How to Become a Freight Broker in Oregon

If you are interested in the transportation industry, but sitting behind the wheel of a big rig isn’t for you, you should consider being a freight broker.

You’ll work with both shippers and carriers to get things where they need to be.

You’ll need to be highly organized, detail-oriented, talented at negotiating, and able to work with your customers to be a successful freight broker.

Freight Broker Duties in Oregon

As a freight broker, you’ll have a relationship with both shippers and carriers.

You’ll have the responsibility to ensure that freight gets to its final destination on time and in one piece.  

Shippers prefer to work with a freight broker because it offers them a single contact point as the freight moves through the system toward its destination.

As the freight broker, you’ll be responsible for tracking the freight, planning the route, and negotiating with the carrier. 

Freight brokers are also beneficial for carriers.

Carriers can cut down significantly on deadhead miles, and optimize their routes.

This allows them to earn more money by being more efficient.  

The duties of a freight broker can include:

• Locating carriers and creating a network of service providers
• Knowing the shipping needs of clients
• Negotiating shipping rates with carriers and giving quotes to shippers
• Scheduling routes and booking freight services
• Maintaining detailed client records
• Keeping track of shipments and informing shippers  of the progress

Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in Oregon

Oregon doesn’t have any state-specific requirements for becoming a freight broker.

However, there are national regulations that you must follow, no matter what state you live and work in. 

 These national requirements are managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA.

First, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED.

You’ll also need a driver’s license.

The next step is to register with the U.S. Department of Transportation or DOT. 

The DOT will assign you a transportation number.

You’ll send your transportation number, application, and a $300 licensing fee to the FMCSA to get your Broker Authority License. 

Depending on the type of cargo you plan on working with, you may need additional numbers for different types of cargo, like cargo tanks. 

Once you’ve received your license, you’ll need to get a $75,000 surety bond.

Now, you are ready to start your career as a freight broker. 

Freight Broker Programs in Oregon

Treasure Valley Community College

Treasure Valley Community College offers a freight broker training course.

The course is 100 hours, and it’s self-paced.

This means you can complete it in your own time. 

You will learn about different types of freight and niche markets.

You’ll learn about the operational software you will use, record keeping, and financial management.

You’ll also learn how to set up a home-based freight broker business and sales techniques. 

When you complete the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion.  

Treasure Valley offers several financing options.

You can pay in full, finance your studies with Affirm, or apply for financial assistance. 

Brooke Training Solutions

Brooke Training Solutions offers two online courses to train you to be a freight broker.

The basic course will teach you about prospecting, dispatching, claims management, how to determine rate quotes, and how to manage accounts. 

The class is conducted live online and lasts for five days.  

The cost of the course is $2,495. 

The advanced class will teach you advanced freight broker skills, and you’ll gain real experience in the field.

You’ll work in a live brokerage performing the duties of the job, which will prepare you to begin your career.

This course lasts for five days live online as well, and costs $3,995.

You can take this course the week after completing the basic training, or anytime after completing the basic course. 

Freight Brokers Schools in Oregon – Summary Table

Freight Broker Salary in Oregon

The average freight broker salary in Oregon is $35,324.

Salaries range from $33,194 to $37,490.

Your salary will depend on your experience, education, and marketing skills.

Generally, if you work in a larger city, you’ll earn more than you would in a rural area.

The average salary in Portland, for example, is $36,603.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Portland	$49,944
Eugene	$47,182
Salem	$47,349
Gresham	$49,880
Beaverton	$49,944
Hillsboro	$49,784
Medford	$46,751
Springfield	$47,077
Bend	$46,650
Corvallis	$46,795

Regional Salary in Oregon

* 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

Are there yearly costs to be a freight broker in Oregon?

You will need to renew your surety bond each year.

How much this costs will depend on how long you’ve been in business, and your credit score.

However, you won’t need to renew your license each year.

Do freight brokers in Oregon need training?

You aren’t required to receive training to be a freight broker in Oregon.

However, it’s the best way to start your career off right.

It sets you apart from the competition, and gives you the knowledge you need to do your job well.

Are freight brokers in demand in Oregon?

Freight broker demand is expected to grow by 10% over the next few years in the U.S., which is slightly better than average.

In Oregon, the demand is expected to grow by 13%.

Freight Broker Info by State