Mythbusters: We Disprove 9 Myths About Freight Agent Careers

Becoming a freight agent can sound like an exciting career with lots of opportunities.And it is! However, many myths surround this profession, leading to misconceptions about what it's really like. The truth is, freight agents enjoy a rewarding career full of variety, support and work-life balance. Today, we're going to break down 9 common myths about being a freight agent and show you what you can truly expect!

Myth 1: Freight Agents Work 90 Hours a Week

Here's the scenario

Many people believe that being a freight agent means working long hours — often up to 90 hours a week. They picture endless days of tracking shipments, handling customer service and managing paperwork without a break. The pressure to stay productive and meet quotas makes it seem like a never-ending grind.

Here's the truth

While it's true that the logistics and freight industry can be demanding, the idea of working 90 hours a week is a myth. Most freight agents work a standard 40-hour week. With the right tools, support and time management, the workload is manageable. Many freight agents also have the flexibility to work from home or set their own schedules. Thanks to modern agent technology and streamlined processes, freight agents can efficiently manage their responsibilities without the need to sacrifice their work-life balance.

Myth 2: Freight Agents Work Alone

Here's the scenario

A lot of people assume that freight agents are isolated, working alone, handling every task from start to finish. They believe that agents spend their days on the phone or computer without any team support, which can feel lonely and overwhelming.

Here's the truth

Freight agents are never truly alone in their work. They have fellow agents to collaborate with, share insights and lean on for advice. Many agencies and third-party logistics (3PL) companies provide a supportive community where agents can communicate and share experiences. Working as part of a network allows freight agents to bounce ideas off each other, solve problems quickly and enhance their skills. Additionally, technology provides a collaborative environment with shared systems and resources. Freight agents also have the opportunity to build their own freight agent business and hire employees, expanding their business and creating a network of trusted professionals to help them succeed.

Myth 3: Freight Agents Don't Have Any Support

Here's the scenario

A common misconception is that freight agents are left to figure everything out on their own. Without a boss hovering over them, they might think agents are expected to manage all the logistics, negotiations and customer service with no external help.

Here's the truth

Freight agents have a robust support system in place, especially when working with a 3PL provider. These companies offer freight agent training, resources and solutions that make the job easier. A 3PL can provide software, carrier networks and expert advice, which significantly reduces the burden on the agent. You'll also have access to a team of experienced professionals to guide you through challenging situations. Far from being left alone, agents enjoy extensive support that helps them thrive in their roles.

Myth 4: Freight Agents Don't Make Good Money

Here's the scenario

There's a myth that freight agents are stuck with low-paying, commission-based jobs. Many people believe that unless you're a top performer, freight agents don't make a good living.

Here's the truth

While it's true that freight agents are often compensated with commission, the potential for earnings is significant. Freight agents can earn a competitive income, especially if they work hard and develop a loyal client base. Successful agents have the opportunity to earn substantial commissions based on the volume and value of freight they manage. With a mix of basic salary and commission, the earnings potential is high. Furthermore, many freight agencies offer bonuses, benefits and performance incentives, making it a lucrative career for driven individuals.

In fact, many GlobalTranz agents*:

• Make up to six figures within the first 12 months.
• Experience 7x growth after one year.
• Increase gross profit by 500% from year one to year two.

Myth 5: Freight Agents Only Handle Freight Shipments

Here's the scenario

Many people think freight agents only deal with road transport, assuming their job revolves solely around managing truck deliveries.

Here's the truth

Freight agents handle much more than just truck shipments. They work with all types of transportation, including air, sea and rail. In fact, many agents specialize in specific modes of transport depending on the needs of their clients. Freight agents are skilled in multimodal logistics, meaning they can arrange for the most efficient shipping solutions based on product requirements, cost and destination. When partnering with a 3PL, agents can sell less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL) and international shipping services, along with other solutions like managed transportation.

Myth 6: Freight Agents Are Always Dealing With Problems

Here's the scenario

The misconception exists that freight agents spend their days putting out fires — constantly dealing with customer complaints, delays and damaged goods.

Here's the truth

While freight agents do need to handle unexpected situations from time to time, they're not always in crisis mode. A significant part of the freight agent job description is planning, organizing and ensuring things run smoothly. Proactive communication, excellent planning and working with reliable partners can reduce problems significantly. Most freight agents spend their time managing logistics, optimizing routes and ensuring customers get their goods on time. When issues do arise, agents have the experience and resources to address them quickly and effectively

Myth 7: Freight Agents Don't Have Work-Life Balance

Here's the scenario

You might think that being a freight agent means long, unpredictable hours with no time for anything else — work, work, work, all the time. The hustle of the logistics world can seem overwhelming, and it's easy to imagine agents constantly on the go, barely having time to catch their breath.

Here's the truth

The reality is freight agents actually have a lot of control over their schedules. With the flexibility to set their own hours and work remotely, they can create a routine that fits their lifestyle. Whether it's spending more time with family, enjoying a hobby or just relaxing at home, freight agents can strike a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives. Plus, the ability to work from anywhere means they can enjoy the freedom that comes with managing their own time — without sacrificing their freight agent career goals.

Myth 8: Freight Agents Only Deal With Large Companies

Here's the scenario

People often think that freight agents only work with big corporations and handle shipments for multinational companies with massive volumes.

Here's the truth

Freight agents work with companies and organizations of all sizes, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Many agents specialize in providing personalized service to smaller companies that need efficient shipping solutions but don't have the resources to manage logistics in-house. Freight agents understand the needs of both large corporations and smaller businesses, offering tailored services that help clients grow and scale.

Myth 9: Freight Agents and Freight Brokers Are the Same

Here's the scenario

You've heard the terms "freight agent" and "freight broker" tossed around in the logistics world, and you might assume they mean the same thing. Maybe you think both roles help businesses move goods from point A to point B, but aren't they essentially the same job?

Here's the truth

Freight agents and freight brokers play distinct roles, even though they both operate in the shipping industry. A freight broker acts as a middleperson between shippers and carriers, managing contracts, negotiating rates and handling paperwork. Freight agents, on the other hand, are more like independent contractors who work under a broker's umbrella. They typically focus on customer service and sales, connecting shippers to the right carriers, but they don't handle the full logistics side. So, while both roles are essential to the process, they're not interchangeable.