Are freight brokers in high demand?
High Demand and Growth
The market size of freight brokerage reached USD 51.7 billion in 2023 and is set to witness 6% CAGR from 2024 to 2032, owing to the rise of e-commerce that has led to an increased demand for efficient and flexible freight solutions.
Freight brokers have also been hurt by low rates impacting their margins, and many exited the market in 2023. As of October, roughly 1,500 freight brokers closed in 2023 according to FMCSA data. Other sources pegged that number significantly higher.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary for freight brokers is $62,105 plus about $28,000 in commission per year. The average starting salary is solid, too, at around $40,000, with unlimited opportunities for commission.
What does gross margin mean for freight brokerage? Gross margin numbers are often displayed as a percentage of net sales and for a freight brokerage, usually range from 10% - 20%. This means that for every $1 you pay your brokerage, they usually take away less than $. 15 in gross margin.
While freight brokering can be a stable profession, relying solely on one source of income can be risky during a recession.
Dry vans pay the least, flatbed loads pay higher, and refrigerated cargo pays the most. Each type of load required different driver skills and equipment. Developing the skills and capabilities to haul higher-paying loads is a long-term strategy to build a more profitable trucking company.
The fall of freight brokerages and carriers
According to the Federal Motor Carriers Association (FMCSA), more than 1,500 freight brokers have closed in 2023. While the pandemic fostered growth for the transportation industry, it also disrupted many brokerages, leading to many shutdowns.
While it's difficult to predict the future with certainty, it's unlikely that technology will render the traditional freight brokerage model completely obsolete in the next five years (or more).
Yes, being a freight broker is stressful.
This, combined with the significant amount of work it takes to organize and manage shipments, often results in freight brokerage being a stressful job. However, many people find this stress worth it for the money they earn and the freedom of being their own boss.
Is it better to be a freight broker or agent?
Freight agents have less liability in comparison to a freight broker. Freight agents need freight brokers to operate, whereas freight brokers can operate without freight agents. A freight broker will have a more consistent brand look and feel across its office(s) versus freight agents that operate under the broker.
Brokers have access to a wide network of carriers and can negotiate lower rates on your behalf. If you are a carrier looking to manage your transportation operations more efficiently, a freight dispatcher may be the best option for you.
Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $97,210 | $8,100 |
75th Percentile | $74,000 | $6,166 |
Average | $71,405 | $5,950 |
25th Percentile | $47,400 | $3,950 |
Yes, freight brokers can indeed make 7 figures – many have successfully grown 6, 7 and even 8 figure businesses.
- Load Boards. This is one of the most common ways brokerages find loads. ...
- Referrals. ...
- Actively Seeking Out New Shippers. ...
- Cold Calls. ...
- Warm Calls. ...
- Online Tactics. ...
- Targeted Marketing Campaigns. ...
- Partner with BlueGrace.
Start social media accounts for your brokerage on platforms like Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram to find potential clients and referrals. Include in your profile bio a one-liner about your areas of specialty, locations you service, and if you have a particular niche e.g. oversized loads to reach your target audience.
While freight brokers generally are not liable for cargo claims (i.e. loss or damage to cargo), there are several ways brokers can become liable for cargo claims.
- Lack of control: When you use a freight broker, you're giving up some control over your shipping process. - Dependence on technology: Freight brokers typically rely heavily on technology, so if there are any problems with their systems, it can cause delays in your shipments.
Keep in mind that while the initial steps of how to become a freight broker are simple enough, becoming a successful one is more complex. Because many people forget to consider the challenges before diving into the field.
- Private Fleet Drivers. Private fleet drivers are truck drivers employed directly by companies to handle their internal transport needs, especially in large retail corporations. ...
- Hazmat Haulers. ...
- Refrigerated Goods Drivers. ...
- Car Haulers. ...
- Owner Operators. ...
- Team Driving Jobs. ...
- Long-Haul Trucking Opportunities.
What type of trucking is most in demand?
- Refrigerated Trucking. Refrigerated trucking, also known as “reefer” trucking, is the backbone of perishable goods transportation and logistics. ...
- Flatbed Trucking. ...
- Specialized Freight Transportation. ...
- Intermodal Trucking. ...
- Regional and Local Trucking. ...
- Conclusion.
We classify high value cargo items as 1) those with a declared value of $10,000 USD (or more) and shipped within or between the U.S. (including the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and Canada or 2) those with a declared value of more than $1,000 USD per gross kilogram that originated in a non-U.S. country ( ...
The United States Freight Brokerage Market size is estimated at USD 17.96 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 26.82 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.35% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
While it is uncommon, yes, a trucking company can broker loads if it possesses both FMSCA motor carrier and property brokerage authority. Trucking companies that possess both authorities are a one-stop shop for customers.
There are several factors slowing down the trucking industry, including supply chain disruptions, economic instability, and a reduction in the number and availability of truck driving jobs. Freight demand has also decreased, contributing to the overall slowdown in the industry this year.
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