Landstar vs SPI:
Freight Agent Program Comparison
A detailed look at commissions, autonomy, and back-office support to help experienced brokers choose the right fit.
Landstar vs SPI Logistics: Which Freight Agent Program Fits You Best?
If you’re an experienced freight broker or independent freight agent, you’ve likely heard of both Landstar and SPI Logistics. Each company offers a strong agent program, but they take very different approaches. This guide compares the Landstar and SPI Logistics Freight Agent Programs across commissions, technology, support and autonomy to help you decide which best matches your business goals.
Company Overviews
Landstar
Landstar System, Inc. is an “asset-light” logistics provider that contracts with more than 8,000 independent owner-operators (known as Business Capacity Owners, or BCOs who operate under Landstar’s authority) as well as over 70,000 vetted carriers¹. Its agents act as independent business owners under Landstar’s authority but operate within a larger corporate structure. Payments to the agent, the capacity provider and Landstar are shared on each load; Landstar states that the agent’s commission is determined by the percentage terms specified in their agency agreement¹. Landstar provides back-office support, safety compliance and proprietary technology, offering stability and brand recognition to agents¹
SPI Logistics
SPI Logistics is a 100% agent-based freight brokerage with over 45 years of experience and more than 70 independent offices across North America. SPI’s model gives agents control over customers, carriers and pricing. SPI provides industry-leading commissions up to 75%, pays agents weekly, even if the shipper delays payment, and charges no desk or franchise fees. Its platform is built on a Salesforce-integrated TMS that provides load-board access, CRM tools and real-time analytics. Agents receive personalized, 24/7 back-office support while retaining ownership of their book of business.
Key Similarities
- Compliance & Administrative Support: Both programs handle billing, carrier payments and compliance so agents can focus on selling freight.
- Carrier Network Access: Each company offers access to extensive carrier networks and load boards.
- Structured Onboarding & Training: Both firms provide onboarding, training and operations support to help agents ramp up efficiently.
Key Differences
| Category | Landstar | SPI Logistics |
| Earnings Potential & Commission Structure | Commission splits are shared among the agent, the capacity provider and Landstar corporate. The exact percentage is determined by each agency agreement¹. | SPI advertises commissions up to 75%, with weekly payments and no hold backs or hidden fees. |
| Technology & Tools | Landstar uses a proprietary Transportation Management System (TMS) and mobile apps for quoting, dispatch and billing¹. These tools are developed in-house and enhanced based on agent input. | SPI’s platform integrates a leading freight management system with Salesforce CRM and major load boards. It leverages best-in-class software and custom integrations to ensure agents always have access to the latest, most effective tools for a competitive edge. |
| Carrier Network | Agents draw from Landstar’s network of BCOs and approved carriers¹. While agents are independent, there is an expectation to prioritize Landstar-approved capacity. | SPI operates as a non-asset brokerage. Agents may partner with any qualified carrier, giving them maximum flexibility in carrier selection. |
| Autonomy & Restrictions | Agents operate under Landstar’s authority and corporate systems¹. They benefit from the company’s brand and infrastructure but must follow its policies, including using Landstar-approved carriers and tools. | SPI agents own their customer relationships, pricing and carrier choices. There are no territories or franchise fees, and agents may build their own brand while leveraging SPI’s support. |
| Support & Back Office | Landstar provides centralized support for billing, accounts receivable, insurance and compliance¹. This structure suits agents seeking stability and standardized procedures. | SPI offers personalized back-office support, including accounting, compliance and weekly commission settlements. Agents receive direct access to the support team without layers of corporate hierarchy. |
Commission Structure & Agent Pay
Landstar states that agent payments are “based on the percentage commission rates set forth in the agency agreement”¹. Because these terms vary by contract, public disclosures do not reveal typical splits. Discussion threads suggest that Landstar’s commission may be spread among three parties (agent, carrier and Landstar), and some agents note that the company’s portion covers support functions³. Rather than quoting an unverified average here, agents should carefully review their Landstar contract to understand the specific revenue split.
SPI Logistics, by contrast, publicly advertises commissions up to 75 % of gross margin, with weekly payments guaranteed even if the shipper delays payment. This higher split positions experienced brokers for greater earning potential while still providing full back-office support.
Technology & Freight-Management Tools
Landstar offers proprietary technology, including a TMS and mobile app, to help agents quote, dispatch and bill shipments efficiently¹. These tools are designed specifically for Landstar’s network.
SPI’s technology stack uses a custom freight-management system integrated with Salesforce CRM and major load boards, plus offers real-time reporting. Agents get free access to load boards, comprehensive accounting functionality and analytics dashboards. For brokers who value a modern, unified platform that leverages multiple best in class systems, this may provide a competitive edge.
Back-Office & Administrative Support
Both programs handle invoicing, billing and carrier payments so agents can focus on sales. Landstar provides centralized corporate support for billing, accounts receivable, compliance and carrier onboarding. This structure is designed to support thousands of BCOs, agents, and vetted carriers, but given its size, likely requires additional layers, standardized workflows and longer internal pathways.
SPI mirrors these functions but with a leaner, more responsive support model. As a non-asset brokerage with a smaller organizational footprint, SPI connects agents directly with the accounting, compliance and technical staff who support their individual office. There are no regional management layers, fewer handoffs, and shorter approval chains. This direct-access model typically results in faster turnaround on settlements, credit checks, compliance paperwork and carrier payments. SPI’s support staff often develop personal working relationships with agents, enabling faster decisions and more flexible problem-solving than large, highly centralized corporate programs.
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
Landstar markets its network as a way for agents to be independent business owners but under the umbrella of Landstar’s authority¹. Agents have freedom in terms of geography and vertical, but they must adhere to corporate policies (e.g., using approved capacity providers and the Landstar TMS).
SPI offers true independence: agents own their customer relationships and brand, set their own margins and choose any qualified carrier. There are no territories or franchise fees. This model suits experienced brokers who already have a book of business and want maximum control and upside.
Reputation & Reviews
Landstar
Industry Forums: Posts on TruckersReport3 and InsideTransport4 describe Landstar as a reliable, established player with a long history in the industry. Forum participants often reference Landstar’s large agent network, steady freight flow, and consistent systems, while also noting that its commission structure can be complex or feel tighter compared with non-asset brokerages. Overall, commenters describe Landstar as offering stability, scale, and predictability, which appeals to agents who prefer a structured corporate framework.
Glassdoor: Landstar’s Glassdoor rating averages 3.7 / 5 stars, with roughly 76 % of employees saying they would recommend working there². Many comments highlight Landstar’s strong brand reputation, extensive freight volume, and well-established operational systems. Reviewers also note that Landstar’s size brings structure and stability, though some mention slower communication or added layers of corporate processes, which is common in large organizations.
SPI Logistics
Glassdoor: SPI Logistics averages 4.2 / 5 stars on Glassdoor. Reviewers frequently highlight SPI’s supportive culture, responsive back-office team, and user-friendly TMS. Several agents and employees describe SPI as flexible and transparent, with clear communication and a strong support network.
Independent Industry Commentary: Third-party logistics publications, such as Everything Is Logistics, feature multiple interviews with SPI agents and leaders. Across these interviews, agents cite:
- Reliable back-office support that handles invoicing, payments, and credit checks
- Access to leadership and a collaborative, relationship-driven culture
- Smooth onboarding experiences during transitions from other brokerages
- Competitive earning potential, with high commission splits and no non-compete restrictions
- Greater entrepreneurial freedom compared with more structured programs
These insights reflect SPI’s positioning as a smaller, agent-centric brokerage that emphasizes responsiveness and individual support.
Conclusion
When comparing SPI Logistics and Landstar, the key differences become clear:
Landstar offers stability, infrastructure and brand recognition within a corporate structure. Agents operate under Landstar’s authority and benefit from its safety and support systems¹. This environment may suit brokers who prefer a structured program, modest risk and access to a very large network.
SPI Logistics provides independence, higher earning potential (up to 75% commission) and hands-on support. For experienced brokers with an established book of business who want full control over customers, carriers and margins, SPI’s model may unlock faster growth and greater profitability.
Ultimately, the best program depends on your goals, risk tolerance and business maturity. Newer brokers or those seeking strong corporate backing might lean toward Landstar. Seasoned brokers seeking maximum independence and higher commission splits may find SPI to be a better fit.
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SPI vs Landstar: Common Questions
SPI states that agents can earn up to 75% of gross margin with weekly payments. Landstar’s commission split is shared among the agent, the capacity provider and Landstar, and the specific percentage is defined in each agent’s contract¹. Because Landstar does not publicly disclose typical splits, prospective agents should compare their contract offers carefully.
SPI operates as a non-asset brokerage, allowing agents to own their customer relationships, set margins and choose any qualified carrier. Landstar agents are independent but operate under Landstar’s authority and must follow its corporate policies and carrier approvals¹.
Landstar uses a proprietary in-house TMS for quoting, dispatch and billing¹. SPI’s Salesforce-enhanced TMS system integrates multiple load boards and CRM tools, offering broader flexibility and real-time visibility.
Landstar provides centralized corporate support for billing, accounts receivable, insurance and compliance¹. SPI offers personalized back-office support with direct access to accounting and compliance teams, aiming for faster, 24/7 response times.
Landstar’s structured systems and brand recognition are suited to brokers who want a corporate environment with standardized procedures. SPI is designed for experienced freight brokers who have an existing book of business and are looking for more control, flexibility and higher earnings potential.
Sources
- Landstar System, Inc. – Become an Independent Landstar Agent: Official page describing the Landstar agent network, technology, carrier counts and payment structure.
- Glassdoor – Landstar Reviews: Employee rating and recommendation statistics for Landstar.
- TruckersReport forum: The ugly truth about Landstar discussion thread
- InsideTransport forum: Landstar Agents discussion thread