Everything you need to know about becoming an SPI Logistics freight agent
Years of unfiltered EiL interviews with working SPI Logistics freight agents and the executive team that backs them, all in one place. Use it to do your due diligence: what the commission splits really look like, what tech and back-office support is included, who you'd actually be working with, and what to ask before you sign. Then book a call with SPI when you're ready.
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Read it. Watch it.Ask about it.
Everything you need to do your due diligence on SPI Logistics: the agent interviews, the executive playbook, the FAQ. Then talk to SPI Logistics directly when you're ready.
Software & resources every freight agent program should provide
Before you compare commission splits, compare the stack. The 'tech stack' question is where most agency conversations get vague, here's the checklist agents should run on every intro call with SPI Logistics (and any other program they're shopping).
- A modern TMS with full quote-to-cash workflow.
- Integrated load board access (DAT, Truckstop, or equivalent).
- Carrier vetting & fraud-prevention tools.
- Real-time visibility connected to carriers.
- Customer invoicing and collections support.
- The ability to integrate the tech you already use.
"We ensure our agents have access to the best TMS, fraud prevention tools, and automation software to stay ahead of the competition.. Mitch Helten, SPI Logistics CEO"
Why 'no in-house brokerage' is the differentiator most agents miss
Most freight agent programs sit inside a company that also runs its own in-house brokerage. That means the agency's own brokers are competing against you for the same shippers, and when push comes to shove, the company's W-2 brokers usually win the tiebreaker.
- SPI has no in-house brokerage. The whole company is built to support its agents.
- No corporate sales team chasing the same accounts you're working.
- Leadership's priorities are 100% aligned with agent success, that's the only business model.
- When you bring in a customer, that customer is yours, not 'shared' with house reps.
"Unlike other programs, SPI does not have agent saturation. That gives our agents room to grow without internal competition.. Anita Bassi, SPI Logistics"
How SPI pioneered the freight agent movement
SPI didn't add a freight-agent program later, it built one of the first ones. Founder and CEO Mitch Helten has spent decades shaping the model that most other agencies copied (and watered down).
- Founded with the agent-first model from day one.
- Decades of refining commissions, tech, and back-office support around what agents actually need.
- The leadership team that defined the playbook is still the leadership team you talk to today.
How to switch freight agent programs without losing your book
Switching agencies isn't a leap, it's a 3-step playbook most experienced agents already know intuitively.
- Audit your book: which customers are sticky, which are price-shoppers, and which contracts have non-competes?
- Compare commission, tech, and back-office support, not just the headline split.
- Plan the customer transition: communicate with key accounts and lean on your new agency's onboarding team.
"The SPI team stayed for three and a half weeks onboarding us. They made sure we were comfortable with the process before they left.. Steve Burroughs, SPI agent"
What commission splits do freight agents actually make?
Industry splits typically fall in these ranges. Higher splits often come with smaller back-office support, read the contract carefully.
- Low-end programs: 40–60% to the agent (heavy back office, less control).
- Mid-tier: 60–70% (the industry standard).
- Top-tier: 70–80% (best for established agents with infrastructure).
- SPI: top-tier splits with no hidden fees and full back-office support.
Legal questions to ask before you sign
Don't sign anything without your attorney reading these clauses. Reputable agencies welcome these questions.
- Do I own my customers if I leave?
- How long is the non-solicit, and is it enforceable in my state?
- Who owns the carrier relationships I source?
- Are there hidden fees or deductions from my commission?
- What's the contract termination process?
"If you don't own your customers, you'll probably have to quit, wait two years, and then start again.. Heard from more than one SPI agent who's switched programs"
How to tell if SPI is a good fit for you
SPI Logistics works best for agents who want top-tier economics without giving up the support of an established firm. If you check most of these boxes, the next step is a no-pressure conversation with SPI Logistics.
- You have 3+ years of freight brokerage experience.
- You have a portable book of business in the $1M+ revenue range.
- You want a tech stack built specifically for agents.
- You'd rather sell than build a back office from scratch.
- You want direct access to leadership when decisions need to get made.
Freight agent interviews
Real SPI freight agents on why they switched, what surprised them, and what their day actually looks like.9 interviews.
Freight agent tips from SPI leadership
The CEO, CRO, CFO, ops, tech and AP leaders on commissions, technology, fraud, finance, and what makes the agent-first model work.13 interviews.
The leadership team
Click a leader to watch their interview. For the full library of leadership tips, see the Agent Interviews tab.
What experienced agents ask first
The most common questions experienced freight agents ask before joining a new program.
Shopping a freight agent program? Here's what actually matters.
Most pitches sound the same on a recruiter call. These are the four questions that separate the programs worth your time from the ones that aren't, and how SPI Logistics answers each one.
Software & resources
TMS, load boards, carrier vetting, visibility, billing, all integrated, all included. If they're vague about the stack, that's the answer.
Real back-office support
Billing, collections, claims, credit checks. The work the agency handles is time you get back to sell.
No in-house brokerage
SPI doesn't operate a competing brokerage. Most agencies do, which means their W-2 brokers are quietly chasing your shippers.
Pioneer of the model
SPI built one of the first agent-first programs in freight. The leadership that defined the playbook is still the leadership you talk to today.
Ready to talk to SPI Logistics?
If any of this is resonating, the next step is a no-pressure conversation with SPI Logistics. Bring your questions about commission, tech, onboarding, and what your book of business would look like inside the program.
What you actually get
The platform, support, and economics behind the agent-owner model.
Top-tier commission splits
Industry-leading splits with no hidden fees.
Modern tech stack
TMS, visibility, load boards, fraud prevention, all integrated, all included.
Full back-office support
Billing, collections, credit, and claims handled so you can sell.
Insurance & factoring
SPI carries the bond and the credit infrastructure built for freight agents.
Onboarding & training
A structured first 90 days designed by people who've done it themselves.
85k+ carrier network
Vetted, monitored, and ready when you need capacity.
Is SPI Logistics right for you?
Tick the ones that ring true. Three or more, and a conversation with SPI Logistics is probably worth your time.
Apply with SPI Logistics
Ready to talk about SPI's freight agent program? If you're an existing freight agent or in freight sales with a book of business, fill this out and an SPI rep will be in touch.