Texas Job Market at a Glance: Freight Brokering
Starting a Freight Broker Career in Texas
Texas is the “Logistical Heart of North America,” its governor’s office declares. And with a seaport that leads the world in import and export tonnage, six of the US’ busiest airports and the nation’s most rail miles, it makes a strong case to claim that title.
Almost 200,000 Texans work in freight trucking, including 46,774 who serve the local trucking market, where freight is hauled over short distances. Along with industry leaders just as FedEx, JB Hunt, SAIA and Central Freight Services, Texas hosts 32,096 local freight companies. Texas leads all US states in exports, with $316 billion in export value each year. Its strategic location in the heart of North America also contributes to $304 billion in annual imports.
Texas is a logistics powerhouse. And for those interested in freight and transport-related careers, it is a hotbed of opportunity. With the right training, skills and experience, freight brokers can do very well in Texas.
Top Freight Broker Training Schools in Texas:
- Houston Community College
- North Central Texas Community College
- Texas A&M Corpus Christi
- Texas A&M International
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Texas Arlington
Freight Brokerages Are Growing
Like every industry and every state, logistics operators in Texas have been deeply impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. From a general quarantine that contributed to a nearly-10% reduction in the overall economy to social distancing, employee protective covering and limited-touch delivery rules that have reshaped entire delivery processes, Covid-19 has been felt in the logistic industry.
However, looking forward, it may be surprising to notice that the global logistics market is expected to grow by 17.6% between 2020 and 2021. This growth is expected to be driven by strong demand for essential commodities, especially in the Asia-Pacific market.
The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market is expected to reach its largest volumes ever as consumers worldwide stock up on essential goods. As most FMCG travel by truck, roadways will be the largest transport mode for the logistics market.
Logistics Careers in Texas
As a major hub of agricultural logistics by truck, rail and ship, Texas is poised for growth in job demand among logistics professionals.
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) expects logistics-related jobs such as cargo and freight agents; production, planning and expediting clerks; and transportation, storage and distribution managers to grow by over 15% percent in Texas between now and 2024.
Along with these jobs, increasing freight volumes also point to increased opportunities for freight brokers, who work with shippers, carriers and recipients to ship commodities and goods all over the world.
Get Started in Freight Brokering
For self-motivated, service-oriented professionals, a robust transportation market like Texas offers great potential for freight brokers. Since freight brokers prosper by optimizing the shipping process, a freight broker who can help shippers navigate the truck, rail, ship and air options in Texas stands to prosper on behalf of their clients.
The first step in becoming a freight broker is training. There is no substitute for knowledge when working in a complex and demanding environment like transportation, so a strong freight broker training course is a must-have for a new freight broker.
The next step is to decide whether you want to become a freight broker who acts as a formal link between shipper and receiver or a freight agent, who normally works with a freight broker.
Freight brokers enjoy the independence of working directly with clients as formal, legal agents. As part of that arrangement, they also assume responsibility for the full shipment as contracted between the parties. They operate under the authority of the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and are licensed by their individual states. In Texas, freight brokers are regulated only by the USDOT. There is no separate license requirement for Texas.
Freight agents participate in the dynamic transportation industry, often using technology to link shipping suppliers and modes. However, they normally work within the structure of a larger brokerage entity.
Freight Broker Skills and Training Courses
Freight broker training courses cover the tools, procedures and business requirements for freight agent or freight broker positions. Key topics can include:
- Arrangements, documents and software systems used in the logistics industry.
- Transportation law, insurance, contracts and agreements used by freight brokers and agents.
- Freight broker business structure and operations, including day-to-day responsibilities and tasks, customer relationships, legal reporting, tax issues and marketing.
- For freight brokers, the procedures for obtaining broker authority and license.
Online Freight Broker Training
Online education provides a safe, efficient method for advancing your skills during the Covid-19 pandemic. With a well-designed online course, you can learn to become a freight broker in Texas or anywhere else without leaving the comfort of your home.
Online Freight Broker Training Programs:
