We have learned that anything can happen in the last three-plus years when it comes to transportation. Currently, we are seeing interest rates above seven percent, and the future freight market is not clear. Being uncertain about what the future brings can make people afraid of it, but being engulfed in that fear is bad for everyone.

As a Freight Agent, what should you be doing in this uncertain freight market? What do you need to offer the best support to your shipper and carrier relationships?

When the freight market is uncertain, when things are not clear, people look for certainty, for comfort that everything will come together alright. Like a warm blanket on a cold night.

For this article, I want to talk to you about how to bring that sense of comfort and confidence in your service for shipper relationships, your carrier relationships, and even for yourself.

1: Have Access to Data and Know It

The first part of this tip should be simple. The second part takes a little more work.  

When we’re unsure, it just means we don’t know enough. As a Freight Agent, this is where you can come in as a valuable resource for your shipper and carrier relationships. This is where they need you most.

You should be getting your freight market information from a reputable source. Ideally, your third-party logistics provider (3PL) should be providing this for you, but if not, some good resources to check out are FreightWaves, Transport Topics, or Supply Chain Dive.

Once you’ve found your source, a great tip is to make your own printable data slides or documents that you can have on hand to share as needed. Always keep these on you, either easily accessible via your phone or computer or printed and in a folder that you carry with you. Take these to every meeting or consultation you have. These can help you visually show your expertise and confidence, as being shown something always goes further in building credibility than just being told, especially in something as complex as logistics.

That’s only the beginning. You also need to know this information inside and out. You need to be able to explain the facts in the clearest and most effective way, so make sure you thoroughly study and understand the freight market information you are looking to share. Always be ready to answer any questions your relationships may have so you can share your confidence and build their trust.

2: Contact Your Prospective and Current Relationships

Do it. Do it now, as Arnold Schwarzenegger says. Contact your current relationships and your leads.

No matter what you do, this should be a constant in your business. Look at any successful Freight Agent, and they will tell you that keeping in contact with your relationships is a very important part of the process (if not the lifeblood), no matter how much you have going on. Plan in time to do this.

For example, we have a very successful Freight Agent in our network who makes an amazing living and has a lot of very predictable freight shipping every day. This person stays so focused on consistently contacting their relationships because they know you’re only as good as the last load that was delivered.

Your relationships will know that now is a good time to do business with you if they see you reaching out to them and trying to teach them about current freight market conditions versus pulling away and not being that trusted resource to them.

3: Build Up Your Confidence

Time to give yourself, your skills, and your work an honest look. What do you do well, and what do you need to work on?

The areas you should pay attention to and do well in as a Freight Agent should be generating new business, cold calling, maintaining your customer and carrier relationships, and keeping updated on the freight market. If you’re lacking in any of these, of course you won’t be as confident, so it’s time to get to work on improving your skills or knowledge. Seek out resources to help you. Our Freight Agent blog articles are a great starting point!

4: Take Responsibility

A great coach is more likely to be successful in carrying out the team’s plans when they hold themselves responsible for their players, especially when those players are holding them accountable for their game plan.

Set some business goals and tell your family and friends about them. Tell everyone about your big goals. Not only does this help you keep yourself accountable, but those you told will likely check in from time to time, helping you keep your goals front of mind and continuously check in on them.

If you end up reaching them, celebrate! Setting goals, working towards them, and eventually meeting them are great ways to build more confidence in yourself and see business success.

5: Partner with a Great 3PL

A great 3PL will help you stay confident regardless of freight market conditions. While the freight market may present challenges at times, the key to thriving lies in forging the right partnership. When you partner with a reliable and experienced 3PL like Trinity Logistics, you’re taking a significant step toward confidence and success.

Here’s briefly how Trinity can help you stay at the forefront of the industry and your business as a Freight Agent.

Continuous Education

We understand the importance of staying updated with the latest industry trends and knowledge. That’s why we provide a wealth of resources and training opportunities to keep our Freight Agent network well-informed and ahead of the curve.

Goal Setting and Achievement

Setting and achieving your business goals is easier when you have dedicated support. Our Agent Support Team works closely with Freight Agents to help them establish realistic goals and create a roadmap to success. We’re committed to seeing your business grow and prosper.

Team Support

At Trinity Logistics, we’re more than just your business partner. Our dedicated Team Members are here to support you, from compliance to technology to sales. Our Team is your Team, ready to provide you with the assistance and guidance you need.

If you’re looking to boost your confidence and lead your Freight Agent business to new heights, consider becoming a part of Trinity’s Freight Agent network. Together, we can navigate the challenges and seize opportunities that the freight market throws at us.

To learn more about the benefits of joining our Freight Agent network, call 800-846-1908 or email agentrecruiting@trinitylogistics.com.