Simple Steps to Follow for Getting Freight Broker Licensing & Training
If we talk about the business of being a freight broker, then it is all about knowing about the matching goods which you are about to ship to different companies for shipping regards. But to act as a professional freight broker, it is important to acquire the freight broker license. It is also known as load broker license. All the freight brokers are generally regulated by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) whose requirements are a bit confusing.
Below we have shared a
quick guide for you to explain about getting freight
broker licensing and training.
Step
no 1: Consider training
Although it is not at
all required by the law, but it is important to gain proper training about what
freight broker is all about and what functions you have to perform to fulfill
your role. You can go for the online
course for freight brokers or you can also check
some training books to gain some knowledge. If it is possible, you can also get
your hands on over some existing practice of freight Brokerage Company.
Step
no 2: Choosing a business structure
A freight broker needs
to perform three different roles in their business including partnership, sole
proprietorship and corporation. Each one of them is having certain tax
implications or the documentation requirements. Having an excellent structure
of business will leave a lasting positive impact on the company. Take some
guidance from business attorney or the tax professional experts before you
select any.
Step
no 3: Apply for the broker authority
Next step is all about
applying for the broker authority by straight submitting Form OP-1 to the
FMCSA. In this form, you need to mention that whether you are applying for the “Broker
of Household Goods,” “Broker of Property or even both. According to 2020
report, $300 is the filing fee for each category and $600 fee for both.
Step
no 4: Getting surety bond
FMCSA will require the
surety bond to get an idea that you do follow all the regulations and
guidelines as being the freight broker. For any freight broker, the certain
bond amount is maximum $75,000. But there is no need to raise the entire money
by yourself. You can also work with Surety Company who will be putting the bond
in your favor as in exchange for the small premium.
Step
no 5: Selecting a reliable process agent
In the freight
broker training, choosing a reliable process agent is
another important step to pay attention at. Process agent is available in each
state under which you can write the broker contracts. Plus, they will also help
you to deal with the legal proceedings which you might face at a certain stage
of your business. There are some freight brokers who even look for the
individual agents in every single state.
Step
no 6: Registering yourself through the Unified Registration System
Last step is about
registering yourself with FMSCA through Unified Registration System (URS). This
system yet combines different forms which are required for completing the registration
through easy and a simple application form filing.