Unless you’re working in transportation and logistics, you may not realize that the freight industry keeps the world moving. Every product on store shelves, every raw material delivered to a factory, and every shipment arriving at a construction site depends on a complex network of freight logistics.
At the heart of this system are freight brokers and their agents: professionals who connect shippers with carriers to make sure goods can move from point A to point B as efficiently as possible. Whether you are considering becoming a freight broker agent or you’re simply curious about this career’s earning potential, it’s worth taking a look at how much these agents make.
The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Income can vary widely based on experience, location, relationships, market conditions, and many other factors. Here, One Freight Broker breaks down how freight broker agents earn money and what influences their income.
Freight Broker Agent vs. Freight Broker: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into numbers, it’s important to understand the difference between a freight broker and a freight broker agent.
A freight broker is a licensed professional who is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and works as a middleman between shippers and carriers. They are the ones who match companies that need to move their goods and the transportation service providers with the capacity to move them.
The freight broker is the one who holds the broker authority. They also maintain a surety bond and take on the financial responsibility of paying carriers and collecting from shippers.
A freight broker agent has similar responsibilities of matching shippers and brokers, as well as handling the logistics of the shipment. But instead of working under their own authority and bond, they work under a licensed broker.
Their focus is building relationships with shippers and carriers, booking loads, and handling day-to-day communication. The broker typically pays the agent a commission on the revenue they generate. Think of the broker as the company owner and the agent as the salesperson. The broker sets up the legal foundation, while the agent brings in business.
How Freight Broker Agents Make Money
Unlike salaried employees, most freight broker agents earn income through commissions. This means their earnings are directly tied to the loads they help move.
The process starts when a shipper pays the broker a set amount to move freight—for example, $2,000 for a load. The broker then finds a carrier to haul that load and negotiates a rate, like $1,500. The difference between what the shipper pays and what the carrier charges is the gross profit, which in this case comes out to $500. This profit margin is what fuels the earning potential of both the broker and the broker agent.
Once the profit is established, it gets split between the broker and the broker agent based on a pre-agreed commission structure. A common setup is where the broker keeps 40% of the profit and the agent receives 60%.
If we use the earlier example, then the agent would earn $300 on that single load. Since freight broker agents often manage multiple loads per week, their income can scale quickly depending on the volume of freight they handle.
This is a performance-based structure that rewards hustle and strong networking skills. It’s a system that allows experienced agents to build substantial income streams, with income levels ranging from modest side hustle money to six figures annually.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Entry-Level Agents (0–2 years): $30,000–$50,000 annually
- Mid-Level Agents (3–5 years): $50,000–$80,000 annually
- Experienced Agents (5+ years with strong shipper base): $80,000–$150,000+ annually
According to industry surveys, the average freight broker agent in the US earns around $60,000 to $80,000 per year. However, some high performers with large accounts or specialized niches can exceed $200,000 annually.
Factors That Influence Freight Broker Agent Income
Like many commission-based careers, being a freight broker agent comes with a wide income range. How much you can earn in this field usually boils down to a few key factors:
Experience and Industry Knowledge
The more time you spend in the freight industry, the better your earnings potential. Experienced freight broker agents understand market trends, pricing strategies, and how to handle challenges like tight capacity or volatile fuel costs. This knowledge allows them to negotiate better rates, secure profitable loads, and build a reputation that encourages repeat business and positive word of mouth.
Shipper Relationships
The freight industry is all about connections. This means proper networking is essential for those who wish to maximize their earning potential. Successful freight brokers and agents would tell you that strong relationships with shippers are the key.
Shippers want to work with agents they trust to deliver loads on time at competitive rates. The more loyal customers an agent has, the steadier the stream of business—and the more consistent the income. Agents build this trust over time by staying reliable. By communicating properly and delivering results, you can lock in repeat contracts, which is where long-term profits are made.
Carrier Network
Just as important as shippers are the carriers who move the freight. A well-developed carrier network gives agents the ability to quickly cover loads and match the right trucks with the right shipments. When an agent has strong carrier connections, it reduces downtime, keeps shippers happy, and ensures steady revenue. Agents who fail to maintain these relationships often lose loads to competitors who can cover them faster.
Commission Split
Unlike independent brokers, agents typically work under a licensed brokerage. The percentage an agent keeps depends on their agreement: some brokers offer 50/50 splits, while others may offer higher percentages but with less support. A favorable split can significantly boost take-home income, though agents still need to weigh it against the resources and leads the brokerage provides.
Location and Market Conditions
Even where you operate can influence how much you make as a freight broker agent.
Freight-heavy regions with lots of manufacturing, agriculture, or ports naturally provide more opportunities to move loads. At the same time, market conditions—such as seasonal demand, fuel price fluctuations, and economic shifts—can impact earnings. Successful agents adapt quickly to these changes, adjusting their strategies to keep profits steady.
Work Ethic
At the end of the day, work ethic may be the single biggest factor in income potential. Freight brokering is a hustle-driven business that rewards persistence. Agents who consistently make calls, follow up with leads, and put in the hours to strengthen relationships are the ones who see their commissions grow.
Simply put, the more effort you put in, the more opportunities you’ll uncover to boost your income.
Work with One Freight Broker
Being a freight broker agent is a sales-driven career with uncapped earning potential. At the end of the day, how much you make as a freight broker agent depends on you. If you’re self-motivated, resilient, and comfortable with sales, this may be the ideal career path for you.
The rewards can be substantial if you’re willing to put in the calls, build relationships, and grind through the early challenges.
If you want to work with a reliable freight transportation service provider with a great reputation built on exceptional customer service and a wide service range, work with One Freight Broker.
One Freight Broker is now the go-to choice for shippers everywhere, and it’s mainly because we can handle everything from LTL to FTL, domestic to international, and even expedited shipping. Beyond that, we are also known for our unique and inclusive strategy that enables shipping partners of all sizes to establish direct, beneficial, and enduring connections with dependable trucking allies.
Here at One Freight Broker, we pass on high-volume discounts to our clients by reducing their dependence on intermediaries. In fact, since our founding in 2013, we’ve significantly reduced shipping costs for our clients, amounting to tens of millions in savings, and have enhanced the profitability of asset fleets.
When you partner with One Freight Broker, you gain access to a vast network of carriers, competitive rates, and a team of experts dedicated to optimizing your shipping process. Whether you’re shipping domestically or require assistance with more complex logistics, we’re here to ensure your freight reaches its destination efficiently and cost-effectively.
Contact us at 800.716.7608 for expert guidance and to ensure your shipments reach their destination safely and on time.
Contact Us Today
Ready to simplify your shipping experience? Contact One Freight Broker to discover how our expertise can benefit your business, ensuring your cargo is in safe hands every step of the way.
For more information on how we can assist your business, visit our website at 1fr8.broker.
