Armstrong vs. SPI:
Freight Agent Program Comparison
A clear comparison of commissions, autonomy, technology, and support to help experienced freight brokers choose the right partner.
Comparing Armstrong and SPI Freight Agent Programs
Experienced brokers weighing agent programs often look at Armstrong Transport Group and SPI Logistics, two long-established players whose models appeal to different kinds of entrepreneurial agents. This breakdown highlights the contrasts in pay, support, tools and independence so you can determine which setup aligns with your business priorities.
Company Overviews
Armstrong Transport Group
Armstrong Transport Group, based in Charlotte, NC, has grown to more than 150 agent offices across the US¹. The company pitches itself as an agent-centric 3PL, offering a 70% base commission, opportunities for monthly and annual bonuses, and consistent weekly settlements. Armstrong promotes a benefits package through an HR partner and operates on its own web-based TMS, which includes EDI functionality, shipment visibility tools, and integrated load posting².
Prospective agents are expected to bring an established customer base and produce at least $8,000 in gross margin per month3 to remain in good standing.
SPI Logistics
SPI Logistics is a non-asset brokerage with 45+ years in operation and more than 70 independent offices throughout North America. SPI structures its program around agent ownership: agents set their pricing, choose their carriers, and maintain full control of their customer relationships. SPI provides commissions up to 75% of gross margin, pays weekly regardless of customer payment timelines, and emphasizes a highly responsive support model.
SPI’s tech platform brings together a custom TMS, Salesforce CRM, and multiple load boards, giving agents real-time visibility and strong operational flexibility. Agents retain their book of business, which is a core part of SPI’s long-term value proposition4.
Key Similarities
- Administrative Relief: Both companies manage invoicing, billing, and carrier payments.
- Carrier Access: Each offers broad carrier networks and direct access to load boards.
- Onboarding Support: Armstrong uses a structured training system and assigned onboarding staff, while SPI relies on personalized onboarding anchored by its leadership and back-office teams5.
- Large Carrier Networks: Both Armstrong and SPI offer their agents access to a large network of vetted carriers and make carrier onboarding, and making carrier payments, fast and efficient.
Key Differences
| Category | Armstrong Transport Group | SPI Logistics |
| Earnings Potential | Guaranteed 70% split with the possibility of monthly and annual bonuses². | Up to 75% of gross margin, with straightforward weekly payouts, regardless of when shippers pay, and no additional fees or deductions. |
| Technology & Tools | Web-based internal TMS with EDI, shipment tracking and automated load posting. Developed specifically for Armstrong’s operating model². | Customized industry-leading TMS integrated with Salesforce CRM, real-time reporting and free access to top load boards. An open, flexible ecosystem5 for agents who prefer modern integrations. |
| Autonomy | Agents run their offices independently but follow Armstrong’s operational systems and must meet defined performance standards3. | Agents maintain complete ownership of their customers, pricing and carriers, with no franchise fees, territories, or mandatory quotas. |
| Support Model | Centralized support covering accounting, claims, marketing, and HR benefits through a partner². | Direct, high-touch support from accounting, compliance, operations and leadership with few layers and fast issue resolution. |
Commission Structure & Agent Pay
Armstrong’s program starts with a guaranteed 70% commission and includes a monthly 5% bonus opportunity along with annual bonus options. Weekly settlements are standard, and Armstrong notes that it does not withhold pay for carrier bad debt2.
SPI’s commission model is simple and transparent: agents can earn up to 75% of gross margin, with weekly payouts regardless of when shippers pay. There are no desk fees, no deductions and no hold-backs, giving agents a consistent and predictable income path4.
Technology & Tools
Armstrong
Armstrong’s proprietary TMS is built around EDI connectivity, internal workflow efficiency and automated shipment updates. It also includes financial planning tools to help agents track compensation and performance6.
SPI
SPI takes a different approach, bringing together components from leading TMS platforms with Salesforce CRM, multiple load boards, and modern shipment-tracking tools. The result is a unified system with real-time analytics, flexible integrations, and a single workspace for quoting, dispatching, communication, and reporting. SPI’s tech-stack appeal to agents who want seamless interoperability and confidence that their tools are continually evolving with the market7.
Support & Back Office
Armstrong
Armstrong provides structured, department-based support that includes accounting, claims, HR benefits and marketing assistance. Agents are assigned a team for onboarding and ongoing guidance2.
SPI
SPI’s back-office model offers agents 24/7 support for billing, compliance and collections. Because the system is designed with fewer internal layers, agents often experience faster turnaround and a more personalized feel4, which is especially valuable for those focused on keeping operations moving quickly.
Why SPI’s Back-Office Often Feels Faster
Direct access to accounting, compliance and tech support
No regional managers or multi-step escalation chains
Fewer handoffs between departments
Personalized support from staff who know the agent’s book of business
Faster turnaround on settlements, credit checks and approvals
Lean, non-asset structure = fewer administrative layers
Agent Autonomy & Business Growth
Armstrong
Armstrong offers agents the ability to run their own offices while operating within the company’s established systems, proprietary TMS, and defined performance expectations. Agents build their customer base but follow Armstrong’s standardized workflows and tools2,3.
SPI
SPI structures its program to give agents broad operational control, including ownership of customer relationships, pricing decisions, and carrier selection. SPI highlights that agents can “run your business your way” while relying on the company’s support and integrated technology stack4,5.
Reputation & Reviews
Armstrong
Reviews generally fall in the high 3-star range on Glassdoor8, with positive feedback highlighting supportive teams and helpful training. Some agents note that commission tiers and expectations can feel layered or complex. Transport Topics ranked Armstrong 55 within their Top 100 Logistics Providers in 20249.
SPI
SPI typically earns ratings in the low- to mid-4-star range on Glassdoor10. Agents frequently mention transparent communication, responsive support, and a tech environment that’s easy to operate. Industry interviews5 consistently reference SPI’s approachable leadership and its ability to offer individualized help rather than a corporate, tiered structure.
Conclusion
Armstrong and SPI both offer viable paths for experienced freight brokers, but the fit depends on what you value most:
Armstrong fits brokers who want structure, a defined support system, and access to corporate benefits².
SPI is often chosen by experienced brokers who prefer more autonomy, a flexible operating environment, and a clear, high-earning commission model with minimal organizational barriers4.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Armstrong vs SPI
Armstrong guarantees a 70% commission with monthly and bonus opportunities².
SPI provides up to 75% of gross margin with straightforward weekly payouts and no holdbacks or hidden fees.
Yes. Armstrong pays weekly and states that it does not withhold commissions due to carrier bad debt2. SPI also pays agents weekly, even if shippers delay payment, ensuring a predictable cash flow cycle.
Armstrong requires at least one year of experience, a portable customer base, and a minimum of $8,000 in monthly gross margin4. SPI does not set specific production quotas but does focus on partnering with experienced brokers who already have an active customer base.
SPI offers a higher level of day-to-day independence. SPI positions its model around agent autonomy, emphasizing that agents can “run your business your way” while maintaining full control over pricing, customer relationships, carrier selection, and branding4,5. This approach allows experienced brokers to operate with minimal corporate constraints while still accessing SPI’s support and integrated technology.
Armstrong provides more structure and program oversight. Armstrong agents operate under a franchise-like model where they must follow baseline customer-management rules and meet required performance minimums11.
Armstrong provides a proprietary web-based TMS with EDI, shipment visibility, and automated load posting². SPI uses a blended technology stack that combines a web-based TMS with Salesforce CRM, major load boards, real-time analytics, and flexible integrations. SPI agents frequently highlight its ease of use and integrated workflow5, making it a strong fit for those who prefer modern, flexible tools.
Armstrong offers corporate support across accounting, claims, compliance, and HR benefits². SPI provides 24/7 back-office support4 through a structure that gives agents fast access to decision-makers in settlements, compliance, and credit. This often reduces delays and handoffs.
Armstrong’s structured environment and established processes may appeal to agents who prefer a corporate approach. SPI is typically favored by brokers with existing customers who want more autonomy, higher commission potential, and greater control over their operations12.
Armstrong: Public information does not indicate agent-facing franchise fees, desk fees, or percentage holdbacks.
SPI: SPI does not charge franchise fees, desk fees, hidden deductions, or holdbacks.
Armstrong agents use a vetted carrier network managed through the company’s systems. SPI provides compliance support while allowing agents to work with any qualified carrier they choose, giving them great flexibility in building carrier relationships.
Yes, both do.
Armstrong provides structured onboarding focused on its proprietary systems, customer-management rules, and performance expectations.
SPI offers a thorough and flexible onboarding process that gets agents up and running quickly while letting them operate their business their own way.
Armstrong’s employee reviews generally fall in the mid-3-star range8, with positive comments on training and team support, alongside mentions of layered commission structures. SPI’s reviews tend to be higher, with agents noting responsive support, transparent communication, and an easy-to-use tech stack10.
Both programs support long-term success, but they approach growth differently.
Armstrong provides scale through a large corporate framework, standardized processes, and extensive back-office resources2. Agents grow by tapping into the company’s systems, buying power, and structured operational model.
SPI, by contrast, places more focus on entrepreneurial growth. They provide “everything you need as a broker to succeed12” while still giving you full ownership of your customer relationships, the ability to set pricing, choose carriers, and build your own brand. This level of autonomy enables high-performing brokers to scale quickly and build true equity in their book of business.
Bottom line:
If you want structured scalability, Armstrong is solid.
If you want maximum autonomy and the ability to grow your business your way, SPI is a better fit.
Sources
- Charlotte Regional Business Alliance: Armstrong HQ & Offices
- Armstrong Freight Agent Program Page
- Armstrong Become a Freight Agent Page
- Everything Is Logistics: Independent Freight Agent Programs 2025
- Everything Is Logistics: The Freight Agent Trenches with Steve Burroughs
- Armstrong Freight Agent Technology
- Everything is Logistics: Navigating the New American Dream with The Freight Coach, Chris Jolly
- Glassdoor Reviews: Armstrong Transport Group
- Transport Topics: Top 100 Logistics Companies
- Glassdoor Reviews: SPI Logistics
- Questions Employees Ask When Considering Freight Agency Ownership
- Everything is Logistics: Navigating the New American Dream with The Freight Coach, Chris Jolly