If you’re running your own independent freight agency, you already know the highs: total autonomy, uncapped earning potential, a work-from-anywhere lifestyle and the deep satisfaction of building something that’s entirely yours. It’s a pretty sweet gig if you ask us.
But if you’ve been going at it solo for a while, then you know there are some downsides too. Managing customer relationships around the clock while juggling back-office operations? It can be draining. Trying to grow when you’re the only expert in the room? That’s no easy feat. Finding access to cost-effective health insurance as an entrepreneur? An expensive headache. What most independent freight brokers won’t say out loud is that it can get a little lonely out there.
Here at Tallgrass, we think you shouldn’t have to choose between freedom and support. You can get the best of both worlds with all the perks of owning your own freight agency and none of the drawbacks.
If you’re a seasoned freight agent or independent freight broker weighing your next move, here’s an inside look at what you’ll find when you partner with Tallgrass.
What Is an Independent Freight Agent? And why Are More Brokers Making the Switch?
An independent freight agent (or independent freight broker) runs their own book of business while partnering with a larger brokerage for support, technology and financial backing. That means you’re the boss. You own your customers, and you own your growth.
The difference is that you don’t have to do it all alone. Instead, you’ll get access to the tools and infrastructure that can help you grow, like back-office support, a reliable carrier network, best-in-class freight technology, and the financial stability that means you always get paid.
Why Freight Agents Choose Tallgrass Freight
When Damon Anderson founded Tallgrass, the goal was simple. He wanted to create a place where freight agents could thrive without compromise. Here’s what that actually looks like in practice.
1. Best-in-Class Support
The best freight agent programs don’t just hand you a login and wish you luck. At Tallgrass, we’ve built an infrastructure that works as hard as you do, because we know you didn’t get into freight to manage invoices and troubleshoot software.
Technology Built by Freight Pros, for Freight Pros
We set out to build our own proprietary CRM rather than settle for an off-the-shelf system with built-in limitations. That means no waiting on outside vendors when something needs to change. Our own development team builds and improves it constantly, guided by real feedback from our agents, so the technology always keeps pace with what agents need. The Tallgrass Freight CRM is best-in-class, designed by freight pros for freight pros.
From robust reporting to training accessibility to an intuitive booking system, every feature is designed to make our agents’ lives easier and more profitable. And your data stays yours, always, with a secure and protected environment where your customer relationships and information are for your eyes only.
Back-Office Support That Shows Up
Every brokerage says they offer support. The real question is how that support shows up when you need it. If a claim comes in, who handles it? If fraud surfaces, who steps in? If you need a credit increase for a growing account, how fast can that happen?
Those are the details that define a partnership, and at Tallgrass, we have real answers to all of them. Our back-office team handles carrier relations, claims, tech support, collections management, and everything in between, so you can focus on what you do best.
Mentorship, Coaching, and Real Development
Here’s something you won’t find anywhere else: a team that’s genuinely invested in your growth. Our President Sean Richardson, VP of Growth and Development Bob Brown and Director of Agent Development Jordan Brady work closely with agents to build a real blueprint for success, not just in the first 90 days but for the long haul. We weave mentorship, education and professional development into everything we do, from regular check-ins and sales strategy conversations to our Agent Roundtable, which brings freight agents from across the country together for a full weekend of development and collaboration.
2. Stability, Without Sacrificing Independence
There’s a lot to love about being your own boss. The autonomy, the ownership, the freedom to build something that is entirely yours. But the unpredictable side of entrepreneurship is real too. When you join Tallgrass’s independent freight agent network, you get the best of both worlds. That means:
- No worries about credit from carriers.
- No worries about getting paid.
- Reliable back-office operations so you’re never chasing down invoices.
- A work-from-anywhere policy because we believe in work-life balance.
You’re still running your business on your terms, but now you’ve got the infrastructure to scale it with confidence.
3. A Real Team (Because Nobody Should Fly Solo)
When new agents first join Tallgrass, it tends to surprise them that we’re genuinely a team here. Not in the buzzword-on-a-poster sense, but in the we-actually-look-out-for-each-other sense. You’ll be part of a culture built on integrity and camaraderie, where colleagues share strategies, celebrate each other’s wins, and show up for one another when things get hard.
That culture shows up outside of work too. From monthly State of the Union gatherings and family picnics to sales competitions and holiday celebrations, we make it a point to come together and celebrate the people who make this place great.
4. Industry-Leading Compensation
If you’re going to bet on yourself, you should get paid like it. With high splits, no salary caps, and the autonomy to be your own boss, you can cultivate the career and lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of for yourself.
Whether that’s a vacation home, sending your kids to college sans loans, or building a nest egg for retirement, there’s no ceiling here. And because we believe in taking care of the whole person, agents also have access to health, dental, and vision benefits.
We also think that hitting big milestones deserves some big recognition. Our three signature rewards programs are designed to do exactly that.
- Club 250: For agents who generate $250,000 or more in gross margin during the calendar year, we go all in on the celebration with an annual all-expenses-paid trip for two. Past destinations have included Riviera Maya and Punta Cana.
- Diamond Club: Agents who hit $500,000 or more in gross margin earn a $5,000 travel voucher plus a $3,000 Marriott travel voucher to use however they want. First-class flights, a family vacation, a few long weekends throughout the year? It’s entirely up to you.
- Elite Circle: Reserved for agents who generate $1 million or more in gross margin, Elite Circle members earn a one-of-a-kind trip for two to any event or destination in the world of their choosing. Whether it’s an African safari or sitting courtside at Wimbledon, these agents have built something exceptional that deserves a bucket-list-level reward.
But we’re not stopping there! Coming Spring 2026, we can’t wait to unveil two more award tiers! And they’re both dedicated to helping drive our agencies’ growth. Stay tuned, because if you’re hungry to grow, you’ll love what’s coming!
Frequently Asked Questions about Tallgrass Freight
Thinking about becoming an independent freight agent with Tallgrass? There’s likely a lot on your mind. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!
What is a freight agent program?
A freight agent program is a structure offered by a freight brokerage that allows independent freight agents or brokers to run their own books of business under the brokerage’s authority, technology, and support infrastructure.
Agents keep their entrepreneurial independence while gaining access to back-office support, carrier networks and, at the best programs, mentorship and development resources.
What’s the difference between a freight agent and a freight broker?
A freight broker is a broad term for someone who holds the operating authority (FMCSA license) to arrange freight transportation between shippers and carriers. An independent freight agent typically operates under a brokerage’s authority while maintaining independence over their own customer relationships and business growth.
Why join an independent freight agent network instead of going fully independent?
Running a fully independent freight brokerage comes with significant overhead, like licensing, insurance, carrier vetting, collections, technology, and more. Joining a freight agent network like Tallgrass lets you focus on what actually grows your business (i.e., customer relationships and sales) while the brokerage handles the back-end.
You keep your independence and get the support you need — without carrying all the risk.
What does Tallgrass Freight offer freight agents that other programs don’t?
A few things that are genuinely hard to find elsewhere: our custom-built CRM, an award-winning back-office support team, dedicated agent development coaching, high compensation splits and a company culture that treats agents like people instead of numbers. Oh, and no compensation caps. Ever.
Can freight agents work from home at Tallgrass?
Yes. Tallgrass has a work-from-anywhere policy because we genuinely believe in work-life balance. Our agents build thriving books of business from home offices, and we’ve built our technology and support systems to make that seamless.
How do independent freight agents get paid at Tallgrass?
Tallgrass agents earn a high commission split on every load. There are no salary caps and no earning limits. Our highest-performing agents also unlock exclusive sales incentives, designed to both reward you for your success and power your agency’s growth.
Does Tallgrass offer support beyond technology?
Yes. Tallgrass supports agents with invoicing, collections, carrier relations, coaching, mentorship and tech support so they can spend more time growing their business.
Is Tallgrass a good fit for experienced freight professionals?
Tallgrass is built for driven, entrepreneurial freight professionals who want to grow their business, earn more and be part of a supportive team without losing their autonomy.
Ready to Make Your Move?
The best independent freight agents and brokers in the country are building their futures at Tallgrass Freight Co. If you are ready to stop flying solo and start thriving with the freedom you’ve earned and the support you deserve, we’d love to talk. Contact our recruiting team today to learn more about the Tallgrass freight agent program.