How to Become a Freight Broker in South Carolina

Are you looking for a new career because your current job isn’t a good fit?

Did you just graduate from high school and are trying to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life?

If you said yes to either of these questions, you should consider a career as a freight broker.

As a freight broker, you’ll act as a middleman between shippers and carriers to ensure the shipments arrive at their destinations on time.

Freight Broker Duties In South Carolina

As a freight broker, you’ll have many responsibilities to ensure the goods arrive at their destination intact and on time.

The duties include:

• Finding and vetting carriers to create a pipeline of service providers.
• Gathering information from your clients to understand your shipping needs.
• Receive shipping quotes from careers and then pass them on to your clients.
• Contacting carriers to book freight service for clients.
• Coordinating shipment pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Tracking and monitoring the progress of shipments to ensure the goods arrive undamaged and on time.
• Advising clients on potential supply chain issues.
• Handling problems that arise during the shipping process.
• Updating your customer management software to ensure your client records are accurate.

Licensing Requirements To Become a Freight Broker In South Carolina

Unlike many other states, South Carolina doesn’t regulate freight brokers, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates freight brokers.

The first step in becoming a freight broker is to apply for a DOT number with the FMCSA.

Next, you must purchase at least $75,000 in coverage through a surety bond or a trust fund.

This is essential to establish credibility and to ensure you’re covered if motor carriers and shippers aren’t paid on time.

When you set up the bond or trust fund, you must provide proof to the FMCSA.

The next step is to designate a process agent, which can be yourself or another person, and complete the FMCSA form BOC-3.

Finally, you must complete the freight broker application and submit it with a $300 fee.

It can take four to six weeks after submitting your application to receive your license.

Although formal training isn’t required to become a freight broker, taking a course is a good idea.

Earning a professional credential will show employers that you’re serious and you know what you’re doing.

Freight Broker Programs In South Carolina

South Carolina has a few excellent freight broker programs to help jump-start your career.

University of South Carolina Sumter:

The University of South Carolina Sumter has an excellent freight broker training program where you’ll learn the ins and outs of the industry from experienced freight brokers.

The curriculum includes everything you need to know to become a freight broker, and you’ll take the following courses:

• The Basics of Freight Brokering
• Setting Up Your Business and Office
• Setting Goals and Developing Your Corporate Identity
• Setting Up Your Shipper and Carrier Packets
• Operations using Operations Software
• Types of Freight
• Transportation Law
• Broker-Carrier Contracts
• Broker-Shipper Agreements
• Insurance for Carriers and Brokers
• Bookkeeping and Account Management
• Sales and Profitability
• Advanced Marketing
• Develop Your Negotiation Skills

This is a two-year program, and the tuition for the two years is $8,088.

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College:

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College offers an online course for future freight brokers.

This is a six-month course, and you can begin whenever you’re ready.

You can complete the course at your own pace, which is great if you work full-time. 

The instructors have been working in the transportation industry for decades and hold Bachelor of Science degrees.

The course will teach you everything you need to know to become a successful freight broker working for someone else or yourself.

The program costs $1,895, and considering everything you’ll learn, it’s well worth the price.

Freight Brokers Schools in South Carolina – Summary Table

Salary For Freight Brokers In South Carolina

You can earn a good living as a freight broker in South Carolina.

The salary ranges between $45,260 and $60,119. As of July 25, 2003, the average salary is $52,367.

The amount you’ll make depends on the company you work for or the number of clients you have if you choose to work for yourself.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Columbia	$44,549
Charleston	$45,655
North Charleston	$45,655
Greenville	$45,427
Rock Hill	$47,321
Mount Pleasant	$45,655
Spartanburg	$45,187
Sumter	$42,990
Hilton Head Island	$44,883
Florence	$43,336

Regional Salary in South Carolina

* 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

Where can I work as a freight broker?

After completing the training and getting your license, you can work for a brokerage firm and can find listings on many websites, such as Indeed, Monster, and Linkedin.

You can also start your own firm, allowing you to be your own boss.

What are a fright broker's hours like?

The hours you’ll work depends on what you choose to do.

If you start working for a company, you must work the hours they’ve set for you.

However, if you choose to work for yourself, you can select your own hours to ensure a healthy life/work balance.

Which South Carolina city should I set up my freight broker business?

You can set up your business anywhere in South Carolina; however, you may want to consider Charleston.

Statistics show that Charleston is the busiest city for fright movement, and setting up an office in Charleston could help make you more successful.

If you live too far from Charleston to make the commute, you can still be successful working in other South Carolina states.

Freight Broker Info by State