Once you become an independent freight agent, you'll have more control over your work than you've ever had before. With independence, your success is in your own hands. The prospect is both exciting and terrifying. You'll obviously want to maximize your success and minimize setbacks. So, how does a person become a successful freight agent? What is it that sets the successful freight agents apart from the rest? There are a few things that successful agents have in common. These traits help them stay on top of their business, even when they experience challenges.
First, successful freight agents know how to arrange their priorities. They understand what matters most and what can be put on the back burner for a while.
Becoming a successful independent freight agent is all about putting your priorities in the right order. Before you take the independent route, most of your daily tasks come from someone else. However, once you switch to an independent freight business, nobody can tell you how to plan your day. You'll have to do that yourself, and that can be more challenging than a lot of people realize.
The best thing you can do is to organize your priorities based on ROI. Which tasks will give you the biggest results? Remember that your return on investment applies to time just as much as it applies to money. As you start each day, make sure that the activities with the biggest ROI come first.
For instance, maybe you get the best results from contacting existing clients, or maybe you've noticed a lot of success with your cold calls. What gets results for you may not get results for another independent agent, so figure out what matters most to your business.
While you figure out your most important tasks, understand that prioritizing works best when you stay organized. Accomplished field agents start their day by creating a game plan. Then, they complete the most important activities first. When you start each day with a plan, you have a solid measurement for each day's success. Plus, your plan will help you keep your priorities in the right order.
Consistency and communication are two of the biggest factors for successful freight agents. When you become an independent freight agent, the initial hustle is good, but it's the long-term consistency that will help you build the most success.
Accomplished independent freight agents spend some time each day checking on load progress and updating their records. Then, they send updates about that progress to their clients. They also check in with their clients regularly, getting to know them even when they're not currently working on a project for them. When you get to know your clients this way, you'll build customer loyalty, which creates long-term business success.
It's great to have a few big clients, but don't let yourself get too comfortable. Even when you build long-term client relationships, things happen. When your clients experience setbacks, they may ship fewer loads. Neither you nor your clients can control the ups and downs of the freight business. Successful freight agents understand this possibility, and they always have a backup plan.
That's why you should look for new clients even when your business has reached a comfortable place. Ask current customers for referrals, and keep up with the industry as a whole. This way, you can maintain consistency even when business gets rocky and unpredictable.
When you become an independent freight agent, you'll gain a level of freedom that you can't get by working for a specific broker. Suddenly, you'll have an entire range of possibilities and options. It's one of the biggest reasons why agents take the independent route.
That said, independence also comes with a host of challenges, and when those challenges happen, you'll want an excellent team on your side. Accomplished freight agents know that just because they're independent doesn't mean that they have to do everything alone. When challenges happen, they maintain their success by having a solid team to help them work through those challenges.
You can develop your team by choosing a good independent freight agency program. This way, you'll maintain your independence while getting the support you need when you need it. Choose a program with plenty of shipping options, excellent leadership, and lots of resources. The more solid your team, the easier it will be for you to handle challenges and setbacks.
Your freight agent business matters. It can increase your income, let you set your schedule, and help you build the life you want to live. That's why it's crucial for you to help your business thrive. By staying organized, maintaining communication, and having the right team on your side, you can maximize your success.
