Our Director of Recruitment is often asked why Independent Freight Agents choose Kopf. For her, it’s an easy question to answer because at Kopf, we do things differently. We’re a second-generation family owned business offering unparalleled support, shared values, and high commission splits to our Independent Freight Agents.
But let’s start with a story. Our story! See for yourself how we’re not like other brokerages.
It All Started With One Man and His Truck
We like to say “it all started with one man and his truck”…because it did!
Kenny Kopf was a driver for more than a decade. After years of hard work, a love for the industry and the hope of a better life for his family, he set out to change his destiny. He worked without rest to build a strong foundation on which we stand today.
As a young teen Leroy, Kenny’s son, began working in the mechanics shop repairing trucks and performing various other duties for the company. It was there his love for logistics was born. His involvement in the business grew and in 2008, he purchased the family business.
Today, Leroy serves as our President and CEO and exemplifies a true passion for trucking and logistics. He starts each day with a desire to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of the people he touches.
With the addition of our brokerage in 2011, the company continues to grow and thrive. Leroy’s strong leadership, vast knowledge of the industry and commitment to a value-based culture, has propelled us forward.
Our company is a place where opportunities abound, where dreams become reality and where we never stop learning. Our discoveries over the past fifty years have taught us well and our humble beginnings continue to inspire us. We will always remember, it all started with one man and his truck.
Our Shared Values: Integrity, Respect, and Accountability
Finding deep meaning and fulfillment in life starts with a clear sense of purpose. The understanding there is something to strive for bigger than self broadens our vision and challenges us to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s an essential part of what makes us different from other brokerages.
At Kopf, we value:
- Integrity. We are true to our word. We do what we say we will do and consider it a matter of integrity.
- Respect. We accomplish BIG things with a small team by valuing the contributions and capabilities of each team member. We respect every team member and believe when respected and appreciated they will give their very best.
- Accountability. We own our mistakes. We are not embarrassed by them but learn from them and move forward with the confidence we will not repeat them. We embrace a results-oriented culture that drives accountability, profitability, and growth. We guard the company’s resources with the same watchfulness we would use to guard our own personal resources.
Our clear sense of purpose is why Kenny Kopf helped Houston after Hurricane Harvey by driving his personal truck loaded with skids of supplies to help those in need. It’s why Vickie Kopf defines the 4 C’s of Leadership beginning with character and why we honor veterans like Tom who have been at Kopf for more than 30 years.
Our clear sense of purpose is why Leroy Kopf, President and CEO of Kopf, starts each day in the office by intentionally setting the tone for our team. He communicates on a personal level and prioritizes the day’s most critical goals, removing roadblocks for his staff and modeling accountability and continuous growth.
And after more than four decades, our original customers still partner with us today.
Integrity. Respect. Accountability.
Putting people first brings us together and sets us apart. Because at Kopf we are PEOPLE powered logistics.
And being people powered, we provide the support, tools, and commission splits our Independent Freight Agents need to thrive.
Maximize Your Earning Power with Kopf’s Commission Program
In addition to our story, and shared values, Agents also enjoy our high commission splits.
Defining Commission Splits
Independent Freight Agents earn income by splitting their profits with their freight brokerage (we go into all the details here). Essentially, when booking a load, a Freight Agent negotiates a rate with the Shipper and a rate with the Carrier. The difference between those two rates is the profit. That profit is then split between the Freight Brokerage and the Freight Agent.
Freight Agents must work under the operating authority of a licensed and insured freight brokerage to move freight. The brokerage carries the financial burden, overhead costs, provides the business office support, and so forth. This is why the commission is split between the Agent and the brokerage.
Choosing a brokerage with a strong commission split matters.
Understanding Our Industry-Leading Commission Splits
Commission splits vary greatly between brokerages. Often commissions are split 50/50, 60/40, or 70/30, with Agents earning the larger percentage. At Kopf, we offer the highest in that range at 70/30.
This means the Agent earns 70% and Kopf earns 30% of the profit on every load. This split is highly competitive and provides the potential for financial freedom.
Beyond the Commission: The Kopf Difference
In addition to our 70/30 commission split, our Independent Agents also enjoy flexibility and ownership, supported by Kopf.
Business-Office Support That Empowers You
Being a people-first company, we provide comprehensive business-office support 24/7. Our office staff supports Agents with administrative, accounting, and claims assistance. At Kopf, you’re a name, not just a number. We’re happy to help! Our mission is to empower agents, not just provide a platform.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Freight Agents
All our Agents gain access to award-winning TMS (transportation management software) and load boards such as DAT and Truckstop. It’s just another way we equip our Agents with the tools they need to succeed.
Training and Mentorship for Growth
While we do not provide formal training, (if you’re looking for training, we’d point you in the direction of these programs), we do provide the resources and dedicated support our Agents need to succeed.
One of the reasons our Agents love working with us is they are valued as human beings. Each of our Agents is known by name and our staff is just a phone call away 24/7.
Another resource we provide is our blog (which you can find at kopflogisticsgroup.com/blog). It’s packed with a variety of practical topics and insider tips, including our popular cold call script, cold email template, and article on the top industries to target.
Real Stories: Success Through Partnership
The Kopf difference isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something our Agents experience…Like Kevin and Tom.
Kevin
Kevin recognized Kopf was different from other brokerages right away.
“For me a big selling point with Kopf is the fact they don’t have a huge agent network. I’ve worked at other freight brokerages that have an agent program and they were totally saturated. I would basically have to make five phone calls before I could actually talk with them. But with Kopf, I don’t have that.
I can basically call anyone at Kopf and there’s a 99.9% chance they’re available. They’re a great group of people. They’re direct and they’re honest.
They have an awesome accounting staff that does a great job. They answer questions quickly. Whether I need proof of delivery or customer requests for some kind of paperwork, I get that back pretty quickly.”
He also relies on the technology stack:
“They definitely have a lot of pricing tools. I can see a lot of what the market trends do because they have different access to applications and software programs. I use that to build all my loads, to set up carriers, send rate confirmations, and anything business-related.”
And since Kopf is a brokerage and trucking company, he has gained access to clients he might not have otherwise.
“I haven’t touched on the fact they own trucks. That opens a lot of doors to accounts. A lot of times you’ll call accounts and they’ll say ‘Oh, you’re a 3PL, you’re a freight brokerage. Sorry we only work with asset only companies.’ Well, Kopf has trucks. They do have assets so that makes that conversation go a little easier.”
Our agents agree…It comes down to who we are.
“Leroy and his father Kenny, who founded Kopf, are phenomenal people. It’s a family faith-based company. They’re honest. That’s a big deal in this industry. Honesty from whom you’re representing and honesty from whom is paying you is a big deal.”
As Kevin explains here, partnering with Kopf has been crucial to his success.
Tom
Tom has filled three different roles at Kopf, most recently as an In-House Freight Agent. He has a 360-degree view of Kopf and knows we are who we say we are. It’s the support that makes all the difference for him.
“They’ve supported me through all my different positions and encouraged me all the way. I’ve been here for over 30 years. I started out as a Driver, worked my way up to a dispatcher and most recently as a Freight Agent.”
He appreciates that Kopf doesn’t ignore problems, but addresses them.
“Kopf has supported me in every aspect of my career, from beginning to present day. If I need something, they make it happen. They give me all the support I need and we work through any problems.”
And perhaps more importantly, as we’ve said a few times already,
“You’re part of the family here at Kopf, you’re not just a number.”
You can listen as Tom shares more here.
Empower Your Career as an Independent Freight Agent
Independent Freight Agents like Kevin and Tom choose Kopf Logistics because of our story, unparalleled support, shared values, and industry-leading commission splits. Are you an Independent Freight Agent looking for a partner that values your success as much as you do? Now is the time to elevate your career and make our story part of your story. Because at Kopf, you’re part of the family!
Read this next: 6 Strategies to Boost Your Income: A Guide to High-Earning Independent Freight Agents
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become an Independent Freight Agent?
First, we recommend you learn more about the industry. While a formal degree or certificate isn’t required, we recommend these training programs.
Second, gain industry experience. Consider working for a freight brokerage or carrier to gain applicable knowledge and experience. As you do, you’ll build a client base. Develop relationships with shippers and carriers to establish a network of contacts. This will assist you in finding customers and freight carriers to work with.
Third, establish your business as an Independent Freight Agency and find a financially sound freight broker, such as Kopf, to contract with to move your freight.
How do I apply?
Fill out our short application and our recruiter will contact you.
What are the requirements to apply to work as an Independent Freight Agent with Kopf?
You will need a computer with high-speed internet access, a copy of State Domiciled Business Registration (an LLC or Inc), a Federal Tax Identification Number, Microsoft Office products, and an established book of business subject to approval. Apply today!
Do I need clients in order to apply?
Yes, Kopf does require a book of business in order to apply. Need to grow yours? Check out our best tips on building a larger book of business.
I have more questions about the Agent Program, can I talk to someone?
Yes! Call our recruiter at 574.349.5600.