The freight logistics industry is an essential part of society and day-to-day life and a source of vast employment opportunities across the world.
Statistics indicate that the transport and warehouse sectors and related industries in the United States employ approximately 10 percent of the country’s labor force. So, if you’re looking to become a freight agent, the profession has desirable benefits.
Becoming an independent freight agent can be a daunting task. However, the journey comes with several benefits. These include enjoying more workplace flexibility, making more money, and growing in a financially stable environment, among many other benefits.
Keep reading to learn more about the hard-to-pass benefits of becoming an independent freight agent in the logistics industry.
Do You Want To Become a Freight Agent?
To become a freight agent, you must possess some basic qualifications. First, you should have a better understanding of the shipping industry and the freight process. Also, it would help if you had strong customer service skills and the ability to also work independently.
There are a few ways to become a freight agent. You can either start your freight brokerage or work for a company that has a freight agent program.
Furthermore, there are freight agent training programs where you can learn the basics of the industry.
What Are The Benefits Of Becoming an Independent Freight Agent?
When you become a freight agent, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
1. You Can Work From Home
When you become a freight agent, you’ll enjoy the luxury of working virtually from the comfort of your home and anywhere, with a strong internet and cellular connection. It enables you to reduce communication expenses while constantly engaging with your customers worldwide from a remote setting.
2. You Can Set Your Working Hours
You also have the flexibility of working with your schedule, since you can set your hours to work when you’re a freight agent. Here, you’ll be paid based on the number of loads you’ll cover rather than on an hourly basis.
3. Minimal Start-up Costs
The only necessary expenses you’re likely to incur when you become a freight agent are a phone, internet, and a computer or laptop. You don’t need to worry about licenses, insurance, and other infrastructural elements that increase the costs of working as an independent freight agent.
The only thing you’ll need to acquire to streamline communication and delivery between you, your carriers, and your customers is a transportation management system(TMS).
4. You Earn a High Income
An essential consideration when you want to become a freight agent is the profit you can make. You can earn a high income as an independent freight agent. There’s no limit to how much you’d earn. The more freight you move, the more money you make.
5. You Have Access to Training Resources
Becoming a freight agent means you’ll be a small business operator. However, you can access all the tools you need to be successful in the industry.
You’ll benefit from the available freight agent training programs including initial mandatory training, certification, and any other training you’ll need.
6. You Can Serve a Wide Range of Industries
Also, you can serve various industries when you become a freight agent. The logistics industry relies on freight agents for transportation and shipping services worldwide. As an independent freight agent, you can service truckload, LPL, Expedited, temperature-controlled shipping, and rail shipping, among other industries.
With such opportunities, the company makes it much simpler to find a suitable niche that’s best for you and enables you to succeed.
7. You Don’t Need Formal Education Or Training
The best part about becoming a freight agent is that you don’t need formal education or training. Working as a freight agent is unique! You’ll learn about the industry, use your skills, and build relationships as you work and progress in this field. In other words, anyone can become a freight agent.
Bottom Line
Freedom is the most significant and valuable benefit if you want to become a freight agent. The business shift gives you ample time to manage and operate your business on your terms. You can set your schedule, decide who to partner with, run as an independent entity, and still access the industry’s support and resources.
Logistics companies offer their agents the highest levels of support that empower them to thrive and prosper. They also help them to create a successful future in the freight industry.