Freight Agent Spotlight: Jacob Christenson, Great Freight Solutions

Jacob Christenson didn't discover the GlobalTranz Freight Agent Program through a recruiter or online search. He discovered it as a customer. While helping build and manage brokerage operations for Ship Central, Jacob relied on GlobalTranz as a transportation provider and experienced the company's carrier network, technology and support teams firsthand. That experience left an impression. So, when he later decided to pursue agency ownership and build a freight agent career, GlobalTranz quickly rose to the top of his list.

Today, Jacob is a co-owner at Great Freight Solutions, a GlobalTranz freight agency he operates alongside his wife, Lindsey, and business partner Ashley. Drawing on more than 15 years of logistics experience, he helps customers solve transportation challenges while enjoying the flexibility and support that attracted him to the GlobalTranz Freight Agent Program in the first place.

Tell us about Great Freight Solutions. How did the agency get started?

My wife and I originally partnered with GlobalTranz through our business, Krazy Konnections, about two years ago. Then, around a year ago, we partnered with Ashley and renamed the agency Great Freight Solutions. We were able to keep our credentials and continue building within the GlobalTranz network.

At first, the agency was more of a side business for me. Ashley was looking to transition from her role, and since we had been friends for a long time, I told her she should come broker freight with us at GlobalTranz. That partnership helped us create a stronger foundation and start building the business more intentionally.

What was your logistics background before becoming a GlobalTranz freight agent?

I got my start at another logistics company in 2010 as a dispatcher and worked my way up to senior account manager, handling larger accounts. After that, I became an agent for a smaller brokerage in Utah, then started my own brokerage around 2015.

Over the years, I also worked with a trucking company, managed a full truckload and partial division at another company and later started a brokerage. I've been on several sides of the industry, including as a broker, freight agency owner, operations leader and customer. That experience gave me a strong understanding of what shippers need.

What has kept you in logistics for so long?

I've tried to get away from logistics a couple of times, but it always seems to pull me back in. What I love about it is that it is really about providing solutions. At first, it can feel like you are just calling a carrier and booking a load, but there is a lot more to it than that.

There are people behind every shipment. Logistics can be messy, and you can either make someone's day harder or help them navigate through the challenges. I like being able to pull people together, collaborate and create real solutions that help businesses run better.

Why did you choose the GlobalTranz Freight Agent Program?

There were a few key reasons. The compensation was competitive and straightforward, and the freight agent carrier network was a big factor. I also already knew GlobalTranz from the customer side. When I was at another logistics company, GlobalTranz was one of our solution providers, and I liked the rates, the system and the overall experience.

The recruiter was also great. He answered my questions and gave me information without pressuring me. That mattered to me. I had narrowed my options down to a few companies, and because I had already experienced GlobalTranz as a customer, it felt like a natural decision.

What was the transition like from a W-2 role to becoming an agent?

It is a big jump, especially when you are going from a W-2 role into owning your own business. However, with GlobalTranz, the transition was much smoother. I had access to dormant accounts and customers that had already been set up in the system at one point. That gave me a place to start prospecting new customers.

What has your experience been like with GlobalTranz training and support?

The GlobalTranz training has been strong. There are good resources and step-by-step guidance, which is helpful. The freight agent training also made a big impact, especially for Ashley when she first came on board.

She joined at a time when GlobalTranz was offering a sales training course, and the feedback from her was great. There was role playing, breakout sessions and practical guidance. It helped her get out of her comfort zone because she had more of an operations background than a full truckload sales background. It also helped her feel like part of the community right away.

How would you describe the GlobalTranz agent culture?

I do not look at other agents as competition. There are plenty of opportunities out there, and there are a lot of untapped customers and markets. The culture feels like people want to see each other succeed. GlobalTranz also creates that feeling through events, competitions and communication. You feel like you are part of a team instead of being out there on your own.

How has becoming an agent affected your work-life balance?

As an agent, I think your work-life balance depends a lot on the kind of customers you choose and the type of freight you move. I have worked in areas like produce where freight can be 24/7, 365 days a year. At this point, I try to work with customers that operate more Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.

What I like about the agent model is that there is not a corporate thumb over your head. Instead, there is corporate support. I can choose the kind of business I want to build and the kind of stress I am willing to take on. That flexibility has helped create the kind of freight agent work-life balance I was looking for.

What is your favorite part about being a freight agency owner?

The flexibility is my favorite part. I can choose the customers I work with, the type of freight I want to move and the kind of business I want to build. I also have the flexibility to partner with the right people, whether that is another person who can bring in customers or a customer that needs real support.

The other big piece is the back-office support. When I owned my own brokerage, payables, receivables, claims, insurance and risk took a lot of the fun out of the business. With GlobalTranz, I can focus on moving freight and providing solutions while I receive freight agent support and back-office support to handle those tasks.

What would you tell someone who is on the fence about becoming a freight agent?

If someone is on the fence about becoming a freight agent, I would tell them GlobalTranz is the way to go based on my experience. You have less than truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), international, a strong carrier network and a payables team that treats carriers well.

It comes down to what someone wants. If their goal is more flexibility and less corporate pressure, this is the easiest transition from W-2 to business ownership that I have experienced in freight. You have support, training, relationships and a high-touch agency experience. You are not on an island. You are part of the company culture.

What are your plans for the future of Great Freight Solutions?

We want to grow, but being the biggest agency is not necessarily the goal. We want to be good at what we do and build a diverse customer base, so we aren’t too dependent on one type of freight or one season.

As we grow, we will need more support on the back end, especially with tracking and operations. Long term, my wife and I would like to build a strong foundation with GlobalTranz behind it and eventually set Ashley up to take over the business. The goal is to build something solid, sustainable and meaningful for the people involved.

Do you want to become a freight agent with GlobalTranz?

At GlobalTranz, we go above and beyond to help you grow your agency through a proven logistics agent program. In fact, here's what you will gain access to as a GlobalTranz freight agent:

• A trusted network of 75+ LTL and 45,000+ FTL carriers.
• Advanced logistics technology for quoting, tracking and visibility.
• Freight agent training to help you grow in the short and long term.
• Sales and marketing tools to help you grow.
• Competitive commission splits, paid the pay cycle after delivery.
• A collaborative culture to help you succeed in business.

Want to learn more about our freight agent program and build a rewarding freight agent career? Expand your logistics sales career and reach out to a GlobalTranz recruiter today!