What Is an Independent Sales Agent? Understanding the Job Specifics

Read Time: 3 minutes

The inland freight industry in North America transports billions of dollars worth of goods each year across the United States and to other countries. Truck freight accounted for more than 62% of all transborder freight in January of 2020. Independent sales agents are a vital component of the transportation industry.

So what is an independent sales agent? In short, this position is essential to the transportation industry. These individuals across the country play a key role in connecting shippers and carriers to transport a wide range of goods. Often, this position is confused with other job positions. Independent sales agents are not dispatchers, forwarders, or brokers.

Let's break down exactly what this career entails and how the job duties compare to other positions in the industry.

What is a Freight Broker?

A freight broker is an agent that works as the middle man between carriers and shipping companies. Most freight brokers earn a commission by negotiating variable rates with shippers and owner-operators. 

The difference between these two rates is the profit earned by the freight broker. A freight broker needs to be knowledgeable of the on-going rates in the transportation industry while also having superb negotiation skills.

What is a Freight Dispatcher?

A freight dispatcher negotiates on behalf of the carrier, as they earn a percentage of the carrier's negotiated rate. A higher rate allows a freight dispatcher to make more money. 

Many dispatchers will maintain portfolios of each carrier's lane preferences, equipment specifications, and desired freight rates. All of this information allows a dispatcher to contact various shippers or freight brokers on behalf of a carrier to help negotiate loads that meet the unique requirements of each carrier.

A freight dispatcher receives a service fee once a load is agreed upon between carrier and shipper.

What is a Freight Forwarder?

A freight forwarder specializes in organizing the storage and shipping of products on behalf of each shipper.

Many times a freight forwarder offers a wide variety of services, such as booking cargo space, negotiating freight charges, filing insurance claims, freight consolidations, warehousing, and tracking inland transportation.

Most freight forwarders ship under their bills of lading, which is a legal document that details the type of goods, quantity, and the destination of the shipment.

What Is an Independent Sales Agent?

An independent sales agent works as an independent contractor that connects shippers and carriers to haul various types of freight. This type of agent will also work with a freight broker in finding the best rate. 

Many independent sales agents choose to work from home, enjoying a more independent existence than that of a freight broker. They often set their hours, decide whom to partner with, and develop in-depth working relationships with companies and carriers. 

Pay for an independent sales agent is based on the commission of the number of shipments you negotiate with carriers.

Interested in Becoming an Independent Sales Agent? Contact Cargobot!

Cargobot recently launched a sales agent program offering unlimited earning potential while allowing you to be your own boss and work from home. You also have the advantage of having an extensive network behind you with countless resources - while still having the freedom of an independent sales agent. 

Our constantly evolving digital platform allows you to take advantage of the latest tech in the industry by making it simple for you to connect with shippers and carriers across the country. You also gain access to a dedicated customer service team and around the clock support to meet the unique needs of each agent.

Our number one goal is to create a simple to use platform that allows you to work efficiently.

Learn more about joining Cargobot's sales agent initiative and take control of your future - today!