As a Freight Agent, you really are in the driver’s seat when it comes to selecting the best Freight Agent Program for you and your career. Due to the huge demand for experienced agents, one could really go anywhere. The trouble is not in finding a place to work with, but deciphering if it’s a legitimate good fit for how you want to work, what you want to be compensated, and the support you need to be successful. Here are 5 things to look for as you search for the best place to land as a freight agent.

Company History & Industry Reputation

One of the first things to take a look at is the company’s structure. How long have they been in business, and how stable are they? If a company is privately held, they tend to be intent on sustainable growth that creates a reason for employees to stay and customers to keep coming back. Check out their mission, vision, and values—if they’re prevalent and clear, it’s a good indicator that the leadership team is focused on what matters. What are they known for? What kind of assets do they have? What other companies do they own, or are they part of? Doing your homework on the basics can tell you a lot about what you’ll be thought of as an agent within their brokerage.

Carrier Relationships

At the end of the day, you’re an agent, and that means you need to move your freight reliably from point A to point B. What capacity of carriers will you have access to? What is their setup like? Quick and electronic? Do brokers and carriers want to work with the company based on the ability to get paid more quickly? Will you have access to a dynamic database with carrier scores and insurance? Is paperwork fast and easy? All good questions to know now versus later.

Workplace Culture

“Culture” is a buzzword that can be somewhat subjective. Still, if a company is agent-focused, you’ll no doubt have access to support, technology, software, load boards, pricing analysis, and other experienced professionals who will lift you up rather than competing directly with you. Look for a place that gives you choices and open lines of communication. 

Contracts & Fine Print

Who doesn’t value their freedom? Look for simple contracts that are straightforward and easy to comprehend. Make sure there’s nothing that’s unclear or could be misconstrued. And if you can, avoid non-competes that lock you into a program. Any company worth working alongside shouldn’t be scared of you moving on.

Competitive Value

Finally, you’ve got to stay motivated by what the company is offering you. You work to earn a living after all. Identify where you’ll rate in the marketplace if you work under their company as a broker. Look at things like pay, pre-approved load boards, financial risk, how much “office” work you’ll be expected to do, what type of surety bond they hold, whether marketing and sales is well-covered, if you’ll have access to support staff, and see if they have all modes you need to move your specific type of freight. Find a place where you’ll have competitive commission that’s straightforward, with room for everyone to succeed. 

It’s great to have options, isn’t it? As always, Sureway welcomes experienced, hardworking freight agent professionals to bring their brokerage under our umbrella. With us, you move more freight faster, get the support you need from our unique team of specialists, be connected to one of the most successful trucking companies in the nation, and have a good time while you’re on the clock—your own clock, that is. No matter where you go, we hope you find a company worth your expertise, and a place that’s focused on supporting their agents with as many benefits as possible.