How to Become a Freight Broker in Nebraska

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 10-year outlook for freight brokers is between two and thirty percent growth.

With millions of shipments across the globe daily, freight brokers are needed to coordinate those packages using the best carriers at the most efficient pricing.

Whether you have transportation industry experience, becoming a freight broker can be a lucrative endeavor that allows you to run a company.

For those who need experience, enrolling in a freight broker training program will provide all the required knowledge to become successful.

If you want to become a freight broker in Nebraska, keep reading to learn more!

Freight Broker Duties in Nebraska

Freight brokers are an integral part of the transportation industry.

Their primary duties include:

Carrier Preparation

Those employed as freight brokers or similar transportation and logistics occupations must prepare carriers for delivery.

This includes the time, date, and location of the shipments.

Generating Shipping Estimates

Shipping estimates are the ballpark costing assessments for sending packages and truckloads between two points.

Providing accurate cost estimates is critical for clients to plan their transportation costs.

Operations Oversight

Managing logistics operations includes ensuring carriers, shippers, and dispatchers collaborate to get shipments to their destination as quickly and efficiently as possible without issue.

Operations oversight also includes answering all questions a client may have and updating them on shipping statuses.

Safe Freight Service Scouting

Safe freight service scouting is finding the safest shipping options with security priorities, including damage prevention, loss, and theft.

These potential issues benefit wholesale suppliers and retail customers to ensure their products can get on the shelves quickly.

Sales Lead Attraction

Sales lead attraction relates to generating new clients.

Freight brokers typically receive a commission for finding new customers.

Scheduling Orders

Properly scheduling orders prevents unnecessary delays, so freight brokers must know how to prepare for unexpected issues, including accidents and traffic congestion.

Shipping Cost Negotiation

Once carriers provide actual costs, freight brokers must be masters of negotiating so the client has the most economical method of shipping items in the shortest amount of time while maintaining quality, safety, and the security of goods.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in Nebraska

Like most other states, Nebraska doesn’t have any licensure requirements.

However, the Federal Carrier Safety Administration Department (FMCSA), part of the Department of Transportation, mandates freight brokers to have a federal license.

The licensure process can be achieved in only four steps:

Step One: Apply in the Unified Registration System (URS)

The URS is an electronic online registration system that simplifies the FMCSA registration process and is a database of information that various government agencies can access.

The application enters new freight brokers’ information into the database.

Step Two: Surety Bond

New brokers must secure a surety bond of at least $75,000.

A surety bond is a legal contract between the government and a freight broker that guarantees future work performance.

Step Three: Apply Using Form BOC-3

Applying to become a process agent is achieved on BOC-3.

The applicant can be the freight broker business owner or an employee designated to represent the company in each state of business.

Step Four: Wait for the Process to Complete

Once the first three steps are complete, the standard lead time to receive the license is four-to-six weeks.

Before issuing the license, governing bodies must review all information and gain internal signoffs.

Freight Broker Programs in Nebraska

Like all other states, the State of Nebraska does not require a formal freight broker training program.

However, entering a training program provides the foundation for navigating the complexities of the transportation and logistics industry.

Most programs can be completed in a few weeks and cover the basics of the logistics business.

Several noteworthy Nebraska schools include:

Taltoa

Taltoa is one of the many online freight broker training programs with several packages to meet all budgets and requirements.

Additionally, the school offers expert consultations and one-on-one training at no extra cost.

Western Nebraska Community College

Located in Scottsbluff, WNCC has a comprehensive freight broker program taught by industry professionals.

The program teaches all aspects of the logistics industry, from setting up a brokerage company to terminology, negotiation, marketing, and sales.

Freight Brokers Schools in Nebraska – Summary Table

Salary

The U.S. annual freight broker salary ranges from $33,000 to $37,300, with a median of $35,100.

Nebraska freight brokers can expect to earn a median of $33,000, with pay ranging from $31,000 to $35,000 annually.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Omaha	$45,324
Lincoln	$44,924
Bellevue	$45,324
Grand Island	$44,300
Kearney	$44,300
Fremont	$44,605
Hastings	$44,300
North Platte	$43,467
Norfolk	$41,185
Columbus	$44,300

Regional Salary in Nebraska

* Salary information based on the May 2022 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

How much do Nebraska freight brokers earn per shipment?

Like any sales position, the more experience you gain, the more money you can earn.

Initially, most freight brokers make $100 to $500 per shipment.

As they become more experienced, brokers can earn as much as $5,200 per shipment.

Brokers generally earn 10 to 35% profit on every managed load.

The amount made can become incredibly lucrative when managing multiple shipments simultaneously.

What skills are required to become a successful Nebraska freight broker?

The most skilled freight brokers must have excellent marketing, negotiation, and sales skills and be well-versed in logistics.

For this reason, enrolling in a freight broker program can help further refine these skills whether you are new to the role or a seasoned veteran.

How much flexibility is available for Nebraska freight brokers?

One of the best reasons to become a freight broker is the flexibility of making your schedule and working from home.

This allows for less commuting and more time with family and friends.

It is important to note that brokers must regularly be on the phone with carriers and clients, which could be at any time of the day.

Therefore, Nebraska freight brokers don’t work the standard 9-5 hours.

Freight Broker Info by State