How to Become a Freight Broker in New York

Freight brokers in New York have a vital role in the shipping industry.

Their work is critical to keep goods moving across the state and across the country.

Many freight brokers focus on domestic shipping, while others may choose to focus their careers on both domestic and international shipping. 

Learning the licensing requirements for becoming a freight broker and considering the options for completing a freight broker program in New York are the first steps towards enjoying a growing, in-demand field. 

Freight Broker Duties in New York 

A 2022 report from the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter indicates that more than 365 million tons of freight moves through New York City alone each year.

The document released by the AIA New York Chapter, Delivering the Goods:

NYC Urban Freight in the Age of E-Commerce, describes the impact of the amount of freight moving through the city and the challenges of moving freight in New York. 

One duty of a freight broker in New York includes addressing challenges in moving freight.

New York freight brokers have other duties, which include: 

• Compiling and updating a list of carriers 
• Finding the best carriers for shippers to haul their freight 
• Following and tracking a shipment from pick-up to drop-off 
• Assuming the financial responsibility that is involved in the shipping process 
• Updating shippers on the progress of shipment 
• Using computer skills and up-to-date technology in everyday freight broker duties 

New York freight brokers need to have negotiation skills and problem-solving skills.

They also need to have exceptional communication skills.  

Licensing Requirements to Become a Freight Broker in New York 

There are no state licensing requirements to become a freight broker in New York.

People must complete several other requirements before they can work as a freight broker. 

The freight brokers in New York are regulated at the federal level.

The first step to becoming a freight broker is to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

First-time applicants are required to apply for broker authority “with the FMCSA via the Unified Registration System (URS).”  

Applicants receive an MC number and then complete the additional required steps.

One step includes obtaining a surety bond (Form BMC-84) or a Trust Fund Agreement (Form BMC-85) in the amount of $75,000.  

The applicant must also designate a process agent when they complete Form BOC-3.

Freight brokers are permitted to designate themselves as the process agent.  

Freight brokers pay an application processing fee of $300.

It takes four to six weeks for application processing time. 

New York Freight Broker Programs 

Although there are no requirements to complete a freight broker program to work in the industry, there may be repercussions for not completing a New York freight broker program.  

Heavy Duty Trucking explains that while you can become a freight broker without completing a training program but foregoing the completion of a program “may cost the success of your business.”

There are several program options to become a successful freight broker in New York. 

Several colleges in New York offer their freight broker training through ED2Go.

One of those colleges is Wagner College.

Offered through the college’s Department for Lifelong Learning, the program helps future freight brokers gain insight into the industry, learn the applicable laws, the technology used in the industry, and how to choose the right brokerage and operating software. 

Kingsborough Community College also offers its 100-hour freight broker training program through ED2Go. 

The program provides students with skills such as marketing, organization skills, office procedures, quoting rates, and setting goals.  

Students install the course on either a PC, MAC, or Chromebook.

The course is self-paced, which students complete within six months.

The ED2Go program costs $1,845. 

People who do not live in an area to attend classes in person can complete the freight broker training courses through the online program at Brooke Training Solutions.

Some students may wish to choose the virtual program option.  

Learn the skills to become a freight broker, and gain the insight, the knowledge, and the direction to set up your business as a freight broker.  

New York Freight Broker Salary 

Salary.com lists the average salary for New York freight brokers as ranging from $35,231 to $39,791.

Several factors affect the salary, such as your experience, and the city where you work.

Freight brokers in New York City have a salary range of $38,794 to $43,814.

Freight brokers in Sag Harbor, New York make between $35,230 to $39,789. 

The job outlook is great for freight brokers, with the growing need to move goods through New York and across the U.S. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
New York	$56,490
Buffalo	$46,938
Rochester	$47,393
Yonkers	$55,416
Syracuse	$47,814
Albany	$48,788
New Rochelle	$54,816
Mount Vernon	$55,391
Schenectady	$48,669
Utica	$46,807

Regional Salary in New York

* 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

What are the benefit of completing a freight broker program?

Completing a freight broker training program helps students learn all aspects of the industry.

Freight broker training can provide students with the ability to stand out in the industry.

Can I work as a freight broker without federal licensure?

No, it is illegal to work as a freight broker without completing FMCSA requirements.

How does New York compare to other states when considering freight broker job growth?

Some sources indicate that New York is expected to have twice as much growth compared to other areas.

Freight Broker Info by State