Online Freight Broker/Agent Training in South Carolina

Wondering how to become a freight broker in South Carolina (SC)? Whether you’re a novice or seasoned professional looking to learn some new tricks, we’ve got you covered.

Our comprehensive 90 Day Freight Broker Training Course will give you the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful freight brokerage in SC in just three months! It covers everything from the basics to advanced strategies so you can confidently succeed in this fast-growing industry.

Freight brokers in South Carolina

Course Overview

  • Course duration: 100 hours
  • Price: $890
  • Available in: Video recordings, audio recordings, and text
  • Our guarantee: Receive a full 30-day refund if unsatisfied

Our 13 modules are designed to cater to all learning styles. Some key topics include:

  • Setting up a brokerage: Learn about authority applications, assigning process agents, surety bonds, and trust funds.
  • Operations: Learn how to set up a home office and choose the right freight brokering business software.
  • Introduction to Transportation Law: Learn about freight broking insurance, finding shipper niches, vetting carriers, and types of equipment used.
  • Dispatching: Master dispatching loads, tracking shipments, and resolving issues during pickup and delivery.
  • Accounting: Learn how to invoice, manage cash flow, pull financial reports, and manage payroll and tax liabilities.
  • Marketing: Learn the art of prospecting, lead generation, cold-calling techniques, and building an efficient sales funnel.

Sign up for our 90 Day Freight Broker Training Course and take the first step toward running your freight broker business today!

How To Become A Freight Broker In South Carolina

Becoming a freight broker in SC requires you to meet the following federal guidelines:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have a high school diploma
  • Have a business license from the South Carolina Secretary of State (SCSOS)
  • Have an FMCSA license
  • Have a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund

While formal qualifications aren’t legally required, completing freight broker training will give you the competitive edge and industry knowledge to succeed in this growing industry.

How to get a freight broker license in South Carolina

Follow these steps to become a licensed freight broker in SC:

  1. Obtain a business license from SCSOS and receive an Employment Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
  2. Submit your application to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to receive your US DOT and MC number.
  3. Pay the $300 application fee.
  4. Obtain and provide proof of a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund.
  5. File a B-CO3 form (Designation of Process Agent Form) with FMCSA.

Taking the Certified Transportation Brokers (CBT) exam with the Transportation Intermediaries Association isn’t required but is highly recommended. It focuses solely on the brokerage process and the practices involved. You will significantly benefit from this exam because it will improve your credibility and relationships with freight agents, clients, shippers, and carriers.

Career Opportunities for Freight Brokers In South Carolina

The global freight brokerage market is estimated to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.90% between 2024 and 2032, reaching an estimated $99.77 billion by 2032. The U.S. freight brokerage market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.35%, reaching $29.06 billion by 2030, which makes up nearly one-third of the global market size.

To put this into perspective, the U.S. is expected to employ 15,400 cargo and freight agents over the next decade. This shows notable growth and a positive outlook for professionals in the U.S. and SC.

SC’s growth and transformation is driven by the following industry trends:

  • Expanding Infrastructure: SC’s inland ports play a key role in transporting cargo between the interior and maritime ports. Expansion effortshave already driven 8% growth in cargo volumes as of 2024.
  • Logistics Hub: SC’s strategic positioning and its growing population rate has increased the demand for freight brokers and freight agents needed to efficiently run distribution and supply chain operations.
  • Enhanced Rail Connectivity: SC’s implementation of the “RapidRail” program has accelerated the movement of cargo between ships and trains, significantly improving supply chain efficiency.

With such strong industry trends, SC offers outstanding job prospects for freight brokers and agents, making it the perfect place to start your career.

Choose your career path as a freight broker

Once you become a licensed freight broker or freight agent, you can start your own brokerage or work for an established business. Each path offers unique benefits and the best choice depends on your preferences, needs, and goals.

Setting up your own freight brokerage business

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, consider setting up your own business. As an independent broker, you have the freedom of working at your own pace, choosing your working hours, and having an unlimited earning potential.

Key responsibilities:

  • Run the day to day operations
  • Assume financial responsibility by paying carriers and invoicing shippers
  • Find suitable advertising avenues to improve marketing strategies
  • Use valuable negotiation skills for client acquisition

Working for an established business

If you prefer stability over entrepreneurship, consider working for an established business. You will focus solely on brokering deals, enjoy income stability, work regular business hours, and be mentored by participating brokers.

Earning potential and salary for freight brokers in South Carolina

SC’s growing freight broker sector produces an average freight broker salary of $48,940 annually. Although just below the national average salary of $52,460 annually, those in higher percentile brackets can earn more:

PercentileU.S.South Carolina
10%$39,460$29,150
25%$47,330$40,650
50% (Median)$49,310$48,880
75%$61,870$54,680
90%$69,620$63,650

Employment trends for freight brokers in South Carolina

The demand for freight brokers is rapidly growing. As of 2020, SC employed 1,590 cargo and freight agents. This is projected to grow by 15% between 2020 and 2030, 5% higher than the national growth rate. Additionally, SC projects 190 job openings annually, making it a promising market for those entering the field.

LocationJobs (2020-2030)Projected Jobs (2030-2030)Projected Growth (2020-2030)Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030)
US95,900105,20010%11,000
South Carolina (SC)1,5901,83015%190

FAQs

1. What do freight brokers do?

Freight brokers coordinate the transportation of goods by working with shippers and carriers. They handle logistics, negotiate rates, and ensure deliveries run smoothly.

2. What is the difference between a freight broker and an agent?

Freight brokers manage the transportation of goods and are responsible for compliance with statewide regulations. Freight agents work under freight brokers, assisting with daily operations and usually earn a commission.

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

On average, it takes 4-6 weeks to complete the required licensing and business setup.

4. How much does freight broker training in South Carolina cost?

Our comprehensive 90-Day Freight Broker Training Course costs only $890.

Sources:

  1. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/broker-registration
  2. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number
  3. https://www.90dayfreightbroker.com/
  4. https://www.90dayfreightbroker.com/opt-in
  5. https://freightbrokerschools.org/sc/
  6. https://freightbrokerschools.org/sc/
  7. https://sos.sc.gov/
  8. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-371
  9. https://www.globaltrademag.com/south-carolina-ports-experience-significant-cargo-growth-amid-strategic-expansion-efforts/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  10. https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/pressrelease/global-freight-brokerage-market
  11. https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/cargo-and-freight-agent/job-market/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  12. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-freight-brokerage-market?utm_source=chatgpt.com