Whether you’re a longtime veteran of the freight industry or coming from a totally different industry, becoming an independent freight agent is a big step. If you know what you’re doing, the transition can be very smooth, with success from the outset. Even if you don’t, there are some key things to remember to make the transition more smooth.
Make Sure to Find the Right Brokerage
The most important component of your success will be your own talent and hard work, but joining a great brokerage is vital, too. Look for one that is interested in supporting you in a variety of ways, including:
- Providing a fair commission split
- Not requiring agents to sign a non-compete
- Guaranteeing it won’t steal agents’ clients from within
- Providing back-office support and operating capital
Finish a Business Plan
Business plans come in all shapes and sizes, but the most important thing is the process. Developing goals, a timeline, and action items is vital for getting in the right frame of mind for the job at hand. Regardless of the extent to which you actually reference your business plan as you move forward, the benefits of the critical thinking process will prove invaluable.
Make Sure You Have the Right Technology
In today’s market, independent freight agents need a robust portfolio of software solutions and platforms at their disposal such as cloud-based TMS (Transportation Management Systems), web based MS systems and access to industry leading load boards and online market places.
If a brokerage pays for the technology tools that its agents use, that’s a good sign that the organization is well-invested in each person’s success.
Ongoing Learning & Training
Even the best salespeople are in a state of constant learning. In hopes of staying competitive for many years, highly motivated independent freight agents often are committed to ongoing education opportunities.
There are many online freight-related courses and events all over the U.S. that can be very helpful, but even outside-the-box training can prove valuable. Anything that keeps you growing as a person and a freight forwarder can help contribute to long-term success.
Learn More About Becoming an Independent Freight Agent
To learn more about what it takes to become an independent freight agent, check out Freight Tec’s Become an Agent infographic.
