In order to become an ocean freight broker, individuals should take classes so they can learn about the business industry, load dynamics and operations, and relationships with shippers and carriers. Read on for information on the necessary training to become an ocean freight broker.
Coursework Overview
Ocean freight brokers can take online courses and webinars to learn about the requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Overview courses provide training not only on ground transportation with trucks, but also on ocean transportation with ship vessels. Students learn the differences between both transportation systems and the requirements to operate an ocean freight brokering business. Freight brokers also learn how to obtain their broker authority and surety bond or trust fund to operate their business. Other topics covered through training courses include:
- History of transportation
- History of freight brokering
- Freight agent duties
- Industry trends
- Brokering laws
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisCareer">Important Facts about this Career</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Median Pay (2023)</td><td>Freight brokers' median annual salary is around $45,000.*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>9% <i>(Cargo and freight agents)</i>**</td></tr>
<tr><td>Work Environment</td><td>Most brokers and agents work from a home office.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td>Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers, Logisticians, Shipping and Carrying</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---LoadDynamicsAndOperations">Load Dynamics and Operations</h3><p>With this kind of training, ocean freight brokers can learn how to build load data through customer rate verification. They can also check authority and safety, verify insurance, and dispatch carriers. Ocean freight brokers must know how to track and verify carrier pick-ups and deliveries so they can know where shipments are at all times and make sure they are delivered in good condition and on time. Freight brokers learn how to manage various carriers and keep records of work reports in order to run the business efficiently.
</p><h3 id="section---ShipperAndCarrierRelations">Shipper and Carrier Relations</h3><p>It is important for ocean freight brokers to maintain good relationships with their carrier and shipper contacts. Through strong professional relationships, brokers can ensure that they are dealing with quality, dependable carriers. This also helps ocean freight brokers set their standard rates, process shipper and carrier packets, determine competitive rates, and bill fuel and surcharges for ship transportation.</p>
