7 Reasons to Become An Independent Freight Agent
Tired of your 9-to-5? Looking for a career where your income is directly tied to your effort?
The booming freight industry offers a unique opportunity: becoming an independent freight agent.
Let’s explore seven compelling reasons why this should be your next big career move.
1. Low Barrier To Entry
While many careers require years of education or a huge startup investment, becoming an independent freight agent is extremely accessible.
The key things you’ll need are:
- A registered business
- A Tax Identification Number
It’s also highly recommended to take a training course to learn about the industry and how to break into it. For example, our 90-day Freight Broker course will teach you everything you need to know in 13 comprehensive modules, spanning 100 hours of study.
2. Get A Stable, Long-Term Career
The need for independent freight agents isn’t going anywhere.
The transportation industry is experiencing huge growth, and by 2030, its value is predicted to increase to $11.1 trillion from $7.3 trillion in 2022. Additionally, e-commerce, which relies on freight, is set to rise by 10.35% over the next five years.
Due to this growing demand, you can look forward to a stable career for as long as you plan to work.
3. Excellent Earning Potential
An independent freight agent has massive earning potential. You make your money by charging a commission for each load you arrange. And, best of all, there’s no cap on this, so the more loads you book, the more commission you will make.
Here’s a look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics‘ average wages for employed freight agents:
| Percentile | US |
| 10% | $36,520 |
| 25% | $40,410 |
| 50% (Median) | $48,330 |
| 75% | $60,140 |
| 90% | $72,820 |
Remember, as an independent freight agent, you don’t necessarily only rely on a salary. Therefore, you can easily exceed these numbers, earning in excess of $100,000 per year.
4. Work From Anywhere
To work as an independent agent, all you need is a stable internet connection and a reliable phone service.
This flexibility is perfect if you want the freedom to travel and enjoy a better work-life balance.
Plus, since you’re not tied to a specific location, you can live anywhere you want. Why not pick somewhere with a low cost of living so you can maximize your earnings?
5. Be Your Own Boss
Establishing your own independent freight agency lets you call the shots.
Build your own business where you get to set your own schedule, decide exactly who you contract with, and which freight broker to operate under.
Of course, running a third-party logistics company means you have more responsibilities, but for many, the level of freedom outweighs this challenge.
Whether you want to operate as a one-person agency or expand and take on other agents, the choice is yours.
6. Focus On Niche Markets
Do you want to be a freight agent who specializes in oversized loads? Or, perhaps dangerous goods is more your forte?
Specializing enables you to become an expert within that niche. Plus, building a solid reputation for a specific type of freight means you’ll be more in demand. Plus, it’ll help you stand out among the competition.
7. No Need for a CDL or Truck Ownership
The beauty of working as an agent is that you don’t actually have to drive any of the trucks. Therefore, you don’t need a commercial driver’s license or own any vehicles to actually do your job.
Your role is to purely connect shippers who need to shift goods with reliable carriers and then manage and oversee the process. Your value lies in your ability to manage logistics efficiently.
FAQs
1. What makes a successful freight agent?
To be a successful agent, you need to be proactive, resourceful, relationship-driven, and able to navigate the complexities of the logistics industry.
2. What does an independent freight agent do?
Independent freight agents are freight professionals who facilitate the movement of goods, working independently while often using the support structure of a larger logistics organization.
3. What do I need to become an independent freight dispatcher?
To become an independent freight dispatcher, you need a registered business and a tax ID number. You’ll also need a computer, a phone, and internet access. No formal certification is required, but training is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
If we’ve convinced you that a freight career is the right path for you, take the first step with our online 90-Day Freight Broker course.
Available in video, audio, and text, you can learn at your own pace. The course costs just $890, and you’ll learn valuable information from industry professionals.