Freight agents are independent contractors who represent a freight broker in a given area. Because agents are not brokers and because they are generally home based, their start-up materials are minimal and typically consist of a computer, telephone, a fax machine and writing software. An agent's work is very similar to what a broker does, but the agent functions under the authority of the broker, leaving the broker responsible for such issues as maintaining the required surety bond, insurances, paying carriers, and getting paid, etc.