5 Benefits of Being a Freight Agent

Indispensable to our way of life, the logistics and supply chain industry are a source of vast  employment opportunities. Interconnected with a variety of industries, always on the edge of innovation, the possibilities are endless.

According to Harvard Business Review, "the U.S. supply chain contains 37% of all jobs, employing 44 million people. These jobs have significantly higher than average wages, and account for much of the innovative activity in the economy. The intensity of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) jobs, a proxy for innovation potential, is almost 5 times higher in the supply chain economy than in the B2C economy."

One role in particular offers several benefits that can be hard to pass up for those looking to join the industry: freight agents. But what exactly does a freight agent do? They act as the middlemen between companies looking to ship their products and carriers searching for freight to move. Seems simple enough, right? Actually, these middlemen play a vital role in managing communications between these two parties, making sure the freight has been both retrieved and transported properly, and even helping companies optimize their incurred costs. How do they accomplish this? By understanding the industry, relaying updates,and paying close attention on how they can improve their services. Below are some of the top reasons to consider becoming a freight agent. 

1. Anyone Can Do It

By this, we mean that formal education or training is required to become a freight agent. This is increasingly rare in a job market that demands four-year degrees at minimum to be considered for entry-level positions. In supply chain management, career advancement is a very real possibility and allows you to make the best use of your talents. Start learning the ins and outs of the industry, research the needs of the different professionals you will be interacting with, and work hard to create relationships and build your freight network. Delivering reliable shipments and consistent communication will speak for itself. 

2. Work Your Own Hours

Another rare benefit of working as an agent is the flexibility you have with your schedule as you can set your own hours. Rather than being paid on an hourly basis, you are paid according to the number of loads you cover. Whether this takes you one or ten hours, that is up to you and the state of the market. 

3. Work From Home

Freight agents enjoy the luxury of working virtually anywhere with an internet connection,  whether it be from the comfort of their own home or a dedicated office space. This is especially beneficial in the age of COVID-19. This means the cost of commuting can be eliminated. Due to the nature of this work, connecting with customers across the globe will be constant and working in a remote setting is very much the norm.

4. Minimal Cost to Get Started

As straightforward as it sounds, the only expenses that are absolutely necessary, are a phone, internet, and a laptop or desktop. You won't have to worry about licenses, insurance, or many of the other details that run up the cost of working independently. Another tool to consider investing in is a transportation management system (TMS), which helps to streamline communications and delivery between you, your carriers and your clients. 

5. Maximize Profits

Income is arguably, one of the most important considerations in deciding to pursue a new role--whether you’re just getting started or choosing to switch industries. Freight brokers embody the entrepreneurial spirit. If you are motivated and confident, you can earn good money in this position. The best part is there is no limit on how much you can earn as an agent. The more you freight you move, the more money you take home. Indeed.com currently lists the average base salary for a freight agent at over $60,000 a year. 

To learn more about ZUUM’s Independent Freight Agent Program click here. To see other exciting opportunities with ZUUM, head over to our Careers page.

Sources:

https://hbr.org/2018/03/the-supply-chain-economy-and-the-future-of-good-jobs-in-america

https://www.armstrongtransport.com/blog/should-i-become-a-freight-agent