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

• 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.