Trinity vs. SPI:
Freight Agent Program Comparison
A practical comparison of commission structures, operational freedom, tech capabilities, and agent support for brokers assessing their next move.
Comparing Trinity and SPI Freight Agent Programs
Experienced freight agents often compare Trinity Logistics and SPI Logistics when seeking the best home for their business. Both companies have decades of industry experience and successful independent agent networks, but cater to slightly different agent priorities. This breakdown highlights contrasts in pay, support, tools, and independence so you can determine which setup aligns with your entrepreneurial style
Company Overviews
Trinity Logistics
Trinity Logistics, founded in 1979 and now part of the Burris Logistics family, is a top-20 freight brokerage with a long history of supporting independent agents. The company provides the use of their operating systems and other tech, including access to DAT and Truckstop.com, LTL software and pricing tools, and portals free to agents in their program. Trinity is known for a family-like culture; it maintains a dedicated Agent Support Team and invests in agent training, education, and recognition programs for top performers.
SPI Logistics
SPI Logistics is a non-asset freight brokerage with 45+ years in operation with over 70 offices across North America. SPI’s program is built around agent ownership and autonomy: agents operate under SPI’s authority but set their own pricing, choose their own carriers, and maintain full control of customer relationships. The earning potential is high, as SPI offers up to 75% commission and pays commissions weekly, even if the shipper has not paid yet, with no holdbacks or hidden fees. SPI provides a modern, flexible technology platform that combines a custom TMS with Salesforce CRM, real-time analytics, and integrations to major load boards and tracking tools. The company provides 24/7 back-office assistance and direct access to leadership, fostering a culture where entrepreneurial agents get help fast without corporate red tape.
Key Similarities
Both Trinity and SPI share several fundamentals that appeal to experienced freight brokers, including:
- Full Back-Office Support: Billing, invoicing, collections, carrier payments, and other administrative tasks are handled by both companies’ back offices, relieving agents of non-revenue work.
- Carrier Network & Load Boards: Each program provides access to a broad network of vetted carriers and popular load boards for finding trucks. Both Trinity and SPI have decades-long carrier relationships and give agents the tools (and credit) to book capacity confidently.
- Weekly Agent Payouts: Weekly commission settlements are standard at both Trinity and SPI, which means agents enjoy consistent cash flow.
- No Hidden Fees: Both programs boast transparent commission structures with no surprise deductions. Agents at Trinity and SPI are not charged franchise fees, desk fees, or random “service” fees.
- Industry Experience & Stability: Trinity and SPI each have over 45 years in the industry with successful track records. This longevity translates into proven processes, financial stability, and reputations that agents can leverage with shippers and carriers.
Key Differences
While Trinity and SPI have much in common, there are key differences in how they operate. Below is a side-by-side comparison.
| Category | Trinity Logistics | SPI Logistics |
| Commission Transparency | Trinity does not publicly disclose its commission split. However, a Trinity blog article notes that industry standards typically range from 50% to 70%. | Up to 75% commission and weekly settlements regardless of shipper payment, with no holdbacks or surprise fees. |
| Business Ownership | Agents own their book of business but operate within Trinity’s branded environment, corporate support structure, and multi-layered organization. | Agents own their book and maintain broad operational flexibility, with no territories, no quotas, and direct access to company leadership within a lean, privately held organization. |
| Technology Flexibility | Agents use Trinity’s proprietary TMS and CRM system (with integrated customer portals and pricing tools). The platform is robust but tailored to Trinity’s standardized ecosystem. | Agents get a custom TMS integrated with Salesforce CRM plus free access to top load boards, analytics, and tracking; an open, flexible tech stack that supports modern integrations and agent-preferred tools. |
| Leadership Access | Trinity Logistics uses a dedicated Agent Support division as the primary liaison between agents and the broader corporate organization. | SPI’s lean, private structure means agents have direct access to company leadership and department heads. There are few layers, so issues get escalated and resolved quickly without bureaucracy. |
| Support Culture | Trinity fosters a family-like culture with structured training and ongoing education. The company rewards top performers through programs like the Platinum Agent retreat. | SPI cultivates an entrepreneurial culture with hands-on support available 24/7. Agents receive high-touch assistance from a small, agile team; problems are addressed in real-time, reflecting a “no red tape” approach to agent support. |
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
Conclusion: Which Program is Right for You?
Both Trinity and SPI offer reputable freight agent partnerships, but they tend to suit different agent profiles. Trinity Logistics may be a better fit if you value a large corporate system, a well-defined training program, and the security of an established top-20 brokerage. SPI Logistics is typically favored by highly entrepreneurial brokers who prioritize fuller independence, higher commission potential, and fast, personalized support.
In short, agents preferring a structured, big-team environment might lean toward Trinity, whereas those seeking greater freedom and earning upside tend to choose SPI. Evaluating your own work style, business volume, and support needs will clarify which program aligns best with your goals.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re an experienced freight broker evaluating your options, consider reaching out to SPI Logistics for a confidential consultation. Learn more about how SPI’s agent model can empower your business.
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FAQ: SPI Logistics vs. Trinity Logistics
Trinity does not state its commission split anywhere on its website, so their exact percentage isn’t published for prospective agents to review, though a Trinity blog post reference typical 50-70 commissions.
SPI, provides up to 75% commissions and weekly payouts even if the customer hasn’t paid yet, as seen on their Agents page.
Both companies target experienced freight brokers with an existing book of business.
The SPI Logistics agent program offers greater day-to-day independence. Agents set their pricing, and choose their customers and carriers without territorial limits or pressing corporate mandates. By contrast, the Trinity Logistics agent program also treats agents as independent business owners, but operates within a larger corporate framework. So, while both let you be your own boss, SPI places heavier emphasis on autonomy, and Trinity offers more structure and guidance.
Trinity provides its agents with a proprietary TMS and integrated technology suite, including a built-in CRM, customer web portal, and pricing tools. SPI offers a flexible tech stack: agents get a custom cloud-based TMS that’s integrated with Salesforce CRM, plus free access to major load boards (DAT, Truckstop, Loadlink) and real-time tracking and analytics. SPI’s platform is designed to be open and integration-friendly, so agents can take advantage of modern tools and even customize parts of their workflow.
Trinity Logistics offers a structured support system with a whole corporate division devoted to agent success. New agents go through onboarding training to get comfortable with Trinity’s processes, and Trinity continues to provide education on industry trends, sales strategies, and mode-specific knowledge through ongoing programs.
SPI Logistics provides a hands-on, on-demand support experience. The company operates with 24/7 back-office support, so agents can get help with credit checks, compliance, or problem loads at any hour. Because SPI is a smaller organization, agents often have direct lines to decision-makers, so you can quickly reach the people in charge of settlements, IT, or operations without going through layers of bureaucracy. While SPI may not have formal classroom-style training programs, new agents get one-on-one guidance during onboarding, and the leadership team is always available to mentor and advise.
In summary, Trinity’s support is highly structured and communal, whereas SPI’s support is immediate and personalized, reflecting each company’s culture and size.