When she's not enjoying time with her husband of 10 years and their two "awesome" kids, Jill Arballo dedicates her days to helping freight agents succeed as GlobalTranz's Manager of Freight Agent Solutions. And with her credentials, she's a perfect fit! With 11 years of experience at the company, Jill has worked her way up from a less-than-truckload (LTL) customer service representative to manager of the freight agent help desk in 2021, before stepping into her current agent leadership role.

In this Q&A, Jill shares the insights she's gained over the years and offers valuable guidance on what you can expect during the first year of your freight agent career at GlobalTranz — covering everything from training, onboarding, income potential and beyond. A big shout out to Jill!

What are the most common challenges freight agents face in their first year and how does GlobalTranz help them?

Jill Arballo: There can be several challenges when starting out. Communicating with carriers and shippers, properly tracking and updating shipments, all while monitoring revenue and onboarding new accounts can be stressful. But that's where we come in. Our back-end support is here to walk every new freight agency through the system and provide insight into how to manage their business where needed. The agent solutions team is always there to help you set priorities and create both short-term and long-term strategies for your freight agency.

If you want to become a freight agent, what skills are necessary for a successful first year?

Jill Arballo: Learning the freight industry backward and forward is number one in my opinion on the list of skills freight agents need. The first year should be about soaking up as much knowledge as possible about the logistics industry, our company operations and customer needs. You also need strong communication skills and attention to detail, all while seeking feedback and opening yourself up to learning. The logistics industry evolves quickly, and your willingness to adapt and improve will contribute significantly to your freight agent career success.

What kind of ongoing support can new freight agents expect throughout their first year at GlobalTranz?

Jill Arballo: We have several internal teams that are here to assist with any needs they have or issues they may be facing. That includes providing business-book analysis and one-on-one consulting to help with retention and growth. We also have continued training sessions that will help grow their freight agency and provide them with a look at best practices in the industry. Additionally, the agent solutions team will be a liaison, so to speak, with our internal support teams to ensure communication is seamless and agents get quick resolution to any problem they may encounter. We provide everything they need to succeed in year one!

What is the first week like for a new freight agency at GlobalTranz?

Jill Arballo: We like to get our freight agencies engaged quickly. Your login credentials will be created within 24-48 hours upon contract submission. During this timeframe, you will also be contacted by the agent development team. They will enroll you in TMS training sessions so agents can start getting customer accounts added and actively shipping. It's as simple as that and that's just the start!

How much income can they make in the first year of their freight agent career?

Jill Arballo: The income for a new freight agent can vary depending on several factors but it's really in the hands of the freight agent themselves. Naturally, as a freight agent gains experience and begins building a client base, their earning potential increases. New agents can make up to $100,000 in their first year if they put in the work, get continued sales training/coaching and keep busy with prospecting new accounts. And that's just the start. The sky is the limit. — Read a Q&A with freight agent Casey Weber who described GlobalTranz as a place that gives you "unlimited potential."

How does GlobalTranz help a freight agency build and manage relationships with carriers?

Jill Arballo: GlobalTranz helps agents build strong relationships with carriers by handling things like rate negotiation, onboarding and vetting, providing centralized payment options, claims management and so much more. This allows our agents to focus on relationship-building with carriers rather than spending time on other tasks that take away from their day-to-day operations.

What steps can a freight agent take in their first year to set themselves up for long-term success in the industry?

Jill Arballo: The first year is where you will establish key relationships and develop the skills you need to excel in your freight agent career. Be sure to communicate! Be open to constructive criticism and coaching. Reach out to fellow freight agents for advice and guidance. Read supply chain and shipping blogs to keep up to date with market and regulatory changes. Gaining knowledge is so important in your first year.

How does GlobalTranz foster a collaborative work environment for its freight agents, particularly in the first year?

Jill Arballo: The most important thing is the constant communication from corporate! We keep agents up to date on weekly market changes and LTL carrier tariffs and/or embargoes, as well as any internal changes with teams and contacts for assistance. This year we also started hosting regional freight agency meetings throughout the country where we provide corporate updates, sales breakout sessions, departmental updates and agent/owner/carrier/vendor meet and greets. This keeps agents very engaged and informed on what is happening throughout the organization.