Like any other sales opportunity, it takes a little while to build a book of business. In the beginning you’ll spend most of your time prospecting, and building relationships with your prospects and customers. Depending on whether you start out as a salaried employee working for a broker, or as an independent agent working from your home office, you should expect to earn $40,000 to $60,000 within your first year in the industry. The average sales rep in the business makes $60,000 to $80,000, and top brokers and agents bring in over $200,000 every year.
If you are just starting out in the freight business, it would be wise to begin working in an office environment where you are bringing in a salary while you more about the industry. If you have some contacts to get off the ground, or have supplemental income sources, working as a freight agent will bring you higher commission opportunities, however, you will be working as an independent contractor, and be paid on commission only, without a salary.