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 brokerage1 with a long history of supporting independent agents. The company provides the use of their operating systems and other tech2, 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 culture3; 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 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
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% 6 . | 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 maintain complete ownership of their customers, pricing and carriers, with no franchise fees, territories, or mandatory quotas. |
| Leadership Access | Trinity Logistics uses a dedicated Agent Support division7 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 culture8 with structured training and ongoing education. The company rewards top performers through programs like the Platinum Agent retreat7. | 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 publicly disclose its commission split on its website, so the exact percentage is not available for prospective agents to review. However, a Trinity blog post notes that industry-standard freight agent commissions typically range from 50% to 70%.
SPI Logistics offers commissions of up to 75% commissions and pays agents weekly, even if the customer has not yet paid, as outlined on SPI’s Agents page.
Both Trinity Logistics and SPI Logistics primarily target experienced freight brokers who already have an established book of business.
SPI’s freight agent program emphasizes day-to-day independence. Agents choose their own pricing, customers, and carriers without territorial limits or mandatory corporate quotas.
Trinity Logistics also treats agents as independent business owners, but operates within a larger corporate framework. Both models support independence, though SPI places greater emphasis on autonomy while Trinity provides more structure and guidance.
Trinity provides agents with a proprietary transportation management system (TMS) and an integrated technology suite that includes a built-in CRM, customer portals, and pricing tools.
SPI offers a flexible technology stack that includes a custom cloud-based TMS integrated with Salesforce CRM, along with access to major load boards and tools for tracking and analytics. SPI’s platform is designed to be open and integration-friendly, allowing agents to tailor workflows and use modern tools.
Trinity offers a structured support model with a dedicated division focused on agent success, including onboarding training and ongoing education programs.
SPI provides hands-on, on-demand support with 24/7 back-office assistance for credit checks, compliance, settlements, and problem loads. SPI’s lean structure allows agents to reach decision-makers quickly, and new agents typically receive one-on-one onboarding guidance.
Sources
- Armstrong Transport Blog: Armstrong blog post on various freight brokerages
- Trinity Logistics Blog: Technology for freight agents
- About Trinity Logistics: Trinity’s About Us page
- What is a freight agent: A guide explaining the freight agent model and how it differs from becoming a licensed freight broker
- The SPI Agent Network: Specific details on what SPI offers their agents
- Trinity Blog: How much will I make as a freight agent?
- Trinity Join Us Page: Trinity’s page describing their freight agent program
- Trinity Blog: What is an Independent Freight Agent with Trinity Logistics?