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:
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:
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:
Our agents know the people supporting them by name—and get the responsiveness and care they deserve.
Questions to Ask:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.