Can a Felon Be a Freight Broker?

The short answer: yes, in most cases, a felon can be a freight broker.

A felony conviction doesn’t automatically disqualify you from becoming a freight broker. In fact, freight brokering is one of the few industries where your work ethic, business sense, and ability to build relationships can matter more than your past.

Let’s break down what’s required, what challenges you might face, and how to get started with confidence.

Can a Felon Get a Freight Broker License?

Yes, you can apply for and receive a freight broker license even with a felony, as long as you meet the FMCSA requirements.

The FMCSA doesn’t have a blanket prohibition against licensing persons with felony convictions, and they don’t run background checks the way law enforcement agencies do.

However, they do want to ensure that brokers are financially responsible (through surety bonds or trust funds) and operate with integrity. These protect your clients in case you fail to meet your contractual obligations. 

Additionally, insurance companies and surety bond providers might run background checks. That’s often where felons hit the first hurdle.

When it comes to obtaining the bonds, violent crimes, fraud, or financial crimes may raise red flags. The further in the past, the less likely it is to affect your application. Regardless, being honest and showing how you’ve turned things around can go a long way.

What if you struggle to get bonded?

A felony on your record might result in:

• Higher premiums
• More required documentation
• Denial of coverage (in rare cases)

But it’s not a dead end.

Here’s what you can do:

• Start small: If your bond premium is high, focus on a lean operation until you can renegotiate better terms. You can also work with bond agents who specialize in high-risk applicants.
• Build trust with references: Letters from former employers, parole officers, or mentors can help.
• Show financial stability: Good bookkeeping, clean business records, and a clear business plan help reassure bond providers.

How to Build Trust and Credibility with a Felony Record

The FMCSA may not disqualify you, but your reputation still matters, especially with surety bond providers, clients, and potential partners. Here’s how to strengthen your position and show you’re serious about running a reliable freight brokerage:

• Expungement or record sealing: In some states, you can legally clear or seal parts of your criminal record.
• Character references: Letters from employers, parole officers, mentors, or clergy can show your progress and reliability.
• Proof of rehabilitation: Certifications, training, stable employment history, and a clean record since the conviction can help paint a fuller picture.
• Be transparent: Honesty during your bond application goes a long way. Hiding your record usually does more harm than good.

What About State-Level Restrictions?

Some states have regulations around who can get licensed for certain professions. However, freight brokers are regulated at the federal level through the FMCSA, which levels the playing field.

That said, other logistics roles, like customs brokers, are more restrictive. For example, U.S. Customs and Border Protection prevents anyone convicted of a felony involving theft, smuggling, or drug use from becoming a licensed customs broker. However, that rule doesn’t apply to general freight brokers.

In recent years, many states have updated their laws to remove blanket bans on licenses for people with records. They now consider the details of each case and whether the offense is relevant to the job. So even if you live in a strict state, don’t assume you’re disqualified, and do check the details.

Resources and Support

Getting back into the workforce after a conviction can be tough, but you’re not alone. Here are some organizations that provide support:

• Root & Rebound: Legal help for reentry.
• Jobs for Felons Hub: Job listings and career resources.
• Fair Opportunity Project: Advocacy for fair access to professional licensing.

And if you’re looking for structured, step-by-step training:

The 90-Day Freight Broker Course is designed to help anyone, regardless of background, start and grow a freight brokerage.

You’ll get:

• All content in video, audio, and text formats.
• Real-world tips from experienced brokers.
• Support for new business owners.
• And so much more.

FAQs

1. What do you need to operate as a freight broker in the U.S?

• A USDOT number and broker authority from the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
• A $75,000 surety bond (BMC-84) or a trust fund agreement (BMC-85).
• A business entity (LLC or corporation).
• A designated process agent (form BOC-3).
• Basic industry knowledge and access to shippers and carriers.

Nowhere in the FMCSA Broker’s Small Entity Compliance Guide does it say that a felony conviction automatically disqualifies you.

2. How long does it take to become a freight broker?

You can get licensed fairly quickly, often within 30 to 60 days, but building a strong foundation takes a bit more time. If you want to shorten the learning curve, the 90-Day Freight Broker Course is designed to walk you through every step, from licensing to landing your first clients.

3. What is the most a freight broker can make?

According to Indeed, the average salary for a freight broker in the United States is $67,692 per year and can go up to $159,906. However, your earning potential depends on your experience, client base, and location.

4. Is double brokering illegal?

Double brokering is when you accept a load from a shipper, then pass it to another broker instead of a carrier, usually without the shipper’s or the other broker’s knowledge. This kind of arrangement is not just unethical, it also violates FMCSA regulations, breaches contracts, and can lead to serious legal consequences.

When everyone involved is informed and agrees, it’s called co-brokering, and that’s legal.

Final Thoughts

Having a felony on your record doesn’t mean you can’t build a future as a freight broker. The FMCSA doesn’t automatically disqualify you, and while you might face a few extra hurdles, like higher bond premiums, there are ways to move forward.

If you’re serious about starting your own brokerage, the right training can make a big difference.

The 90-Day Freight Broker Course is built for people who want real-world skills to start their own freight broker business. We’ll walk you through licensing, operations, marketing, and growth step by step. 

It’s 100% online, self-paced, packed with expert-led lessons, and includes lifetime access to all course materials, including video, audio, templates, and real-world broker interviews.