What Are the Top Questions You Should Ask Before Joining an Independent Freight Program?

Are you thinking about going through the process to become an independent freight agent? If so, you understand there are plenty of options available. This is an industry that is growing quickly, so you need to make sure you select the right program for you. If you select the right company, you should be able to create more autonomy over your schedule while also seeing an increase in income. At the same time, you need to make sure you find the right program for your needs. What are a few of the top questions to ask before joining a freight agent program? Take a look at the list below, and remember to review all of your options carefully before you make a decision. 

How Much Business Do you Have?

First, you need to think about how much business the independent program has. When you join a program, you want to know you will be put to work. Otherwise, you may not make a lot of money. You should ask the program about how many clients you should be expected to help in a given year. The more you have, the more money you will make. Any program that is serious about earning your services should be open and honest about how much work you will be able to do. Make sure you do not take on more work than you can handle, or the quality of your work might begin to suffer. 

How Am I Compensated?

Next, you need to ask about compensation as well. Programs should be open and honest about their compensation scale. You need to make sure this is something that matches your expectations. In addition to salary, you also need to ask about other benefits as well. For example, you want to have access to competitive healthcare benefits. This includes health insurance, vision insurance, and dental insurance. You may want to ask about retirement packages as well. You want to make sure the company is going to set you up for success now and in the future.

What Happens if I need Help?

You also want to ask about the support structure you have at that program. If you need help, who do you go to? Are they going to respond to you quickly? Do they provide comprehensive answers? You need to make sure you have the right support regarding technology, credit and collections, and a comprehensive database. You need to make sure you have billing support as well. You do not want to spend all of your time tackling problems because this is going to reduce your ability to complete jobs for your customers. Make sure you are clear on when this support is available. You want them to be there for you when you need them most. 

Can I Talk to Current Freight Agents?

Finally, you may want to talk to some of their current employees and contractors. Companies that are serious about employing you should give you an opportunity to talk to some of their current employees and contractors. You want to see what their experience is like because this is probably going to be reflective of what you should expect when you join the company. Furthermore, You may want to ask independent freight agents how long they have been with the company. You want to see companies with a relatively low turnover rate because this is a sign their employees and contractors are happy. Talk to a few current freight agents and see what they have to say. 

Find the Right Program To Meet Your Needs

In the end, these are just a few of the many questions you need to ask before you decide to join an independent freight program. Even though there are a lot of benefits to becoming an independent freight agent, you need to find the right situation for you. Not all programs are created equal, and some programs are better than others. The right program for one person might not necessarily be the right program for you. Make sure you take the time to ask these questions before you make a decision. That way, you can place yourself in the best position possible to be successful.