How to Become a Freight Broker in Connecticut

Freight brokers are the professionals who coordinate and connect individuals and companies who need to ship merchandise to various destinations with shipping carriers.

Freight brokers are highly organized problem-solvers, typically with an innate ability to work with people in several capacities.

Entrepreneurial types often become freight brokers in Connecticut as this work opens limitless possibilities.

Freight Broker Duties in Connecticut

Connecticut freight brokers are responsible for moving freight between suppliers and carriers.

With three deep-water seaports and a strategic location between Boston and the Big Apple, the highways, and byways of the Constitution State play an important role in transportation in the Northeast and beyond.

Freight brokers negotiate the shipping conditions and shipping rates between the carrier and the shipper, often responsible for creating the freight agreement.

A freight broker must manage the shipment to its intermediate and final destinations, remaining compliant with the relevant state or federal freight laws.

A broker in Connecticut may also be required to handle claims related to damaged goods, late or short deliveries.

The primary responsibility of freight brokers job is to ensure shipments reach their destinations on time and through lawful channels.

Federal regulations by the FMCSA – the  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration– 49 CFT 371 determine the allowable business choices and actions of freight brokers.

But note, a freight broker does not handle shipments; freight forwarders do that.

Freight brokers do not handle shipments but coordinate with shippers, freight agents, and freight forwarders.

Licensing Requirements for Connecticut Freight Brokers

Connecticut authorities have set forth no additional requirements for freight brokers working within the boundaries of its jurisdiction.

However, companies operating solely as brokers, freight forwarders, or leasing companies must register with the State’s Department of Motor Vehicles’ UCR – the Unified Carrier Registration Program.

There are the steps required:

• Hold a high school diploma or hold a GED/equivalent.
• Complete a specialized Certified Transportation Broker training program.

Freight broker classes are offered by professional and local community colleges and schools -on-campus or online.

The specialized training provides students with the procedural and practical skills to operate legally with federal limits and laws.

Additional coursework includes preparing to invoice, negotiating contracts and transportation types, to name a few.

• Create and register a business entity, as required by Connecticut law.

There are various business entities to establish a freight brokering business.

The type of entity selected is based on various strategic aspects, like taxes, payroll, personal protection, ownership, and simplicity of operation.

• File for a License.

The next step is to complete an online application to the FMCSA – the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for a freight brokerage license.

Plus, these forms:

• Operating Authority (OP-1) – requires a $300 fee.
• Proof of Surety Bond or Trust Fund (BMC-84) – with a minimum of $75,000.
• A form that acknowledges a legal agent in each state regarding the legal process service: requires a $50 filing fee.

The Unified Registration System is for 1st-time applicants.

This is the first step to obtaining Interstate Operating Authority (an MC Number) and this can be done online.

Connecticut Freight Broker Programs

Connecticut and federal authorities have no education or training requirements for becoming a freight broker other than the need to hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

These are a few of the available freight training programs:

• East Hartford Adult Education – a 180-hour course that can be completed in six months. Cost $1,895.
• Load Training – considered the nation’s most recognized freight training/brokering schools. Load Training offers a variety of course deliveries, with prices that vary based on the program and type of delivery.
• Freight Broker Bootcamp – a popular online choice, offered with a 60-day money-back guarantee. The program typically runs for about 45 days. The price for one year of unlimited access is $185.

Salary Information for Connecticut Freight Brokers

Freight broker income levels vary and are contingent on the freight broker’s skill level, industry experience, and established reputation.

A typical freight broker’s commission is generally calculated on 10% to 35% of the load.

Salary.com notes that the freight broker’s average salary was $33,462 during December 2021.

The Bureau of Labor Services (BLS OOH) further notes that freight and cargo agents had a median 2020 salary of $43,770.

In 2020, there are 600 cargo/freight agents working in Connecticut.

The following offers insight into the location of freight brokers in Connecticut:

• New Haven – 30 freight brokers
• Bridgeport – Stamford – Norwalk – – 400 freight brokers
• Ct – Worcester, MA – 35 freight brokers, with the balance spread out across the state.

Regional Salary in Connecticut

Freight Broker License by State