The Business
Freight brokers connect companies that need to ship goods with trucking carriers who have capacity. The broker's margin is $200-2,000 per load — the difference between what the shipper pays and what the carrier accepts. A solo broker handling 5-10 loads per day can earn $10K-50K/month. The business is phone-intensive and relationship-driven.
How to Start
Get your FMCSA freight broker authority ($300) and surety bond ($3K-10K). Subscribe to a TMS/load board (DAT Power at $400/month). Start by building a carrier network — call trucking companies and offer loads. Cold-call shippers (manufacturers, distributors) to find freight. The first 3 months are heavy prospecting.
Equipment Needed
- ▸TMS software (DAT, Truckstop)
- ▸Phone and headset
- ▸Computer
- ▸CRM system
Licensing
FMCSA freight broker license + surety bond
Monthly Search Volume
Form your LLC and protect your assets. Start operating legally in days.
FORM YOUR LLC — ZENBUSINESSFIND CLIENTS — UPWORKAffiliate links · We may earn a commission
Revenue Calculator
“Freight brokerage is pure relationship arbitrage. You're the middleman between shippers and carriers, and both sides need you because the logistics market is fragmented. The margins look small per load but at 8-10 loads/day, the math is huge.”
Want to buy a Freight Brokerage instead of starting one?
Skip the startup grind. Existing businesses come with customers, cash flow, and proven systems. Use our valuation calculator to see what you'd pay.
Tools we'd use if we were starting this business today. Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission.
Form your professional services LLC. Registered agent, EIN, and annual compliance included.
START YOUR LLC →Invoice clients, track time, and run your professional service business without an accountant.
START FREE TRIAL →Business banking built for startups and service businesses. No fees, powerful integrations, and FDIC insured.
OPEN MERCURY ACCOUNT →Business banking with automatic profit-first budgeting. Separate accounts for taxes, expenses, and profit.
TRY RELAY FREE →