How to Become a Freight Broker in Delaware

As a freight broker, you can set up an independent business or work with a brokerage firm to make good money with just a minimum of training.

If you’re someone who’s not interested in a college career but who wants to do something a bit more advanced, here’s what you need to know about the fascinating world of freight brokerage.

Freight Broker Duties in Delaware 

As a freight broker, you’ll:

• Identify motor carriers for your clients 
• Ensure their goods reach their destination 
• Stay in touch with drivers during their trips
• Change delivery plans to ensure a timely arrival 
• Store all shipping information 
• Prepare quotes and other financial information 
• Maintain a strong logistics network 
• Manager emergencies as they occur 

Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in Delaware

Delaware has no formal licensing requirements on a state level that you need to pass.

Instead, you need to complete the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s licensing process.

Follow these steps to get your license:

• Register with the U.S. Department of Transport to get a DOT number
• Apply for your license with the FMCSA
• Pay the $300 licensing fee to start the process
• Prove that you have a $75,000 surety bond 
• Show that you have enough cargo and general liability insurance 
• Illustrate that you have a freight agent designated in each state where you’ll do business 
• Wait 4-6 weeks for your license to get approved and sent to you

You can also get your Certified Transportation Broker or CTB certification with the Transportation Intermediaries Association or TIA if you like.

Though not required on a state or national level, certification shows your capabilities and may help you stand out compared to others in your field.

It costs $800 to register for non-members and $675 if you do join TIA.

Examination fees cost $525 for non-members and $375 if you do join. TIA membership also provides benefits like a strong social network and career support assistance.

Freight Broker Programs in Delaware 

Though there are no freight broker training programs in Delaware at the moment, there are many nationally recognized online schools that can give you the training you need to start this fascinating career.

Just a few options available to you include:

• Learn Freight: At Learn Freight, you can take 65 different lessons to learn about things like the parties involved in transportation, the equipment and freight types you’ll use, how to find carriers, setting up brokerage processes, marketing your business, preparing for operations, and much more. This hands-on module will help you prepare for your licensing exam.
• Load Training Online: Load Training Online is the online module of the official Load Training school. In this program, you can learn how to start a brokering business while studying from home on your computer. Courses will focus heavily on logistics, as well as in-depth planning and high-quality professional-level teaching from people who understand this skill.
• Brooke Training: At Brooke Training, you can take online training to become a skilled and professional freight broker. Studies focus heavily on prospecting, dispatching, rate quotes, claims management, account payables, account receivables, collections, freight bill audits, logistics, communication, and more. You’ll be able to transition into this career quickly and effectively.

Salary for a Freight Broker in Delaware

As a freight broker, you may make an average salary of $35,889 annually or between $33,726 to $38,090.

Note that this may vary heavily based on multiple factors.

For example, your experience, your number of clients, where you do your work, and the quality of your clients will all affect your salary.

Many freight brokers make more money than what’s listed here. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Wilmington	$50,336
Dover	$50,471
Newark	$50,298
Milford	$50,725
Seaford	$49,883
Middletown	$50,305
Rehoboth Beach	$50,918
Smyrna	$50,358
New Castle	$50,336
Georgetown	$50,725

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Have to Pay to Renew Your License?

Typically, you have to pay to renew your license as a freight broker, taking a simple test and paying a $300 fee.

That might seem like a lot of money, but it is worth it to keep yourself in operation.

If you’re a particularly successful freight broker, that $300 may be no more than a single day’s work, depending on how hard you work and how many clients you earn.

Who's a Good Fit for This Job?

People who enjoy working hard, connecting with others, building networks, and working in a fast-paced environment may enjoy a freight broker job role.

It’s a unique career that requires you to think fast, problem-solve effectively, and work with a broad range of people in a unique environment.

If that sounds engaging to you, consider getting your license.

Freight Broker Info by State