On the Move

How to Choose the Right Freight Agent Program: 6 Key Factors to Consider If you’re an experienced freight broker thinking about going independent—or you’ve already made the leap—finding the right agent program can make or break your business. At Select Transport Partners, we believe the relationship between agents and their brokerage should be a true partnership, not just a contractual arrangement. But with so many options out there, how do you know which freight agent program is the best fit? Whether you're moving away from a W-2 role at a major brokerage or switching from another agent program, here are the most important factors to consider: 1. Commission Structure: How Much Do You Actually Keep? Let’s start with the bottom line. Agent commission splits vary widely across programs—and the difference between a 60% and an 80% commission could be hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in your pocket. Over the course of your career, even a small improvement in your split can translate into significant financial growth, more capital to reinvest in your business, and greater long-term stability. That’s why it’s essential to fully understand what’s actually available to you—not just the headline commission percentage, but the real net payout after deductions. At Select, our agents can earn up to 80% commission with full transparency. There are no clawbacks, no hidden fees, and no customer restrictions. You keep what you earn, and you always know where you stand. We believe your efforts should be rewarded without surprise deductions, restrictive fine print, or limitations on your ability to bring in and serve the best customers for your business. This straightforward commission structure empowers our agents to plan, grow, and build sustainable, profitable partnerships from day one. Questions to Ask: What percentage of each load do I keep? Are there administrative fees or deductions? Is my commission impacted by margin thresholds or performance tiers? 2. Support Team: Who Has Your Back? A great commission split means little without strong operational support that truly empowers your business. As an agent, your expertise should remain centered on building client relationships, driving sales, and growing your book of business—not getting bogged down in administrative burdens. Chasing paperwork, tracking down billing issues, or managing collections takes valuable time and focus away from revenue-generating activities. That’s why operational support is more than just a “nice to have”—it’s a critical foundation for long-term success. The right partner streamlines your back-office processes with experienced professionals who are ready to assist, so you can trust those essential details are handled promptly and accurately. Look for a support structure that offers proactive communication, industry expertise, and a commitment to resolving issues quickly, so you never feel like you’re on your own. When your operational foundation is strong, you’re free to invest your energy where it matters most: delivering exceptional service to your customers and driving consistent, sustainable growth. Select offers a Charlotte-based back-office team that handles: Invoicing and collections Carrier setup and compliance EFS and payment processing Claims support Our agents know the people supporting them by name—and get the responsiveness and care they deserve. Questions to Ask: Is support U.S.-based or outsourced? What’s the average turnaround time for carrier setups or billing? Who do I contact when there’s an issue? 3. Technology: Is the TMS Built for Agents or for Management? Your technology should help you move freight faster not slow you down. Some programs rely on outdated or overly complex TMS platforms that weren’t designed for agent use. These systems can introduce unnecessary bottlenecks, create confusion, and force you to adapt your workflow to the limitations of the software, rather than supporting the way you already do business. In today’s fast-moving logistics landscape, agility and ease of use are essential. As an agent, you deserve technology that streamlines your day-to-day, enhances visibility across every shipment, and adapts as your business evolves. At Select, we’ve built our own proprietary TMS from the ground up, with agents at the center of the experience. It’s fast, intuitive, and customizable giving you the tools to quote, track, and grow with confidence. Our TMS offers seamless integration with major carriers, real-time tracking and analytics, digital document management, and mobile access so you can manage freight anytime, anywhere. The platform is designed for flexibility, with features that can scale as you do, ensuring you’re never limited by technology as your book of business expands. With Select’s TMS, agents spend less time troubleshooting software and more time delivering results for their customers, empowering you to focus on growth and operational excellence. Questions to Ask: What TMS will I use, and is it user-friendly? Can I manage customers, carriers, and documents from one system? Will I have mobile access, visibility tools, and reporting features? 4. Customer Ownership and Restrictions: Do You Have Room to Grow? Some agent programs limit which customers you can work with, or require approval before onboarding new accounts. This stifles your growth and leads to unnecessary friction. At Select, our model is simple: your customers are your customers. You have full access and freedom to grow your business without unnecessary gatekeeping. Questions to Ask: Will I be limited to certain verticals or accounts? Do I need approval to bring on new business? Are there any geographic or revenue-based restrictions? 5. Reputation and Values: Do They Align with Yours? Culture matters—especially when you’re partnering with a brokerage for the long haul. Choose a company that treats you like a partner, not a number. Select Transport Partners is 100% employee-owned and was founded by logistics professionals who believe in building real relationships with agents. We don’t micromanage—we support. We don’t impose—we empower. Questions to Ask: What’s the company’s history and leadership background? Do they have a track record of long-term agent relationships? Do they treat agents as customers or subordinates? 6. Payment Terms and Financial Stability: Can You Count on Your Money? As an independent agent, you rely on timely, accurate payouts. Late or inconsistent payments can damage your business—and your peace of mind. Select offers weekly pay and covers all bad debt. We believe you should focus on moving freight, not worrying about collections or cash flow. Questions to Ask: How often are agents paid? Who assumes the risk on unpaid invoices? How transparent is the payout process? Final Thoughts The freight agent program you choose is far more than just a place to hang your license it forms the essential infrastructure that supports your book of business, shapes your professional brand, and serves as your day-to-day partner in driving growth and client satisfaction. The strongest programs strike a thoughtful balance, offering agents competitive commissions that maximize earnings without surprise deductions, all while providing reliable, responsive operational support so you can focus on building relationships and delivering value to your clients. Equally important is access to advanced technology tools that go beyond basic TMS functionality. Modern agent programs equip you with customizable software designed to streamline quoting, booking, shipment tracking, and analytics, integrated seamlessly with industry partners and available whenever and wherever you need it. When these capabilities are combined with a commitment to shared values such as integrity, transparency, and mutual success you gain a foundation that empowers both new and established agents to adapt, scale, and thrive in a rapidly evolving logistics landscape. At Select Transport Partners, our program is built around one core principle: empowering agents to succeed with freedom, capability, and partnership. Whether you're just launching your independent operation or scaling an established book, you'll find not only the resources and support to achieve your goals, but a partner invested in your ongoing success and growth. Ready to Explore the Next Chapter? Let’s talk. Visit www.goselect.com or email us at agents@goselect.com to learn more about becoming an agent with Select.

If you’re currently working as a W-2 freight broker at a large company like C.H. Robinson, TQL, or Echo, chances are you’ve wondered what it would be like to run your own book of business. Perhaps you've built strong customer relationships, consistently closed deals, and feel ready for more. But what does “more” actually mean? For many brokers, the next step is transitioning from employee to freight agent owner—a move that comes with increased independence, income potential, and yes, responsibility. At Select Transport Partners, we specialize in supporting independent agents, so we know exactly what this shift involves. Here's what you need to keep in mind before making the leap. 1. From Steady Paychecks to 100% Commission At a W-2 brokerage, your compensation typically includes a salary or base draw, along with a commission structure that may be layered on top. As a 1099 freight agent, that base disappears—you earn based on what you move, period. Upside: Your income potential increases dramatically. At Select, agents can earn up to 80% commission with no caps, no salary clawbacks, and no restrictions on accounts. Downside: There's no guaranteed paycheck. You need to manage your cash flow and plan for slower weeks, especially in the early stages of your transition. Pro Tip: Build a financial cushion before making the transition so you’re not scrambling during your first few months. 2. You're the Boss—And the Business Owner As a freight agent, you’re not just a salesperson anymore—you’re a business owner. That means you decide when you work, how you work, and who you work with. You also have the freedom to set your own goals and scale at your own pace. But with that freedom comes responsibility. You’ll need to: Track your income and expenses. Pay self-employment taxes. Possibly hire help as you grow. Bottom Line: You trade the structure of a traditional employer for the autonomy (and accountability) of running your own show. 3. Taxes Won’t Be Withheld—Plan Accordingly When you’re a W-2 employee, your employer handles tax withholding automatically. As a 1099 contractor, it’s on you to manage taxes. Most agents need to: Work with an accountant or tax advisor Pay quarterly estimated taxes to the IRS. Track deductible expenses for their business. Failing to plan can lead to surprises come tax time. On the flip side, there are also significant tax benefits to being self-employed - if you stay organized. 4. Health Insurance Is Your Responsibility Unlike large employers, most freight agent programs don’t offer traditional health insurance. Some provide access to indemnity or catastrophic plans, but in many cases, the best option is the ACA marketplace or coverage through a spouse or family member. Make sure to: Compare marketplace plans during open enrollment Budget for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs Ask your accountant which premiums may be tax-deductible 5. Your Brokerage Is Your Partner, Not Your Boss As a W-2 employee, you’re often told: Where to sit What hours to work How many calls to make As a 1099 agent, none of that applies. You're not managed—you’re supported. At Select Transport Partners, we treat agents like customers. You choose your strategy, and we provide: A Charlotte-based back office team that handles billing, compliance, and carrier setup, our proprietary TMS built for agents, with weekly pay, no bad debt, and open customer access We're here to help you grow—not get in your way. Is It Worth It? If you’re motivated, organized, and ready to bet on yourself, becoming an agent can be life-changing. You'll earn more, build equity in your own business, and finally have full control over your career. But it's not for everyone. There’s more risk, more responsibility, and no safety net. That’s the tradeoff. At Select, we’ve helped many agents make the leap successfully, and we’re happy to have honest conversations about whether this path is right for you. Curious about going independent? Visit www.goselect.com or reach out to our team to learn more about how we help agents build sustainable, high-reward logistics businesses.

If you're working as a 1099 freight agent, taxes work very differently than when you're a W2 employee. No automatic withholding, no employer contributions - just you, your business, and the IRS. But with smart planning, you can stay compliant and keep more of what you earn. Here are key tax tips every independent freight agent should know: 1. Set Aside for Taxes Monthly The biggest mistake new agents make? Waiting until tax season to think about taxes. As a 1099 contractor, you’re responsible for federal, state, and self-employment taxes. A good rule of thumb: set aside 25–30% of your income into a separate account. 2. Track All Business Expenses You can deduct a wide range of expenses as a 1099 agent: Phone/internet Office supplies Load board subscriptions TMS and software tools (like CloneOps.ai or your Select-provided system) Business travel and meals Marketing expenses Use software like QuickBooks Self-Employed or Keeper to automatically track, categorize, and store receipts. 3. Make Quarterly Estimated Payments If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year, the IRS requires you to make quarterly payments. Set calendar reminders for: April 15 June 15 September 15 January 15 (of the following year) 4. Use a Bookkeeping or Tax Prep Service As your income grows, DIY taxes get risky. A CPA or tax preparer familiar with freight or 1099 contractors is a smart investment. Tools like Collective, Bench, or Taxfyle can help streamline filings and ensure you don’t miss deductions. Bonus Tip: Leverage Select’s back-office support and reporting to keep clean, organized records—making tax season far less stressful.