How to Become a Freight Broker in North Dakota

To start as a freight broker in North Dakota, you must invest in training to do the job.

In this guide, learn more about where to train as a freight broker in this northern state.

We have also included information about job duties, frequently asked questions, and salary information.

Get started today with a job in the freight hauling industry as a freight broker agent.

Freight Broker Duties in North Dakota 

The typical duties of a freight broker involve managing hauls and coordinating freight schedules for drivers.

You can work independently and provide one-on-one load-finding services for shippers and drivers.

Or you can choose to be employed by a company with freight agents specifically for shipping customers or drivers. 

As a freight broker, your daily job involves communicating with truck drivers.

Communication is key whether you are trying to get freight delivered on time or need to find additional loads for over-the-road truckers who have partial freight hauls.

You must get used to talking to truck drivers and people in the trucking industry. 

Sometimes you must deal with emergencies or crises with freight deliveries or drivers.

This can involve weather, health problems, or issues locating freight loads.

Whatever the issue, you will be responsible for finding a solution, often thousands of miles away at your desk.

There are many challenges you may be faced with daily. However, you will develop the skills to provide freight broker agent services over time.

Licensing Requirements to Become a ND Freight Broker

To become a freight broker in North Dakota, you do not have to follow any state rules.

However, the federal government requires you to receive Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) numbers and licenses to be employed.

These can be received from the DOT, costing $300 as a flat fee.

All freight agent brokers must pay this amount and have these numbers to be employed.

Otherwise, a surety bond is required for all freight brokers in the US. The bond is a financial buffer and a requirement that covers licensing-related areas. 

Freight Broker Program

University of North Dakota

In the professional development division at the University of North Dakota, you can train to be a freight broker.

The training program is online and remote for professional business students and adults.

The total cost for the training is $1,895 for tuition and materials.

As a student in this program, you receive 100 credit hours of training.

The course is self-paced and must be completed within six months of your starting date.

Learn everything you need to know about working as a freight broker agent in North Dakota while in this professional program. 

Freight Brokers Schools in North Dakota – Summary Table

Salary 

The typical US freight broker’s salary is between $33,016 to $37,289 a year.

Compare this to the annual salary of a freight broker agent in North Dakota, where they earn on the lower end of the scale.

This is typical of what jobs provide in this Northern Midwestern state, mainly due to the low population rate, severe cold weather, and geographic location.

If you live in Minot, North Dakota, and work as a freight broker, your salary will be around $33,770 a year.

A freight broker in Bismarck, ND expects to earn about $34,300 annually.

Some industries may pay freight brokers more, especially if you have experience.

This includes the oil and mining industry in North Dakota and cold weather hauling for heavy equipment. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Fargo	$44,977
Bismarck	$46,799
Grand Forks	$43,054
Minot	$46,079
Mandan	$46,799
Dickinson	$46,079
Jamestown	$45,169
West Fargo	$44,977
Williston	$46,079
Wahpeton	$44,258

Regional Salary in North Dakota

* 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 Have to Pay Money to Start a Career as a Freight Broker in North Dakota?

You must pay some money to begin your freight broker career in ND.

However, this amount varies based on your experience and work history in this industry.

If you need to go to training, expect to pay $2,500 to learn how to become a truck driver freight broker.

Otherwise, you must pay $300 to get an FMCSA and DOT license and number to be a legal broker in ND.

This is a federal requirement for all US freight broker agents.

What is the Average Time to Become a Legal Freight Broker in North Dakota?

On average, expect to spend a year training to be a legal freight broker in ND.

This is based on online training, which is approximately six months, and the hands-on experience you can gain through internships.

You will also need to spend some time getting your licenses and numbers with the DOT, which could take at least a month.

Will I Need to be Bonded in North Dakota to be a Freight Broker?

Yes, you are required to get bonded with a surety bond to be a legal freight broker in ND.

This federal rule applies to all freight broker agents in the US.

You will need to be bonded by an insurance company before you start to work as a freight broker.

The bond is called a surety bond, and the minimum amount required is $75,000.

Freight Broker Info by State