What is a Freight Agency?
This guide explains the freight agent model and highlights how it differs from becoming a licensed freight broker.
Become an SPI AgentDesigned for freight brokers with industry experience ready to grow as independent agents.
What is a Freight Agency?
A freight agency is a business model where independent freight agents partner with an established brokerage to move freight under the brokerage’s authority. Agents operate as 1099 contractors and focus on booking loads, servicing clients, and growing their book of business. The brokerage handles compliance, invoicing, carrier payments, and back-office support.
Unlike a licensed freight broker who must obtain their own FMCSA authority, surety bond, and insurance, a freight agent operates under the authority of a licensed brokerage like SPI Logistics. This allows experienced brokers and salespeople to “be their own boss” without taking on the full legal and financial burden of running a brokerage.
How the Freight Agent Model Works
Your Role as an Agent
- Prospect and secure shippers
- Quote rates and book loads
- Dispatch and track freight
- Build lasting customer relationships
SPI Logistics’ Role as Your Partner
- Provide access to leading TMS and load boards
- Manage carrier vetting and onboarding
- Handle billing, collections, and carrier pay
- Offers 24/7 operational support
Shared Success
- High commission splits (up to 75%)
- Weekly payouts to agents
- Scalable tools and support
Think of it like franchising: you run your business your way, but with the backing, tools, and credibility of an established logistics brand.
Why Independent Brokers Choose the Freight Agency Model
Lower Startup Costs
– No licensing or surety bond fees
– No upfront investment in software or systems
– Start with just your book of business, a laptop, and phone
Greater Freedom, Less Risk
– No need to manage staff, payroll, or receivables
– Avoid the capital strain of paying carriers before shippers pay
– Leverage SPI’s reputation and creditworthiness with shippers and carriers
Weekly Pay & Strong Commission Splits
– Earn up to 75% of gross profit per load
– SPI pays weekly, even if the shipper hasn’t paid yet
– Reliable cash flow with no factoring fees
Faster Growth, Fewer Headaches
– Skip the administrative workload
– Focus entirely on sales and customer service
– Avoid delays from billing issues, credit checks, or paperwork
Powerful Technology, No Cost to You
– Custom Freight Management System (TMS + CRM)
– Free access to DAT, Loadlink, and other top load boards
– Real-time tracking, analytics, and Salesforce integration
Who Should Consider Becoming a Freight Agent?
The freight agency model works best for:
Experienced brokers or agents with an established customer base
Logistics professionals frustrated by caps, low commissions, or lack of support at their current firm
Entrepreneurs who want flexibility without setting up a full brokerage
Those seeking a soft landing into independence without as much risk
Why SPI is the Preferred Freight Agency for Experienced Brokers
SPI has helped hundreds of agents grow their books without admin headaches—letting them run their business, their way, with the backing of a trusted team.
With SPI, you get:
A Trusted Partner: SPI has over 45 years of brokerage experience in North America, providing agents with a stable, well-capitalized platform to build their business.
Industry-Leading Tools Agents gain access to SPI’s proprietary FMS, combining TMS, CRM, and real-time analytics, with integrations to major load boards, Salesforce, and tracking tools.
Reliable Pay & High Earning Potential SPI offers up to 75% commission splits and pays agents weekly. There are no desk fees or hidden charges—just predictable, performance-based income.
Full-Service Back Office The SPI back-office support team handles billing, collections, carrier vetting, claims support, and cross-border paperwork—freeing you to focus on your customers.
SPI vs. Going Independent
When looking to make the jump to independence, it’s best to compare your options and determine whether starting your own brokerage or being a part of an agency sets you up for success.
| Category | Going Solo | Partnering with SPI |
| Authority | Must apply for FMCSA authority and $75K bond | Covered under SPI’s existing authority and bond |
| Software | Pay for TMS, CRM, and load boards | Provided free of charge by SPI |
| Admin Burden | Responsible for all back-office tasks | SPI handles invoicing, carrier pay, collections, etc. |
| Credibility | Build from scratch | Leverage SPI’s 45+ year reputation |
| Pay Schedule | Wait for shipper payments (30-60 days) | Paid out weekly, no factoring needed |
| Risk | Full exposure to non-payment, claims, etc. | SPI support helps reduce operational and financial stress |
Freight Agency FAQs
No. Freight agents operate under SPI’s authority. You don’t need your own licensing or bond.
SPI provides billing, collections, compliance, document management, tech tools, and onboarding help.
Yes. SPI’s model is built for experienced brokers with freight volume and customer relationships in place.
SPI pays agents on commission from the loads they move. Payments are fast and reliable.
SPI supports remote agents across the US and Canada.
Ready to Become an SPI Agent?
SPI is actively looking for experienced brokers ready to take the next step. If that sounds like you, let’s connect.
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This program is built for experienced brokers or freight agents with an existing customer base.