How to Become a Freight Broker in Virginia

Virginian freight brokers are third-party intermediaries that act on behalf of manufacturers and shipping companies that engage in US commerce.

They connect shippers with motor carriers and drivers who haul and deliver goods along US roadways.

Online Freight Broker Classes

People interested in becoming freight brokers in Virginia can find a wide variety of online education options.

Many online programs offer short-term, self-paced freight broker training classes that can be completed in under six months.

Freight Broker Duties in Virginia

The role of a freight broker involves securing freight shipments and ensuring those shipments arrive intact and on time to their next destination.

They oversee the pickup, transport, and delivery of thousands of products delivered across the US.

Brokers act as logistics coordinators and can plan each step of the pickup and delivery route for shippers and drivers.

Brokers can also issue payments and credits to facilitate shipments easier on both sides of the shipping equation.

Breakdown of Duties

• Arrange Shipments – Virginia brokers connect manufacturers and shippers with licensed motor carriers to deliver products. 
• Negotiate Shipping Rates – They ensure cost-effective transportation by negotiating shipping rates and affordable transportation solutions.
• Documentation – Freight brokers must manage and organize all relevant documentation, bills of lading, shipping instructions, and contractors related to their shipments.
• Regulatory Compliance and Licensing – Brokers ensure all parties are legally compliant with federal, state, national, and local transportation laws for US commerce providers.
• Market Research – It is up to brokers to conduct their own market research to stay abreast of the latest industry trends, regulation changes, and service demand.
• Client Management – Today’s brokers build strong relationships with shippers and carriers and address any customer service issues and concerns involved in the logistics process.

Freight Broker Licensing Requirements – Virginia

Virginia freight brokers are required to secure all of the necessary licensing and registration credentials to operate legally on US roads from local, federal, and state authorities.

They secure their licensing and registration documents from the United States Department of Transportation, which works with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

These agencies issue registrations and monitor all commerce-related transactions across our highways and byways.

Following licensing and registration protocols ensures that all shippers and shipments have the legal authority to transport on US roads and allows for tracking individual shipments and drivers.

Drivers and shipments found non-compliant may face license suspension or other legal penalties.

Freight Broker Programs in Virginia

Becoming a freight broker can be an extremely exciting and lucrative career for the right candidate willing to do the work.

Formal education or training is optional for new brokers to begin doing business in Virginia.

However, many new brokers still opt to learn essential aspects of the freight business by taking online freight broker classes or attending in-person classes.

Following are educational institutions that offer training for new Virginia freight brokers.

Trucking Transportation Academy

Driver Training, Logistics Training, Specialty Logistics

The Trucking Transportation Academy in Suffolk offers a variety of specialty logistics and driver training courses that prepare commercial drivers and transporters for licensure within the state.

Contact Information

• Address: 424 Market Street, Suffolk, Virginia – 23434
• Website: https://www.truckingtransportationacademy.com/
• Phone: 757-809-4740

Virginia Wesleyan University

Online Partnership Training

Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach operates a freight broker education program in partnership with online education provider Ed2go to provide this career training program for new brokers.

Contact Information

• Address: 5817 Wesleyan Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 US
• Website: https://careertraining.vwu.edu/construction-and-trades-transportation-programs/
• Phone: 855-520-6806

What Skills Should Freight Brokers Learn?

• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Legal Regulations and Compliance
• Market Analysis
• Negotiations
• Financial Management

Freight Brokers Schools in Virginia – Summary Table

Virginia Freight Broker Salary

Wage experts at Salary.com report that Virginia freight brokers make an average annual salary of around $35,000.00.

This salary aligns with the national average and can fluctuate based on several factors.

New freight brokers who want to earn higher salaries may consider taking online training courses to enhance their skills, negotiate better commission rates, and stay current with industry trends.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Virginia Beach	$45,830
Norfolk	$45,140
Chesapeake	$45,082
Richmond	$47,355
Newport News	$45,389
Hampton	$45,389
Alexandria	$53,366
Portsmouth	$45,140
Roanoke	$44,321
Lynchburg	$43,970

Regional Salary in Virginia

* 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 need a license to become a freight broker in Virginia?

Yes.

Virginia freight brokers must be licensed and registered with the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to operate legally on US roads.

Who issues Virginia freight broker licenses?

Virginians seeking a new freight broker license can complete an application online by visiting the US Department of Transportation website and learn more about state-specific licensing and registration requirements.

It is important to note that not all US states have the same licensing and registration requirements.

How much do Virginia freight brokers make annually?

Online salary reports show that many Virginia freight brokers make nearly the national average of about $35,000.00 annually.

Freight brokers’ salaries can increase or decrease based on several critical factors.

Many new freight brokers make lucrative careers out of their independent brokerages by staying abreast of industry trends, negotiating better commission rates, and providing specialty logistics services.

Freight Broker Info by State