How to Become a Truck Broker
How to Become a Truck Broker
Thanks to DAT Authority, you can become a truck broker without doing all the paperwork.
If you’re a new broker, you need to make the most out of your resources and get registered fast. DAT Authority offers a comprehensive package for federal and state requirements — we’ll even fill out your paperwork.
- Get your MC and USDOT numbers.
- Designate BOC-3 process agents.
- Consult with one of our brokerage experts.
Get your MC and USDOT numbers.
Register your brokerage firm with federal agencies.
Brokers require several of the same federal licenses as carriers. Our DAT Authority team can help you get your business off the ground, by filling out and filing USDOT and MC numbers, as well as other FMCSA registration requirements. With DAT, you can avoid errors, make sure you haven’t missed anything, and stay compliant.
Designate BOC-3 process agents.
Use the DAT Authority team to designate agents.
A nationwide requirement that’s often perplexing to new brokers is the BOC-3 process agent requirement. BOC-3 process agents are essentially legal representatives in each state where your carriers will be transporting freight and are available as a type of insurance if you need legal defense. DAT Authority can save time and hassle by designating BOC-3 process agents for you all across the country.
Consult with one of our brokerage experts.
Make the most out of DAT’s brokerage resources.
When you subscribe to DAT Authority, you’re not just getting a comprehensive set of authority services — you’re also getting access to DAT’s team of brokerage experts. Whenever you have a question about the brokerage authority process, your designated DAT service representative will be available to help you start your brokerage business.
"Some say it's simple to get your authority, and that you should save your money and do it yourself. Other people, including myself, are not sure where to even begin. I used a service provided by DAT to get my authority. It was important to me that it was done right the first time, by people who have done this before."
- Chad Boblett - Boblett Brothers Trucking
"They took me by the hand an led me through all of the diffiult and confusing steps to ensure that I started off on the right food. I cannot say it any clearer than these folks know what it's all about."
- Gregg Knight, LTL Trucking
Truck brokers are a crucial part of the shipping industry, keeping freight moving and the economy running. Before you can get your brokerage business off the ground, you’ll need to get federal operating authority (FMCSA registration numbers), as well as a surety bond, process agents, and insurance. Plus, you may need to fill out additional state-level papers. If you’re wondering how to become a freight broker with no experience, DAT is the place to start.
BOC-3 process agents are technically a state-by-state requirement, offering a legal safety net for brokers in each jurisdiction where you’re transporting freight. Realistically, you’ll need a BOC-3 process agent in more or less every state. DAT Authority helps you take care of this process, by designating certified BOC-3 process agents for your business. Our authority experts can make blanket designations in all the relevant jurisdictions across the country, so you can get your business up and running.
Yes! Registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) isn’t just for carriers. As a broker, you’ll need a USDOT number and an MC number at the least. When you subscribe to DAT Authority, our team can fill out and submit your federal authority papers on your behalf. Avoid errors and streamline your application process by working with the experts.
If you’re just learning how to become a truck broker, getting a Motor Carrier (MC) number isn’t what you might suspect. But every broker requires an MC number — the same MC number from the FMCSA that carriers require. The purpose of the MC number for brokers is to certify your ability to transport commercial freight across state lines. Some specialty truckers don’t require an MC number. These exemptions are based on a few exceptions for certain types of freight. But virtually every broker needs one.
Just like starting any business, becoming a broker takes time, energy, and financial investment. But the payoff for brokerage can be great, affording you the chance to establish a name in the shipping industry and watch your business grow. There are a few upfront payments you’ll need to make — these include a surety bond or a trust fund, insurance, and fees for agents and registration. For a flat rate, DAT Authority makes starting your brokerage business as easy and as efficient as possible.
For anyone wondering how to become a broker for truck drivers, DAT offers a comprehensive Freight Broker Basics training course. You’ll get crucial info on everything from federal registration to set up your back office delivered to you by our trucking course partners at Freight360. Our Freight Broker Basics course includes 40 web modules with coaching in small groups on how to find freight and broker sales. DAT members get the Freight Broker Basics course at 20% off.
Complete your application materials to become a broker
Make sense of the brokerage authority process with DAT Authority for Brokers. DAT Authority is the industry’s preferred trucking authority service, with expert advisors standing by to answer your questions and fill out your paperwork. For federal and state brokerage requirements, DAT Authority is here to help.