Online Freight Broker/Agent Training In Rhode Island
Are you ready to kick-start your freight broker career in The Ocean State? Whether you’re a beginner or an established professional, our 13-module course is a surefire way to get ahead in your profession.
Over 90 days, our Freight Broker Online Course will teach you how to become a freight broker in Rhode Island (RI), covering every aspect, from the fundamentals right up to advanced strategies.
Discover how aspiring freight brokers like yourself can become successful in the industry in just 100 hours.

Course Overview
Gain essential knowledge with our 90 Day Freight Broker Course for just $890! Consisting of 13 modules completed over 100 hours, you can expect to learn about essential topics such as:
- Introduction to transportation law: Vetting carriers, freight brokerage insurance, and shipper niches.
- Starting a brokerage: Training on surety bonds, authority applications, trust funds, and more.
- Accounting: Management of cash flow, invoices, and tax liability.
- Dispatching: Training in delivery, pick-up, tracking, tracing, and dispatch codes.
Available in video, audio, and text, our course ensures every type of learner is catered for. Our flexible format allows you to easily learn and absorb the content, giving you the confidence to apply your skills with certainty. In fact, we are so confident in our course that it’s backed by our truck-load guarantee: a full 30-day refund if you’re unsatisfied.
Join our waiting list today and get ready to begin your freight broker journey!
How To Become A Freight Broker in Rhode Island
RI follows standard federal guidelines and doesn’t impose additional state-level qualifications. However, you do need to meet federal requirements:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a $75,000 surety bond
- You must register your business in RI
- You need to obtain a FMCSA license
Formal schooling isn’t legally required in the freight broker industry; however, training programs are extremely beneficial, especially for newcomers, giving you a strong foundation of industry processes, regulations, and best practices.
How to get a freight broker license in Rhode Island
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ensures motor carrier safety and commercial regulations compliance. The following registration steps need to be followed in RI:
- Register and apply via the Unified Registration System (URS), and obtain a US DOT and MC number.
- Provide proof of surety bond ($75,000).
- Complete the BOC-3, Designation of Process Agent Form.
- Pay a $300 application fee.
Freight agents aren’t legally required to take the Certified Transportation Brokers (CBT) exam administered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). However, it is highly recommended for credibility, gaining a competitive edge, and building trust with carriers and shippers.
Career Opportunities for Freight Brokers in Rhode Island
The global freight brokerage market reached $51,7 billion in 2023, growing to $85,9 billion by 2032. That’s a significant increase of 6% within a decade.
RI, in particular, has access to important ports and transportation infrastructure, increasing the consistent need for freight brokers within the industry:
- E-commerce growth: Surges in online shopping have increased the number of goods needing transportation, leading to higher demands for freight brokers.
- Supply chain optimization: The freight brokerage industry assists in streamlining operations, reducing costs, and improving delivery times.
- Technological advancements: The consistent adoption of digital tools and platforms has increased the demand for freight brokerage services.
Choose your career path as a freight broker
Once you’ve completed our training and received your FMCSA license, you now have two career options to choose from:
Set up your own freight brokerage business
For entrepreneurs, setting up their own brokerage offers freedom and the benefits of unlimited earning potential, direct relationships with leads, and taking charge of business operations. However, it also includes various responsibilities, like marketing and managing operations.
Work for an established business
If you value stability and mentorship, consider working for an established brokerage. You are assured income stability, existing client bases, and mentorship from experienced brokers. On the downside, unlike setting up your own business, you might not experience the freedom and flexibility of choosing your working hours.
Earning potential and salary for freight brokers in Rhode Island
RI is strategically located in the Northern US and has accessibility to major markets, making it a vital hub for cargo and freight agents. RI’s annual mean wage proves this, coming in at $54,980, slightly higher than the national annual mean wage of $52,460. Additionally, those in higher earning percentiles can earn much more than this:
Percentile | Rhode Island Salary | US Salary |
---|---|---|
10% | $36,070 | $36,520 |
20% | $36,600 | $40,410 |
50% | $52,760 | $48,330 |
75% | $61,390 | $60,140 |
90% | $77,690 | $72,820 |
Employment trends for freight brokers in Rhode Island
As of 2020, 200 freight brokers were employed in RI, with an estimated increase of 5% by 2030, as seen 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) |
---|---|---|---|---|
US | 95,900 | 105,200 | 10% | 11,000 |
Rhode Island (RI) | 200 | 210 | 5% | 20 |
FAQs
1. What do freight brokers do?
Freight brokers facilitate the transportation of goods by acting as intermediaries between shippers and carriers. Negotiating freight rates, coordinating logistics, ensuring regulatory compliance, and tracking shipments are some of their responsibilities.
2. What is the difference between a freight broker and an agent?
- Freight brokers are licensed professionals who operate independently. They are responsible for contracts, financial liability, and compliance with federal regulations.
- Freight agents work under licensed brokers who help source leads, negotiate shipments, and handle logistics, typically earning a commission.
3. How long does it take to become a freight broker?
On average, it can take around three to six months to become a freight broker.
Sources:
- https://www.90dayfreightbroker.com/opt-in
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/about-us
- https://freightbrokerschools.org/ga/
- https://member.tianet.org/TIA
- https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/pressrelease/global-freight-brokerage-market
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes435011.htm
- https://freightbrokerschools.org/ri/