Freight broker license Illinois
Start your journey to a freight broker license in Illinois
Make your Illinois freight brokerage a reality with DAT Authority.
Through the DAT Authority Co-Pilot Program, you’ll receive expert support to obtain your freight broker license in Illinois and gain access to essential tools to scale your business. Success starts with being well-prepared—let us guide you from start to finish.
- Secure your freight broker license fast
- Let us handle the complex tasks for you
- Ongoing support every step of the way
Secure your freight broker license fast
Streamline the freight broker license registration process with DAT.
Handling the registration process can be complex and overwhelming, but we’re here to simplify it for you. We’ll take care of securing your DOT registration and FMCSA MC docket number efficiently and precisely, so your freight brokerage is prepared to start operating without any time-consuming setbacks.
Let us handle the complex tasks for you
Say goodbye to the stress of paperwork with the help of DAT Authority’s Co-Pilot Program.
Feeling overwhelmed by complex paperwork like filing a BOC-3 process agent? We’ve got you covered. Our team handles every detail to ensure your business remains compliant with legal requirements and steers clear of costly errors.
Ongoing support every step of the way
Expert guidance for every stage of securing your freight broker license in Illinois.
DAT simplifies the process of obtaining your freight broker license in Illinois. Our team of experts offers continuous guidance, providing answers, advice, and support at every step—even after your business is established. With our Co-Pilot Program, you’ll gain the confidence and tools needed to grow and succeed.
"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
A freight broker license, often referred to as operating authority, is granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This license authorizes individuals or companies to coordinate the transportation of goods between shippers and carriers. It serves as a legal requirement to operate within federal guidelines and reflects a commitment to professionalism in the freight sector. Having a freight broker license helps establish trust with clients and carriers, paving the way for business growth and long-term success in the industry.
To legally work as a freight broker in Illinois or anywhere in the United States, you must have a freight broker license. This license ensures adherence to federal regulations and grants the authority to coordinate shipments between shippers and carriers. Operating without it is not permitted by law. Moreover, obtaining a license enhances your credibility, helping you build trust with clients, secure contracts, and thrive in the competitive freight brokerage market.
The cost of obtaining a freight broker license can vary depending on several factors. The FMCSA application fee is $300, but you’ll also need a $75,000 surety bond, which typically starts at around $900 annually, depending on your credit. Additional expenses may include insurance, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year, as well as costs for business registration, software, and training programs. Altogether, the initial startup costs for a freight brokerage business can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.
To get a freight broker license in Illinois, you need to apply for operating authority through the FMCSA, secure a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund agreement, and appoint a BOC-3 process agent. Additionally, you must meet any state-specific business requirements and obtain a USDOT number as part of the application process. Although not required, completing a freight broker training course is highly recommended to help you manage shipments, ensure compliance, and build strong customer relationships.
Getting a freight broker license in Illinois usually takes around 4-6 weeks. This timeline covers submitting your application to the FMCSA, obtaining a surety bond, and filing the BOC-3 form. However, delays can happen if there are errors or missing information in your paperwork. Using a service like DAT Authority can help speed up the process by ensuring all steps are completed accurately and efficiently.
Launch your career with a freight broker license in Illinois
The DAT Authority Co-Pilot Program is the reliable solution for obtaining your freight broker license in Illinois. We manage essential tasks like DOT registration, FMCSA MC docket numbers, and BOC-3 process agent filing, so you can have a seamless and stress-free experience. Our team also offers continuous guidance throughout the licensing process and supports you even after your brokerage is up and running. With DAT Authority by your side, you’ll gain the expertise, resources, and confidence to build a thriving freight brokerage.