There are many types of freight brokers. Some are generalists, handling a variety of types of freight. Others specialize in a particular type of freight, such as truckload (TL) or less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. Here is a detailed description of 10 types of freight brokers:
Generalist Freight Broker
A generalist freight broker is a company that handles a wide variety of types of freight, including truckload (TL), less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal, airfreight, and ocean freight. They typically have established relationships with many different carriers and can provide their customers with a variety of shipping options.
The years of experience needed to work as a generalist freight broker is 2 years. The pay is usually around $40,000 per year. On a scale of 1-10, the difficulty rating of this position is a 5.
Truckload (TL) Freight Broker
A truckload freight broker is a company that specializes in arranging TL shipments. These are shipments that require the use of an entire trailer and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. TL shipments are typically time-sensitive and need to be delivered quickly.
The years of experience needed to work as a truckload freight broker is 2 years. The pay is usually around $30,000-$70,000 per year. On a scale of 1-10, the difficulty rating of this position is a 6.
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Freight Broker
A less-than-truckload freight broker is a company that specializes in arranging LTL shipments. These are smaller shipments that do not require an entire trailer and typically weigh less than 10,000 pounds. LTL shipments often have multiple stops and can take longer to deliver than TL shipments.
The years of experience needed to work as a less-than-truckload freight broker is 2 years. The pay is usually around $30,000-$50,000 per year. On a scale of 1-10, the difficulty rating of this position is a 5.
Intermodal Freight Broker
An intermodal freight broker is a company that specializes in arranging shipments that move via multiple types of transportation, such as truck, rail, and ship. Intermodal freight is typically less expensive than shipping by one mode of transportation only.
The years of experience needed to work as an intermodal freight broker is 2 years. The pay is usually around $60,000-$100,000 per year. On a scale of 1-10, the difficulty rating of this position is a 7.
Air Freight Broker
An airfreight broker is a company that specializes in arranging shipments by air. These types of shipments are typically time-sensitive and need to be delivered quickly. Airfreight can be expensive, so it is often used only when other types of transportation are not an option.
The years of experience needed to work as an air freight broker is 2 years. The pay is usually around $70,000-$120,000 per year. On a scale of 1-10, the difficulty rating of this position is an 8.
Ocean Freight Broker
An ocean freight broker is a company that specializes in arranging shipments by ocean. These types of shipments are typically large and can take weeks or even months to be delivered. Oceanfreight is usually less expensive than airfreight but more expensive than shipping by land.
The years of experience needed to work as an ocean freight broker is 2 years. The pay is usually around $60,000-$100,000 per year. On a scale of 1-10, the difficulty rating of this position is a 7.
Heavy Haul Freight Broker
A heavy haul freight broker is a company that specializes in arranging shipments of oversized or overweight cargo. These types of shipments require special equipment and permits and can be challenging to coordinate. Heavy haul freight is typically more expensive than other types of shipping.
The years of experience needed to work as a Heavy Haul Freight Broker is 2 years. The pay is usually around $70,000-$120,000 per year. On a scale of 1-10, the difficulty rating of this position is an 8.
Drayage Freight Broker
A drayage freight broker is a company that specializes in arranging shipments that need to be moved short distances, such as from a port to a rail yard or from a rail yard to a warehouse. Drayage can be done by truck, rail, or ship.
The years of experience needed to work as a drayage freight broker is 2 years. The pay is usually around $50,000 – $90,000 per year. On a scale of 1-10, the difficulty rating of this position is a 6.
Refrigerated Freight Broker
A refrigerated freight broker is a company that specializes in arranging shipments of perishable goods that need to be kept at a certain temperature. These types of shipments require special equipment and can be challenging to coordinate. Refrigerated freight is typically more expensive than other types of shipping.
The years of experience needed to work as a refrigerated freight broker is 2 years. The pay is usually around $70,000 – $120,000 per year. On a scale of 1-10, the difficulty rating of this position is an 8.
Hazmat Freight Broker
A hazmat freight broker is a company that specializes in arranging shipments of dangerous goods that need to be handled with special care. These types of shipments require special equipment and can be challenging to coordinate. Hazmat freight is typically more expensive than other types of shipping.
The years of experience needed to work as a hazmat freight broker is 2 years. The pay is usually around $70,000 – $120,000 per year. On a scale of 1-10, the difficulty rating of this position is an 8.
Conclusion
There are 10 types of freight brokers, each specializing in a different type of shipment. Intermodal, airfreight, oceanfreight, heavy haul, drayage, refrigerated, and hazmat freight brokers are the most common types. Freight brokers typically have 2 years of experience and earn an annual salary of $30,000 – $120,000. On a scale of 1-10, the difficulty rating of these positions is 5-8.