Before starting their own freight agency, LandCal co-owners and co-founders Evan Calvin and Josh Landacre both worked for one of the largest third-party logistics (3PL) providers in the nation. This 3PL provided them with a career path that some would be envious of. However, the duo decided to test the waters of business ownership and looked for a place where they could build a freight agency on their own terms.
After researching many opportunities, the two started a GlobalTranz freight agent business because of the support, technology, teamwork and "unlimited opportunities" the company provided. Read a Q&A with Calvin and Landacre to learn why they chose GlobalTranz and what they enjoy the most about its freight agent program.
Can you tell us a little bit about your freight agency?
Evan Calvin: LandCal has a strong focus on customer satisfaction, operational excellence and continuous improvement strategies. Our primary goal is to provide efficient and reliable logistics solutions that promote quality service and exceed our clients' expectations every day. We strive to be a trusted partner to all our customers for all their multimodal needs.
Josh Landacre: We started our agency in October 2016 and have built a company that is laser-focused on the customer experience. That approach has been pivotal to our success and growth. And we believe it's a winning formula as we move into the future. We also truly believe in doing the right thing and have built our business based on integrity while creating a positive impact in the community where we live and serve.
What made you decide to start your own freight agent business and partner up with GlobalTranz?
Evan Calvin: We had the luxury of working at one of the largest third-party logistics (3PL) providers in North America. However, we had a vision that was different from this company and wanted to focus on the customer at a higher level and create true partnerships with those we served. In the end, GlobalTranz provided the technology and multimodal solutions we needed to embrace risk and bet on ourselves.
Josh Landacre: The main attraction of GlobalTranz was the endless opportunities it provided. I have had several jobs in my career — a sales intern selling educational books door-to-door, a waiter in a restaurant and working for one of the largest 3PLs in the nation. Despite what job I had, I always treated it like it was my own. I took ownership of my business and shouldered the responsibility that came with it. That mindset translates well into the freight agency model at GlobalTranz and made it a no-brainer to get on board.
What do you enjoy the most about your GlobalTranz freight agent partnership?
Evan Calvin: There are too many things to list! But if I had to pick one, I would say it's the great friendships that we have made — whether it's our customers, colleagues or others in the industry. That makes going to work that much more enjoyable and rewarding.
Josh Landacre: Like Evan said, it has to be the relationships. In particular, the relationships I have built with GlobalTranz freights agents and staff are what I enjoy the most. We set out to work together to overcome internal and external challenges that ultimately benefit the customer and carrier experience. It's truly a team effort, and I'm fortunate to be a part of it.
How does GlobalTranz support your freight agency?
Evan Calvin: GlobalTranz provides innovative technology, cashflow and top-notch, back-end support that allows our team to focus on what we do best — building relationships, delivering multimodal solutions and helping companies improve their efficiencies, save money and keep their customers happy.
Josh Landacre: For me, it's how the GlobalTranz leadership team challenges us to think bigger. They truly want to support our growth and allow us to leverage their resources of people and technology to get there.
What do you like the most about owning your own freight agent business?
Evan Calvin: We are empowered to create our own culture, develop a team that truly cares and design a clear roadmap to ensure our success. We also have the power to make decisions based on what is best for our team and clients. That's refreshing.
Josh Landacre: I really appreciate the fact that we have the opportunity to make our business "our own" and create an environment that is both engaging and empowering for all employees that call LandCal home. We pride ourselves on bringing the absolute best customer and carrier experience possible by leveraging the processes and technology GlobalTranz deploys in the marketplace. What more could you ask for?
How has your experience been with other freight agents?
Evan Calvin: We have fostered many great relationships with other GlobalTranz freight agencies. Being a business owner is challenging and having a network that is experiencing similar challenges can encourage collaboration and problem solving.
Josh Landacre: We play well in the "sand box" and know that all boats rise when the tide rises. We learn from each other in hopes that we don't step on similar landmines as our business grows. We attribute our success to those larger agencies that supported our growth and pay that forward to agencies with similar growth mindsets.
If you could use one or two words to describe the GlobalTranz freight agent program, what would that word or phrase be and why?
Evan Calvin: Empowerment. GlobalTranz provides technology and tools that are competitive in the marketplace and empowers you to use your skillset to create a scalable business.
Josh Landacre: Endless opportunity! That's the absolute best way to describe the GlobalTranz Freight Agent Program.
What would you say to someone who might be on the fence about starting an agency?
Evan Calvin: Take the risk. It's worth it. It's a decision you'll not regret.
Josh Landacre: You'll love the people that go to war for you every single day. They care. Their success is your success, and they are focused on helping you build your business.
Are you interested in becoming an independent freight agent with GlobalTranz?
The GlobalTranz freight agent program provides access to a full suite of transportation services and logistics solutions. We also provide our independent freight agents with extensive training, development and support opportunities, including:
- Sales 101 training for new hires
- 1-on-1 business consulting
- Sales and back-office support
- Goal setting and custom pricing
- Business book analysis and expansion strategies
- Ongoing training opportunities for continued growth
GlobalTranz freight agents enjoy highly competitive commission splits, paid upon invoiced shipments, plus sign-on and transition bonus opportunities. With no territory or boundary restrictions, your income potential is in your hands. Many agents can make up to $100K within the first 12 months1.
Want to learn more about a career in logistics sales? Check out our blog post on How a 3PL Can Help Grow Your Freight Agency. If you are ready to expand your career and speak to a freight agent expert, contact GlobalTranz today.
1Figures are representative of actual GlobalTranz agents but not representative of all. Gross profit varies by individual or business and takes on average at least two years to obtain.