How to Become a Freight Broker in Ohio

If you’re considering becoming a freight broker, you’ve made a great choice.

Freight brokers are the middlemen between the shipping companies and the carriers.

They may work for a company or as an independent contractor.

It’s the freight broker’s job to search for available carriers to bring various loads from one location to another.

This guide will provide you with useful information you need to help you determine whether becoming a freight broker is a good career move for you.

Freight Broker Duties in Ohio

The main responsibility of a freight broker is to ensure that all loads go make it smoothly from one destination to another.

Freight brokers must look for a carrier service that is able to transport cargo from one location to the next.

Freight brokers work closely with shippers and carrier services to assist them in ensuring their cargo safely makes it to its destination.

In return, freight brokers will receive a commission.

Freight brokers are also responsible for negotiating the prices among the carrier service and shipper.

If any changes need to be made, the freight broker will need to do so.

Here is a list of all the duties of a freight broker:

• Collect information to figure out the shipping needs of clients
• Receive prices for shipping from carriers and relay this information to clients
• Book freight services for their clients
• Stay on top of pickup and drop off of cargo
• Stay on top of shipments to make sure that cargo arrives promptly and without damage
• Keep the customer management program updated
• Communicate with clients regarding supply chain issues

Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in Ohio

All freight brokers in Ohio are required to obtain the necessary licensing requirements.

USDOT Number

All freight brokers must make sure that they are registered with USDOT.

There is no cost to register with the system.

Obtain Broker License

Having a broker license means that you are officially able to do business in the state of Ohio as a freight broker.

In order to obtain your license, you must register your broker authority online via FMCSA.

You will also have to pay a one-time fee of $300.

You have a couple of options to receive your freight broker license.

You can obtain a freight broker bond or a trust fund.

Furthermore, you must register with Unified Carrier Registration.

Freight Broker Programs

No need to obtain a formal education in order to become a freight broker.

However, taking the necessary courses will prepare you for working in the industry.

It will also increase your chances of landing a job quickly.

Miami University

214 MacMillan Hall, 501 E Spring Street l Oxford, OH 45056

This school is 100% remote, which means your classes will be taken online for freight brokering.

The entire course takes six months to complete, which equals 180 hours.

With this program, you will learn the duties of a freight broker and information on how to obtain your license.

Some of the courses you will take are:

• The Basics of Freight Brokering
• Setting up Your Business & Office
• Setting Goals and Developing Your Corporate Identity
• Setting up Your Shipper Packet & Carrier Packet
• And More

The cost for this program is $1,895.00.

Cleveland State University

2121 Euclid Avenue BU216 l Cleveland, OH 44115

The freight broker program here at Cleveland State University is also remote and takes approximately six months to complete and 100 course hours.

Upon completion of your courses, you will know the following:

• How to set up your home-based freight brokerage company
• The difference between various types of freight
• Knowledge of operational software
• Accounting and recordkeeping
• Sales and marketing techniques
• And more

The cost for the program is $2,125.00.

With Cleveland University, you have several different options for payment.

You can either pay in full, pay via Affirm, and make monthly payments, or receive financial assistance and state with $99 down.

The good news is that the courses are self-paced, which means you can work at your own speed.

Also, there are no prerequisites required to enroll in this program.

Freight Brokers Schools in Ohio – Summary Table

Salary

The salary range for a freight broker in Ohio is anywhere between $32,592 and $36,809.

On average, freight brokers make $34,682.

The exact salary that you can make as a freight broker in Ohio largely depends on your education, skills, experience, certification, and other factors.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Columbus	$47,070
Cleveland	$47,323
Cincinnati	$46,880
Toledo	$46,324
Akron	$46,027
Dayton	$46,506
Okeana	$46,537
Youngstown	$45,149
Canton	$45,085
Lorain	$46,823

Regional Salary in Ohio

* 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

How much will I have to pay for a freight broker surety bond annually?

You can expect to pay anywhere between $938 and $9,000 annually for your freight broker surety bond.

This is separate from your broker license.

The cost that you will pay for your bond will depend on your credit, experience, and financials.

If your credit score is good, you will only need to pay between 1.25% and 4% of the total bond amount.

Am I required to obtain additional certification in Ohio to become a freight broker?

Accreditation is definitely an advantage, but not necessarily a requirement in Ohio to become a freight broker.

If you are interested in additional accreditation, you can check out the Transportation Intermediaries Association.

They offer a certified transportation brokers test.

Is there a demand for freight brokers in the state of Ohio?

The freight industry in Ohio is continuously expanding.

As this expansion continues, the need for more freight brokers is likely.

Freight Broker Info by State