Online Freight Broker/Agent Training in Kentucky

Want to set up your own freight brokerage in Kentucky? Or perhaps you want to find a freight broker job with an already-established authority?

From supply chain fundamentals to more advanced strategies, our Freight Broker Course covers everything you need to know about the industry to set you up for success!

In just 90 days, you’ll learn how to become a freight broker in Kentucky (KY) thanks to our comprehensive modules, easy-to-digest lessons, and self-evaluation tests.

Course Overview

Our 90-Day Freight Broker Course, which costs just $890, is designed to help you become a successful freight broker in Kentucky through 100 hours of comprehensive training. The course is divided into 13 modules, covering essential topics such as:

Setting up a freight broker business: Key information about assigning process agents, trust funds, surety bonds, and authority applications.
Introduction to transport law: Learn about compliance, vehicle regulations, industry standards, insurance, and more.
Operations: Guidance on choosing the right software for your freight broker business and setting up a home office.
Accounting: How to manage invoicing, payments, and cash flow for a profitable business.
Logistics: Discover the ins and outs of dispatching loads, driver check calls, tracking and tracing, pick-ups, deliveries, and solving issues.

If you’re not satisfied with the course, you can get a 30-day refund with our Full Truckload Guarantee. Our course is available in video, audio, and text.

Enrol Now to Become a Freight Broker in Kentucky

How to Get a Freight Broker License in Kentucky

Kentucky follows federal guidelines for freight brokers and does not impose any additional state-level qualifications. Freight brokers in Kentucky must meet the following standard federal licensing and operational guidelines:

Have a high-school diploma (GED or equivalent)
Be at least 18 years old
Surety bond of $75,000

While formal schooling is not an official requirement, our Freight Broker Training Course can be highly beneficial, giving both new and experienced brokers an in-depth understanding of industry regulations, best practices, strategies, and processes.

Required certificates to launch your freight broker career in Kentucky

Freight brokers in Kentucky must be licensed by the FMCSA. Obtaining this license involves the following:

Apply for a broker license: Go to the FMCSA website and make use of the Unified Registration System (OP-1 form) to submit your application for a motor carrier number. The fee for this application is $300, and it should take between 4 and 6 weeks to receive your number.
Obtain a U.S. DOT number: In Kentucky, companies that operate commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs require a DOT number. Registration can be done online. You’ll usually receive your number on the same day you apply or within 24 hours.

Business registration

You’ll need to follow these steps to register your business in Kentucky:

File Articles of Organization by mail, online, or in person with the Kentucky Secretary of State for $40.
Apply for an EIN online by using your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or your Social Security Number.

Freight broker bond

As a freight broker, you’ll need a surety bond of $75,000, which you can obtain by applying for the BMC-84 bond or the BMC-85 bond within 90 days of your FMCSA registration:

Does Kentucky require a formal exam for licensing?

The Certified Transportation Brokers (CTB) exam is a way to gain credibility and stand out in the industry. While this exam isn’t an official requirement, established and aspiring brokers can take it through the Transport Intermediaries Association.

Career Opportunities for Freight Brokers in Kentucky

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were approximately 106,700 employed freight brokers in the country in 2023, with around 2.7% of these professionals based in Kentucky.

Supply chain management in Kentucky is set up for growth opportunities thanks to the following:

There were 2,440 freight brokers employed in Kentucky in 2020. This number is predicted to grow by 11% by 2030, surpassing the national growth rate of 10%.
Lexington-Fayette is one of the best places to open up a freight brokerage business, thanks to the dense population and demand.

Choose your career path as a freight broker

Once you have obtained your FMCSA license, you have two main options available to you, including setting up your own business or working for an established brokerage.

Set up your own business

Starting your own business within the freight brokerage industry offers flexible working hours and the excitement of entrepreneurship. However, you’ll need to be prepared to take on a range of responsibilities, including managing operations and marketing.

Work for an established business

Working for an established brokerage provides you with stability and the opportunity to gain experience within the industry. Since you won’t have to worry about marketing and other responsibilities, you can focus solely on brokering deals.

Earning potential and salary for freight brokers in Kentucky

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the most successful freight brokers in Kentucky can make more than $68,920 per year. To manage your salary expectations, the table below compares Kentucky salaries with nationwide salaries:

Percentile	U.S. Salary	Kentucky Salary
10%	$36,520	$38,480
25%	$40,410	$39,660
Median (50%)	$48,330	$45,610
75%	$60,140	$57,180
90%	$72,820	$68,920

Employment trends for freight brokers in Kentucky

In 2020, there were 2,440 freight brokers in Kentucky, and this number is expected to grow by 11% by 2030, higher than the national expected growth rate of 10%.

Gain further insights by examining the table below:

Location	No. of Freight Brokers (2020/2022)	Projected No. of Freight Brokers (2030/2032)	Projected Growth (2020-2030/2022-2032)	Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030/2022-2032)
Kentucky	2,440	2,700	11%	280
United States	95,900	105,200	10%	11,000

FAQs

1. How long does freight broker training in Kentucky take?

In just 90 days, you can complete our comprehensive freight broker training program.

2. Is there a difference between a freight broker and a freight agent?

Agents don’t need an FMCSA license to work under a broker. Their responsibilities include recruiting customers, finding carriers, and arranging freight transportation.
Brokers must have a valid FMCSA license and are liable for any freight they manage. Brokers have more responsibility, with typical tasks including negotiating contracts, invoicing, processing claims, and more.

3. What does a freight broker do?

Freight brokers act as the middleman between shippers (those who need to transport goods) and carriers (trucking companies, etc). Freight brokers negotiate rates, ensure that the delivery goes smoothly, and manage all paperwork involved.

4. How much does freight broker training cost?

For just $890, you can train to become a freight broker with our 90-hour online course, made up of 13 comprehensive modules.

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