What is a Freight Agent?
Value Truck of AZ describes exactly what you need to know about what anagent is and how to get hired.
Moving freight isn’t easy. There are a lot of variables to consider including cost, time, mode of transportation, and more. But before the whole process gets into gear, there’s one key player that needs to be involved: the freight agent.
Luckily, Value Truck of AZ got everything you need to know about freight agents so you can make sure your shipment is in good hands.
What Is a Freight Agent?
A freight broker is someone who helps coordinate the shipment of goods. This includes making sure the right mode of transportation is used, the proper paperwork is in order, and the shipment arrives on time and within budget.
An agent or freight broker typically works with trucking companies, warehouses, and other logistics providers to get shipments from point A to point B. And because these freight brokers are usually well-connected in the industry, they often have access to capacity and pricing that shippers wouldn’t be able to find on their own.
How Do Freight Agents Get Paid?
An agents are typically paid a commission by the trucking company or other logistics provider that they book shipments. The commission received by an agent or a freight broker is a percentage of the total cost of the shipment and is paid out after the shipment is delivered.
Freight broker may also be paid a base salary by their employer, although this is less common. And in some cases, freight broker may be paid a combination of salary and commission.
What Are the Benefits of Working with a Freight Agent?
Working with an agent or a freight broker comes with a lot of benefits, both for shippers and for trucking companies. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Freight agents have industry knowledge and experience.
One of the most important benefits of working with a freight agent is that they have the knowledge and experience to get your shipment from point A to point B quickly, efficiently, and without any problems. An agents know the ins and outs of the industry, which means they can navigate through even the most complex shipping challenges for better cargo insurance.
2. Freight agents can save you time and money.
Freight broker have the connections and industry knowledge to get you the best possible rates for your shipment. These freight brokers also know how to find capacity when it’s tight, which can save you a lot of time and hassle especially if you are an independent contractor.
3. Freight agents take on the risk.
When you work with a freight broker, they take on the risk of finding capacity and arranging transportation, which makes them a great deal in the logistics industry. This means that if something goes wrong with the shipment, you won’t be held responsible as your freight agency will take all the lead.
4. Freight agents provide peace of mind.
Shipping, even with the help of transportation management software, can be a complex and stressful process when you don’t have the right logistics solutions. But when you work with an independent freight agent, you can rest assured knowing that your shipment is in good hands. Furthermore, independent freight agents will also take care of everything so you can focus on running your business.
5. Freight agents are easy to work with.
An agents work and make shipping easy. They’ll handle all the details and paperwork so you don’t have to, which means you can focus on your business without worrying about your freight shipments. And if you ever have any questions or concerns, your freight agent will be there to help.
How Do I Find the Best Freight Agent?
If you’re ready to ship your goods, the best way to find a freight broker is to contact a trucking company or logistics provider and ask for a recommendation for the best freight broker agent. Here are also the things you need to consider to land on the most suitable one.
1. Freight Agent’s Commission
A freight broker’s commission should be outlined in the trucking company’s or logistics provider’s contract. Make sure you understand how the commission is calculated and what, if any, minimums or maximums of freight capacity that applies.
2. Freight Agent’s Experience
Aside from the freight broker’s operating license, asking the trucking company or logistics provider about the freight agent’s experience is also a useful strategy. Freight agents typically specialize in shipping certain types of goods, so you’ll want to make sure the agent you choose has experience with your type of shipment.
3. Freight Agent’s Network
A good freight broker will have a strong network of trucking companies and other logistics companies that they can rely on to get your shipment where it needs to go. Ask the trucking company or logistics provider about the freight brokerage network and how they choose which providers to work with
4. Freight Agent’s Pricing
The freight broker commission should be included in the trucking company’s or logistics provider’s price for the shipment. However, you may want to ask the freight agent for a breakdown of their charges so you can be sure there are no hidden costs. An independent freight agent will also be able to offer you a competitive rate because they’re not tied to one particular trucking company or logistics provider.
5. Freight Agent’s References
As with any business relationship, you’ll want to make sure you’re working with a reputable freight agent with an operating authority. Ask the trucking company or logistics provider for references from other shippers who have used the agent’s services. And be sure to check the references’ shipment history to see if their goods arrived on time and within budget. This will also help you to identify if that freight agent works properly.
6. Freight Agent’s Availability
When you’re ready to ship your goods, you’ll want to make sure the freight agent is available to work with you. Ask the trucking company or logistics provider about the freight broker’s availability and whether they have any restrictions on the days or times they’re available.
How Can Value Truck Help in Finding the Best Freight Agent?
If you’re ready to ship your goods, the best way to find a freight agent is to contact Value Truck. We have a network of trucking companies with different shipment options, including LTL freight and FTL freight. And because we’re well-connected in the industry, we often have access to capacity and pricing that shippers wouldn’t be able to find on their own.
When you contact us, we’ll ask about your shipment and match you with the best agent for the job. We’ll also provide you with a breakdown of the agent’s charges so you can be sure there are no hidden costs. And because we’re paid a commission by the trucking company or other logistics provider, there’s no upfront cost for you.
How To Get Hired As a Freight Agent?
Aside from our offered services, we are also open to job opportunities for those who want to be an agents. We are always looking for talented and ambitious individuals to join our team.
If you’re interested in a career in logistics, we encourage you to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Visit our website now and start your application process by creating an account and submitting your resume. One of our recruiters will get back to you shortly to discuss the next steps in the process.
Freight agent jobs are challenging and rewarding, and we can’t wait to help you get started in your new career.
Freight Agent by Value Truck
Getting an agent is like removing the excess baggage in your corporate travel. It’s one less headache you have to deal with because we’ll take care of it for you. We’re freight agents, and we’re here to make your shipping experience as smooth as possible.
So if you’re ready to ship your goods, contact Value Truck or visit our locations and let us help you find the best freight agent for the job. We’ll save you time and money, and we’ll make sure your shipment gets where it needs to go safely and on time.