If you've thought about working in freight, the freight agent role is one of the more practical ways in. Freight agents work with a licensed freight brokerage to arrange truck transportation for shippers. They find the customers, quote the loads, line up carriers and follow each shipment through delivery.
This page covers what the job involves, who it suits, how Freight University trains new agents and how placement works.
What a freight agent does
A freight agent works under a brokerage's authority, usually as an independent contractor. Day to day, that means:
- Finding shippers that need freight moved and learning their lanes and schedules
- Quoting rates and negotiating terms with shippers
- Finding and vetting carriers, then agreeing on a rate with them
- Sending rate confirmations and tracking loads through delivery
- Handling problems such as delays, breakdowns and missing paperwork
- Making sure documents are complete so the brokerage can bill the shipper and pay the carrier
The brokerage holds the FMCSA broker authority and the financial security. The agent brings the customers and does the work on each load.
Who the role suits
Freight agent work fits people who are comfortable on the phone, organized and willing to build a customer base over time. Most agent agreements pay commission only, so early months can be slow. You don't need prior freight experience or a degree to start training, but you do need time to study, a reliable computer and internet connection, and a quiet place to work.
How Freight University trains new agents
Freight University's Professional Logistics Service Provider (PLSP) certification is a program that runs about three months, with virtual live sessions every week. The sessions cover the material and give you a place to ask questions about real situations.
The training covers:
- Freight fundamentals. How shippers, brokers and carriers fit together, and the documents that move with every load.
- Freight research. Reading lanes, finding shippers and judging whether a rate makes sense.
- Negotiation. Pricing a load, talking with shippers and carriers, and knowing when to walk away.
- Carrier vetting. Checking authority, insurance and safety records before you tender a load.
- Load management. Planning, tracking and resolving issues from pickup to delivery.
- Regulations. The basics of broker and carrier rules, with pointers to the official sources at fmcsa.dot.gov.
Students who complete the program and pass the assessment earn the PLSP certification.
How placement works
Freight University-trained agents may be placed with a freight brokerage in the LFS network, each operating under its own authority and written agent agreement; placement is not promised.
Placement depends on finishing the program and on a brokerage agreeing to bring you on. Commission terms, payment timing and what the brokerage provides are set by that brokerage's written agreement, not by Freight University or LFS. Read the agreement carefully before you sign.
You can read more on the freight agent placement page, or see a longer walkthrough in freight agent training with job placement.
Getting started
If the role sounds like a fit, start with the training. You can learn about the PLSP program and enroll at Freight University. If you have questions first, contact us.
Logistical Forwarding Solutions. A carrier-first company.
