How to Become a Freight Agent
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're exploring how to become a freight agent, you've come to the right place. This FAQ covers everything from program requirements to daily operations at GlobalTranz.
How long is the process to become a GlobalTranz agent?
An agent must establish a business entity, if they don't already have one, as well as complete a background check. Timing of business entity setup and background check processing varies from candidate to candidate. The setup and training teams work on the remaining setup which includes system credentials, email access etc. which can take 7-10 business days.
How much does it cost to start up a freight agency with your company?
Unlike some of our competitors, the GlobalTranz Freight Agent Program has low start-up costs! Learn more about freight agent requirements in our recruitment section.
How are your company's freight agent opportunities different from your competitors?
GlobalTranz freight agents have uncapped earning potential thanks to our rates, technology, corporate support and resources. Our freight agents can utilize our corporate recruiting team to help them find new employees for their business at a much lower cost than using a staffing firm. We also offer top-notch solutions, including less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), parcel shipping, warehousing, managed transportation and more. There are few third-party logistics (3PL) providers that offer all these services. Learn more about products and solutions.
What freight agent training and development opportunities do you offer?
The Agent Development and Agent Operations teams will assist you from day one, providing freight agent training opportunities that will set you up for success. The Agent Operations team provides next level support, too, and will fly out to meet with customers, host technology demos and act as a GlobalTranz subject matter liaison for your freight agency. We also provide:
- Ongoing sales training for freight agents and their employees
- Sales contests for freight agents with great monetary bonuses
- A yearly freight agent conference along with monthly agent calls
Want to learn more? Check out our freight agent training and development section.
What are the splits and payment structures?
Our splits are based on production, and we pay agents every two weeks on invoiced shipments.
What does a typical freight agent earn?
Freight agent earnings depend on your book of customers since you are paid a split of the gross profit on your business. As a high-end example, some of our top agents make $100k-300k per month in gross profit, resulting in a net payout of $50-100k+ per month.
How does GlobalTranz being part of WWEX Group benefit freight agents?
When you become a GlobalTranz freight agent, you're backed by WWEX Group — which brings together the capabilities, buying power and technology of GlobalTranz, Worldwide Express and Unishippers. Together, we are unmatched in our ability to help customers eliminate roadblocks, scale quickly, and unlock new opportunities for their business and their customers.
Since GlobalTranz, Worldwide Express and Unishippers are connected, what happens if there is a customer conflict?
These three WWEX Group companies remain separate. However, if there were to be a potential customer conflict, it would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Interested in learning more about our company? Visit the Why GlobalTranz page.
What modes of transportation can I sell as a logistics agent?
GlobalTranz offers less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), expedited, white glove, and many other transportation and supply chain solutions. Learn more in our program overview.
What are the freight agent requirements to start my own agency?
Common freight agent requirements include having at least two years of freight agent sales experience and, ideally, a portable book of customers. Learn more in our program overview.
Can I hire employees in my freight agency?
Yes! You can hire new employees and grow your business as large as you'd like, creating additional freight agent jobs and other positions. We will even help you hire and train your new employees so you can concentrate on growing your agency.
How are logistics agent opportunities different from a sales role within GTZ?
The logistics agent is a true business ownership opportunity enabling you to run your own freight business, as opposed to a direct corporate sales position.
What is the culture like when I join the GlobalTranz freight agent program?
Our freight agent program is built on collaboration, respect and shared success. You'll join a network of motivated professionals who support one another, celebrate wins and share insights, helping you grow your freight agent career in a positive, team-driven environment.
What kind of technology and tools will I have access to as a GlobalTranz freight agent?
GlobalTranz equips freight agents with a powerful transportation management system (TMS), load boards, real-time tracking and integrated CRM tools. These resources make it easier to quote, book and manage freight, so you can focus on building your freight agent business.
How does GlobalTranz support agents in growing a book of business?
We provide dedicated account support, marketing resources, freight agent training, and access to an extensive carrier network. By combining proven sales strategies with innovative technology, GlobalTranz helps freight agents expand the customer base and scale their freight agent business with confidence. In addition, agents can leverage corporate resources that assist with recruiting and hiring new sales representatives, making it easier to build and strengthen their teams.
Getting Started As a Freight Agent
What exactly does a freight agent do?
A freight agent connects shippers with carriers and logistics solutions, coordinating transportation of cargo. You act as the customer's main point of contact, managing quotes, booking loads, tracking shipments and ensuring smooth delivery without owning trucks or warehouses.
How is a freight agent different from a freight broker?
A freight broker operates an independent brokerage with their own authority, licenses and financial responsibility. A freight agent works under a licensed brokerage (or 3PL), focusing on sales, customer service and load coordination without managing regulatory compliance or bonding.
Do I need a license or certification to work as a freight agent?
We require agents to set up their business entity through a service like legalzoom.com or their tax advisor. That being said, no special license is required to become a freight agent, since you operate under a brokerage or 3PL. However, freight agent training programs can build essential skills, industry knowledge and confidence before and after you start your freight agent career.
Operations and Daily Work
What does a typical workday look like for a freight agent?
Your day often starts with checking shipments in transit, confirming deliveries and updating customers. You'll quote new loads, book carriers, negotiate rates, resolve issues and prospect for new business, all while maintaining excellent customer relationships.
How do freight agents find and book carriers for loads?
If you are partnering with a 3PL like GlobalTranz, you can tap into their network of vetted freight carriers. Otherwise, freight agents use load boards, carrier databases and industry relationships to find available trucks. You will negotiate rates on your own, confirm carrier credentials and book the load, ensuring it meets the shipper's schedule and budget while maintaining quality service.
How do freight agents set rates and quote customers?
Rates are typically influenced by market trends, lane demand, fuel costs and carrier availability. Independent agents often research pricing and negotiate directly. However, when you partner with a 3PL like GlobalTranz, you gain access to pre-negotiated carrier rates, advanced technology and dedicated support teams. This allows you to provide accurate, competitive quotes quickly without managing all the details yourself.
How are claims or damaged freight handled by freight agents?
Typically, freight agents must document the issue, guide the customer through the claims process and work directly with carriers, often spending valuable time navigating paperwork and procedures. But when you partner with a 3PL like GlobalTranz, you gain a dedicated support team that manages claims, advocates with carriers and helps protect customers — so you can stay focused on growing your freight agent business.
Client Relationships
How do I find and attract new shipping customers?
Freight agents grow business through cold calls, referrals, industry networking and online research. Building trust, demonstrating industry knowledge and offering solutions to shipping challenges will help you win new freight agent business opportunities. GlobalTranz also offers training courses focused on prospecting, closing and onboarding to help agents strengthen their sales approach and secure new customers.
What’s the best way to cold-call or prospect as a freight agent?
Be prepared, professional and customer-focused. Ask about their shipping needs, listen actively and share how your services can save them time or money. Consistent follow-up turns first calls into long-term freight agent relationships.
What kind of customers rely on freight agents?
Freight agents work with businesses of all sizes — from small companies shipping regionally to large enterprises moving freight nationwide. Any shipper that values reliable service, competitive rates and a trusted logistics partner can benefit from working with a freight agent.
Why would a shipper work with a freight agent instead of handling shipping on their own?
Shippers save time and reduce stress by relying on a freight agent’s expertise, carrier network and support. Instead of negotiating rates or tracking loads themselves, they gain a partner who manages the details, solves challenges and delivers dependable shipping solutions.
Tools & Technology
What does a transportation management system (TMS) do for freight agents?
A TMS helps manage quotes, book loads, track shipments and invoice customers. Many brokerages and 3PLs provide agents with a TMS, enabling you to handle freight efficiently and grow your freight agent business without heavy administrative work.
Do brokerages/3PLs provide load boards and technology tools?
Most freight agent jobs with established brokerages/3PLs include access to load boards, carrier databases and CRM systems. This is a huge advantage compared to going at it alone and purchasing your own technology.
How can technology and automation make a freight agent’s job easier?
Technology streamlines logistics, including quoting, load tracking and carrier selection. Automation reduces repetitive tasks, freeing freight agents to focus on sales, customer relationships and growing their freight agent career faster and more efficiently.
Is the technology easy to use for freight agents?
Yes. Many platforms require downloads or complex setups, but if you are an agent with a 3PL like GlobalTranz, you get web-based technology that's secure, user-friendly and accessible from anywhere. Once you sign on, we provide extensive technology training as part of our 30-60-90 day onboarding plan, so you're never left to figure it out alone.
Career Growth & Lifestyle
Is being a freight agent flexible, or does it require set working hours?
Most freight agent jobs offer flexibility, especially if you work independently. However, you'll need to be available during business hours to serve customers, book loads and address time-sensitive shipping issues.
Can freight agents work from anywhere?
Yes—many freight agents run their business from home or while traveling. With a laptop, phone and internet connection, you can manage shipments, build customer relationships and grow your freight agent career from virtually anywhere.
How do I choose the right brokerage or 3PL to partner with?
Look for a brokerage/3PL with strong carrier relationships, competitive commission splits, quality training and responsive support. The right partner will help you become a freight agent successfully and build a long-term business.
What are the biggest challenges freight agents face?
Challenges include rate volatility, market fluctuations, tariffs and building a steady customer base. With persistence, adaptability and continuous learning, these obstacles become stepping stones to a rewarding freight agent career.