What is the average profit margin for a freight broker?
The average margin under 250 miles sat at 15.2%. The 1,000-plus-mile haul segment sees just 11.7% average margins for brokers.
Yes, freight brokers can indeed make 7 figures – many have successfully grown 6, 7 and even 8 figure businesses.
On average, the yearly freight broker salary in the U.S. is $71,500 ($36.67 per hour). Entry-level positions begin at $45,000 per year, while most experienced professionals earn up to $107,500 per year. As a freight broker, you can start your own trucking business and become your own boss.
The average commission for a freight broker is 13%-15% of the gross margin. The final income depends on what types of freight are involved and what carrier performs the delivery.
Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $106,134 | $8,844 |
75th Percentile | $80,800 | $6,733 |
Average | $64,828 | $5,402 |
25th Percentile | $51,700 | $4,308 |
As more businesses emphasize supply chain efficiency to maintain smooth operations, demand for freight brokerage services is expected to remain strong.
- 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.
- 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.
Freight brokers make their money in the margin between the amount they charge each shipper (their customer) and what they pay the carrier (the truck driver) for every shipment. Although it varies from one transaction to the next, healthy freight brokers typically claim a net margin of 3-8 percent on each load.
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.
How do freight brokers find rates?
To get shippers, the freight broker will need to understand that the rates are ultimately determined by supply and demand. To be more specific, brokers calculate freight rates as a ratio between trucks and loads in any given area or lane.
Rank | Company | Gross Revenue (Millions) |
---|---|---|
1 | C.H. Robinson Worldwide | $14,508.0 |
2 | Total Quality Logistics | $7,791.0 |
3 | Coyote Logistics | $5,500.0 est |
4 | WWEX Group | $4,600.0 |
The fact is, the freight brokerage business is very fragmented with thousands of brokers and the majority of freight brokerage firms does less than $5 million per year in sales. It's important to note that while gross revenue is great, the key lies in running a profitable and sustainable business.
Hazmat Hauling
The Hazmat industry has some of the best paying trucking companies. This is because Hazmat hauling involves transporting hazardous materials such as chemicals, fuel and explosives.
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.
The average age of freight brokers is 40+ years years old, representing 54% of the freight broker population.
The estimated total pay for a Freight Broker is $131,322 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $85,733 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.
2024 has started with strong volume growth for the North American intermodal market. Through March the market has shown an 8% y/y growth. Part of this growth is due to weaker 2023 figures and the other is due to an increase in international and port volumes.
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.
Why not use a freight broker?
One of the biggest downsides to using a freight broker is not having total control over the shipment. Once the load is given over to the broker, the shipper's ability to manage that load may be hindered. Freight brokers must make money somehow. They do that by charging more for a load than they're paying the carrier.
Insurance Documents: Carriers must provide proof of insurance coverage, including liability, cargo, and workers' compensation insurance. These documents assure brokers and shippers that carriers have adequate coverage to protect their interests.
- DAT One.
- Direct Freight Services.
- 123 Loadboard.
- C.H. Robinson Navisphere Carrier.
- Trucker Path TruckLoads.
- DOFT Load Board & Truck Loads.
- Truckstop.com.
- TruckSmarter.
The short answer is no. In the transportation world, brokers find loads for carriers. It's the trucking company that owns the trucks, while the shipper owns the freight that must be moved from point A to point B. Still, there's a lot more to explore when it comes to these transportation roles.
- Expand Within Your Clients' Companies. ...
- Look Up and Down the Supply Chain. ...
- Make Cold Calls. ...
- Utilize Social Media. ...
- Create a Referral and Rewards Program. ...
- Reach Out to Similar Businesses. ...
- Offer to be a Backup. ...
- Offer a Free Audit.
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