Freight Broker Salary

April 7, 2025

Freight Broker Salary: How Much Can a Freight Broker Make? 2025

If you’re wondering how much money can you make as a freight broker, here’s the straightforward answer: established brokers can make over $250,000, while entry-level freight brokers make closer to $40,000.

Read on to learn more about the earning potential for different types of brokers, get a detailed breakdown of earnings, and discover tips to maximize your income.

Whether you’re exploring the industry or preparing to jump into this exciting field, our guide will help you make sense of the dollars and cents.

Different Types of Freight Brokers and Their Earnings

The broker business model directly impacts salaries and profits. Let’s look at the different types of brokers and their typical earnings.

Salaried freight brokers

A salaried freight broker is an employee of a freight brokerage company or a logistics provider. They receive a base salary plus a commission element.

According to Indeed job stats:

The average salary of a freight broker is $62,105
Plus commissions of $28,000

But averages don’t tell the full story. The lowest freight broker salaries (for newcomers) are around $30,000. New brokers may struggle to make $28,000 in commissions during their first year.

Brokers employed in larger cities typically earn more than those in rural areas. Earnings also vary widely by state. For example, Kansas offers the highest freight broker salaries. You can earn over $75,000 there, compared to a low of $39,000 in Alaska.

Freight broker agents (commission-only)

Wondering what the average freight broker agent salary is? Here are the average earnings for broker agents earning commission:

Low: $40,000–$60,000
Middle: $80,000–$120,000
High: $150,000+

Freight broker agents work under a licensed freight brokerage business but don’t receive a base salary. Instead, they earn a percentage of the gross profit per load they negotiate. Gross profit is the difference between the amount a shipper pays the broker and the amount the broker pays the carrier to move the load.

The brokerage takes a share of this gross profit, and the rest is paid to the broker. A typical commission split is 50/50. Broker agents who bring in their own clients often earn a higher commission (up to 70%). New agents may start with a commission closer to 35%.

Independent freight broker profits

Independent operators hold a freight broker license and run their own business. They can make:

From under $50,000 to $250,000+, depending on their experience, skills, and network.

As an independent, the more shipments you arrange and the higher the profit margin you negotiate, the greater your reward.

What Factors Influence a Freight Broker’s Annual Income?

We’ve seen that freight broker income potential varies widely. The following are key factors that influence your income:

Experience and expertise: Employed brokers (working for a brokerage) with more experience usually earn higher base salaries and larger commissions. Companies reward you for your proven negotiation, load management, and client relationship expertise. Experienced independent brokers benefit from strong shipper and carrier networks established over the years. They can work these relationships to negotiate better rates and profit margins.
Competition: According to Brush Pass research, there are 2,100 medium-sized freight brokerages in the U.S. and thousands more smaller players. Operating in highly competitive regions or markets reduces your profit potential. Competition is likely to eat into your business and force margins down.
Technology and efficiency: Tech-savvy brokerages use the latest Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and other smart tools to gain a competitive advantage. Automating tasks like load tracking, communication, and invoicing frees up time to focus on building relationships and winning more business.
Location: Brokers in high-demand areas, such as major shipping hubs or industrial centers, are better placed to secure more lucrative business. Freight rates and market conditions also vary significantly by region and state, affecting income potential.
Negotiation skills: Excellent negotiation skills are a broker’s most valuable asset. Brokers who can artfully negotiate rates with shippers and carriers maximize their profit margins. Skillful negotiation is not all about maximizing advantage; it’s also about building win-win relationships.
Business model (Independent vs. Agent):
- Independent brokers can potentially make more money but bear the risk and responsibility for their entire business.
- Agent brokers benefit from the network and resources of a brokerage but must share their profits with the firm.

What is the Outlook for the Freight Broking Industry?

The outlook for broking jobs and incomes remains positive. Growing e-commerce needs and increased reliance on third-party logistics (3PL) services to optimize supply chain management are fueling healthy demand.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the warehousing and transportation industry (covering freight brokers) grew by almost 4% annually in the decade to 2023. It is projected to enjoy continued growth until 2033. Growth estimates of 0.6% per annum are modest but higher than most sectors.

How to Maximize Freight Broker Earnings

Here are 4 approaches to raise your earnings in the broking industry.

High-paying clients and niche markets: Certain cargoes fetch higher shipping rates. Concentrate on loads like refrigerated goods, hazmat, and oversized equipment to generate more profit. Specializing in a niche can reduce competition and increase margins. Be careful, though, of relying too heavily on just one line.
Utilize technology and automation: Use freight management software, load boards, and AI-powered pricing and matching tools. These help streamline operations, find the best loads, and boost operational efficiencies.
Build strong carrier relationships: Establishing trust with reliable carriers enables you to negotiate better rates and enjoy priority service.
Expand business through networking: Invest in growing your all-important network. Attend industry events and join freight associations. Strategic partnerships with shippers and 3PL companies can help you land long-term, high-value contracts.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to start earning as a freight broker?

Salaried brokers start earning in their first month. Commission-based agents may take 3-6 months to build a client base, while independent brokers often need 6-12 months to establish steady revenue.

2. How much does a freight broker make per load?

Typically, licensed freight brokers earn between 15% and 30% per transaction. To maximize profit, brokers must:

Secure lots of loads.
Focus on high-paying cargoes.
Negotiate earnings closer to 30% than 15%.

3. How do I become a successful freight broker?

Here are 5 tips to help you succeed in brokerage:

Be customer-focused. Ask for and act on feedback to improve your service.
Stay agile and aware of the latest trends and best practices.
Foster collaborations and offer to be a backup.
Expand your network continually.
Explore innovations like digital platforms to improve efficiencies.

Moving Forward

Earning potential as a freight broker depends on several key factors, including strategy and determination.

Knowledge and expertise are other essential attributes. If you’re ready to invest in your financial future, our 90-Day Freight Broker course provides the foundational knowledge you need to succeed.

The training is geared to make you a confident broker within 90 days. The course provides an essential insider’s track into the freight broking world. It includes expert guidance and tips from working brokers. Contact us today to learn more about this industry-leading course that comes in video, audio, and text formats.

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