Licensed & Bonded Logistics Provider MC# 1027408 TIA & SC&RA Member Now onboarding agents · (800) 209-1143
Hauling for Perpetual? Submit POD & get paid →
Services Coverage Carriers Carrier Pay Agents
(800) 209-1143 Become an Agent
FREIGHT AGENT PROGRAMS EXPLAINED

Agent or Broker?
How It Works.

Thinking about going independent in freight? Here is how freight agent programs work, how they compare with running your own brokerage, and what to look for before you sign with a broker.

Apply in 2 Minutes → Call (800) 209-1143
Your customers stay yours Competitive splits Full back-office support
Apply Now

Start the conversation

Apply — Agent Program

CONFIDENTIAL

Tell us about your book — we'll follow up fast and confidentially. No obligation.

Confidential. Your info is only used to talk about the agent program.
Prefer to talk? Call (800) 209-1143 — 24/7
Keep Your BookCompetitive SplitsHeavy-Haul & OversizeVetted Carrier NetworkDispatch & BillingQuick Pay24/7 SupportKeep Your BookCompetitive SplitsHeavy-Haul & OversizeVetted Carrier NetworkDispatch & BillingQuick Pay24/7 Support
Agent vs. Broker

What each side brings

The agent brings customers

The agent finds shippers, quotes loads, books freight and owns the customer relationship.

The broker brings authority

The broker holds the FMCSA broker authority and the $75,000 surety bond or trust fund the law requires.

The broker carries the risk

Insurance, customer credit, carrier payment and collections sit with the broker, not the agent.

The broker supplies carriers

Carrier vetting, compliance, fraud screening and quick pay programs come from the broker.

Commission splits

Agents usually earn a share of the margin on each load they book. Splits vary by program and by how much support the agent uses.

What to look for

Book ownership, how and when you get paid, customer credit limits, carrier quality, and the freight the broker can actually cover.

Apply to the Agent Program → Call (800) 209-1143
Questions, Answered

Freight agent programs: FAQ

What is the difference between a freight agent and a freight broker?
A freight broker holds federal broker authority from FMCSA and the required $75,000 bond or trust fund, and is legally responsible for arranging the shipment. A freight agent works under a broker's authority, selling and managing loads while the broker provides the authority, bond, insurance, carrier network and back office.
Is it better to be a freight agent or start my own brokerage?
Starting a brokerage means getting your own authority, posting the bond, buying insurance, funding carrier payments before customers pay, and building a back office. An agent program lets you focus on selling while the broker carries those costs and risks. Many people start as agents, and some later open their own brokerage.
How do freight agent commission splits work?
Most programs pay the agent a percentage of the gross margin on each load. The percentage depends on the program and on what the broker provides. At Perpetual we review the details confidentially with each applicant.
Who owns the customers in an agent program?
It depends on the agreement, so read it carefully. At Perpetual, the agent keeps their book.
What should I look for in a freight agent program?
Clear book ownership, reliable and on-time commission pay, enough customer credit to grow, a vetted carrier network, real back-office support, and a broker that can cover the freight your customers ship.
How do I apply to the Perpetual agent program?
Use the application form on this page or call (800) 209-1143. Applications are confidential.

Memberships & Industry Credentials

MC# 1027408 · FMCSA USDOT 3259720 Bonded & Insured Est. 2019
Call 24/7: (800) 209-1143