How to Become a Freight Broker in Vermont

Freight brokers connect shippers with transportation companies to manage various shipment types.

A freight broking company fills a critical role in goods movements across the United States by forming a link within the freight industry.

Besides liaising between parties, brokers play a crucial role regarding freight tracking since they must maintain thorough records of deliveries, picks, and other information while overseeing the legal aspects of transportation.

Keep reading if becoming a freight broker in Vermont sounds like an exciting and intriguing career path!

Freight Broker Duties in Vermont

In addition to connecting shippers with carriers and managing the shipments, freight brokers have numerous responsibilities throughout the shipment life cycle process, including the following:

• Engaging new and existing clients.
• Ensuring goods are loaded in a specific order.
• Generating new business
• Handling legal documents like customs forms and permits.
• Making sure loads are insured correctly and for the proper amount.
• Maintaining existing relationships.
• Managing contracts.
• Sales and marketing.
• Scheduling and tracking shipments.

While this may seem like a lot of simultaneous work, the responsibility can also be an incredibly lucrative business with extensive flexibility.

Licensing Requirements to Become in Vermont

Vermont is one of many states that doesn’t have a freight broker state licensing board meaning no state license is required.

Instead, Vermont defers to the mandated federal licensing process to provide these services.

The first step is for Vermont brokers to acquire a Motor Carrier number, which allows them to conduct business within state boundaries.

Simultaneously, new brokers must apply for a U.S. Department of Transportation number, which allows them to ship across state lines.

Given that trucks could be moving from as close as New Hampshire to as far as Washington, having this number is critical for legal operation.

Both numbers are provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which requires a fee of $300.

To be eligible for each number, applicants must hold a high school degree, pass a background check, and provide the business name and agent structure.

Also, one employee from the company must be designated to manage all legal forms.

Once the application is submitted into the system with all requirements, the federal license will be available within four to six weeks.

Freight Broker Program in Vermont

Given the small size of the state, Vermont doesn’t have any in-person training locations, but online programs are available, including the following:

Brooke Training

The freight broker program offered by Brooke Training is industry-leading training.

While the school offers in-person classes in major cities, budding Vermont freight brokers must take online instruction.

Brooke offers two online options: basic and advanced.

The basic class is a five-day time requirement and costs $2,500.

The advanced course is also a five-day requirement but is considered intensive, more comprehensive, and costs $4,000.

Freight Brokers Schools in Vermont – Summary Table

Salary

The median Vermont freight broker salary is $33,800, with pay ranging from $31,800 to $35,900.

This is slightly less than the median U.S. salary of $35,100, with compensation ranging from $33,000 to $37,300.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Burlington	$47,436
Essex	$47,436
Rutland	$47,766
Colchester	$47,436
South Burlington	$47,436
Bennington	$48,615
Brattleboro	$48,839
Williston	$47,436
Montpelier	$47,004
Barre	$47,004

Frequently Asked Questions

Is becoming a freight broker in Vermont without experience worthwhile?

One of the biggest questions for new freight broker candidates is the difficulty of success when first entering the industry.

Like with all new careers, a learning curve exists around gaining the first clients and expanding the business.

Enrolling in a freight training program can help refine the skills and knowledge required for success.

As a new freight broker, no experience is necessary, the startup cost is low, it’s possible to work from home, and the industry is growing annually.

Therefore, not having experience in the industry still makes the career a worthwhile endeavor.

Is there a high demand for freight brokers in Vermont?

Freight brokers play a crucial role within the U.S. road supply chain process, matching trucking capacity with shipper demand.

This creates driving cost savings and efficiencies while garnering relationships across both parties.

This high-value role and continued growth in the segment make freight brokers an appealing option for investors.

Successful freight brokers are differentiated throughout several supply chain areas, including scale, diversity of relationships, solution scope, and technology.

As a result, freight brokers have opportunities across various growing economic cycles that secure demand and continued growth within the logistics and transportation industry.

How do freight brokers in Vermont find clients?

Finding clients is one of the greatest challenges when entering the logistics industry as a freight broker.

Generating new leads and closing deals is a requirement to grow your business.

Freight brokers in Vermont generate clients using the following methods:

• Client referrals.
• Cold calling.
• Contact similar businesses.
• Develop a rewards and referral program.
• Networking.
• Offer to be a backup.
• Provide a free audit.
• Searching throughout the supply chain.
• Use social media.

Freight Broker Info by State