Ready to try a new freight agent program?
Choosing one that aligns with your working methods, experience, and goals is essential. Pick the wrong freight brokerage partner, and you might face late payments, a lack of support, and missed opportunities.
But how do you identify the best freight brokerage for you? In this post, we’ll explain what to look for in a reliable partner.
All good (or even great) freight agent programs share several key traits. Let’s look at some of the most important things to keep in mind as you explore your options.
Any reliable freight brokerage you work with should have a proven track record and an established carrier network.
Why does this matter? Because it will help you find the right capacity and maintain shipper's trust. They need strong connections to the major carriers and smaller ones, too. The more contacts they have, the more shipping options you can explore.
DTS understands the immense value of strong carrier partnerships. We have more than 35 years in business and are committed to the client-focused approach our founder adopted decades ago.
With competitive pricing and concierge customer service, we offer dedicated solutions that every client can trust.
When you start working with a freight brokerage, understanding the commission structure is crucial. This includes the commission percentages, payment timelines, and transparency you can expect.
When vetting a potential freight agent program, ask for details on how commissions are calculated and paid.
Be wary of any potential freight brokerage partner that seems hesitant to answer commission-based questions. That could mean they don’t plan on playing fair.
Only work with a partner that has proven experience and firm relationships with carriers handling all types of freight. Your ideal partner should have the connections and knowledge to help you ship any type of cargo, domestically and internationally.
Whether you have to transport fresh produce in reefer trucks or send goods overseas by air, you need a team that can cover all modes of shipping. A trusted partner should also be able to arrange things like hazardous materials and unusual or oversized cargo.
The best shipping brokerages offer advanced tech tools and resources that help freight agents speed up their processes — instead of bogging them down. The right tools help agents deliver a more reliable and client-focused service.
The right broker will have technology that helps drive revenue by streamlining quoting, booking, and tracking.
But of course, technology isn’t everything. The best tools on the market will only get you so far. You need a freight brokerage partner that balances a genuine human touch with tech — creating a powerful mix of efficiency and support.
As a freight agent, you have your own approach to helping shippers. Your unique values dictate the quality and reliability of the service you deliver.
And finding a brokerage partner with a culture that complements your values and methods is important. It can be just as important as great commission rates and cutting-edge tech.
Look for a freight brokerage that:
Finding a brokerage that fits this brief isn’t always easy. But to help yourself make the right choice, pay attention to:
Consider your options carefully: if a brokerage has a questionable reputation or seems unpleasant to work with, think twice — no matter how good their rates and commission might appear.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing a freight agent program. But don’t let that pressure you into a hasty decision: give yourself time to explore your options.
Carefully make a list of the criteria that matter most to you, then vet different freight brokerage partners against it. Look into their commission, communication, and other key operational elements.
At DTS, our freight agent program is committed to partnering with agents for long-term growth and consistent success.
Expect on-time commission payments, dedicated back-office support, and the latest technologies to boost your performance. To discuss our freight agent program, get in touch with the DTS team today.
Whether you're a company looking to improve one facet of your supply chain, your entire supply chain, or simply looking for a transportation and logistics consultation, we can help.
19829 Hamilton Avenue
Torrance, CA 90502