Independent freight forwarding agent

Small manufacturers, importers, online sellers and wholesalers that ship goods by air, ocean or truck and don't have their own logistics staff.

Usually a commission or a split of the margin on each shipment, set by the forwarder you partner with. Income builds slowly as you add repeat clients.

• Sales and relationship building
• Organized and detail-focused with paperwork
• Comfortable learning shipping terms and customs basics

• Read the agent agreement closely: who owns the customer relationships, how and when you get paid, and what happens if you leave
• Check whether you need your own business license, and whether your city or county or HOA allows a home office
• Ask whether the forwarder's insurance covers you, and consider your own general liability or errors and omissions cover
• Cargo damage, delays and customs mistakes can lead to disputes, so keep clear written records
• Payment cycles can be long, and you may wait weeks for commission after a shipment

Estimated startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your equipment, software and any insurance you choose to buy. The forwarder you work under provides the licenses, systems and back office.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many shippers you win and how many shipments you book. Commission can arrive weeks after a shipment, so check payment timing in your agent agreement.

Read the agent agreement closely for customer ownership, payment timing and what happens if you leave. Also check whether you need your own business license, whether your city, county or HOA allows a home office, and what insurance covers you.