crisis, such as an accident or illness

Generally, freight brokers work from an office setting.

In addition, freight brokering jobs can be done remotely and from home.

However, you must still be bonded and have a business license to work independently as a Nevada freight broker.

Licensing Requirements to Become an NV Freight Broker

To become a freight broker in Nevada, you must go through several business processes.

You will have to obtain certain numbers, licenses, and insurance bonds.

Here is a list of what the requirements are in terms of licensing and certification for freight brokers in NV:

• Decide to seek employment with a company or register yourself as a business
• Obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) number
• Become bonded with a surety bond for at least $75,000 of coverage
• Fill up and submit BOC-3 paperwork as a freight brokering agent with the DOT
• Get a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) number and license and pay $300 for the application fee

Once you have received your DOT and FMCSA numbers and accompanying certificates, you should be insured with the surety bond and ready for employment.

Freight Broker Programs

Western Nevada College

Western Nevada College in Reno, NV provides training for freight brokers.

This training is done 100 percent online and remotely for your convenience.

In addition, you do not have to have formal college training or any prerequisites to take this course.

You can begin any time, and the course is 100 credit hours to be completed in six months.

The professor over the course has a bachelor of science degree.

The course costs $1,825 for students and must be paid in full before starting or using an Affirm payment plan.

Mohave Community College

The Mohave Community College in Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, and North Mohave offers training for freight brokers.

This truck driver training course leads to getting your commercial driver’s license or CDL.

You learn basic truck operations, vehicle maintenance, and CDL written exam prep while in the course. 

Freight Brokers Schools in Nevada – Summary Table

Salary 

If you are a freight broker in Reno, Nevada, expect to earn between $33,326 and $37,639 annually.

In nearby Las Vegas, NV, freight brokers bring home $33,561 to $37,904 a year.

These numbers are on par with the national range of $33,016 to $37,289 earned by freight brokers in the US.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Las Vegas	$48,539
Reno	$48,390
Henderson	$48,539
North Las Vegas	$48,731
Sparks	$48,390
Carson City	$48,323
Elko	$40,892
Boulder City	$48,059
Mesquite	$48,011
Fallon	$47,637

Regional Salary in Nevada

* 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 is the Total Cost of Being a Licensed Freight Broker in Nevada?

You will have to pay for training at a school, if applicable, which is a few thousand dollars on average.

However, all freight brokers in NV are required to obtain a surety bond to bond their business interests.

In addition, you are expected to have a DOT and FMCSA number, which will cost $300 in total.

The process of becoming a legal freight broker in Nevada is approximately $5,000 a year.

How Long Does the Process Take to Become an NV Freight Broker?

Training to be an NV freight broker is approximately six months to one year.

This depends on the program where you learn how to do your job as a freight broker.

You may also work as an intern or for an agency during this time as a volunteer in training.

If so, expect the program and training to take about one year to learn to become a freight broker in Nevada.

Do Freight Brokers in Nevada Have to Get a License or Certificate for Employment?

You want a certificate from a training course in Nevada showing you have learned how to do the job successfully or have experience from a previous employer as a freight broker.

Otherwise, the state and federal law requires all freight brokers in NV to have a surety bond and a business license if working independently.

You also need an FMCSA and DOT number, a form of certificate as a freight broker.

Freight Broker Info by State