Best Freight Brokerage Companies

Your needs and preferences will highly influence which companies you think of as the best freight brokerage companies. But to help you get started, this is a list of the leading options with outlines that explain what these companies are best known for. Find your next freight broker from this inclusive list of the top 10 freight brokerage companies.

Quicklook: Best Freight Brokerage Companies

• Best For Hard-To-Book Freight: GP Transco
• Best For Large, Frequent Shipments: C.H. Robinson Worldwide
• Best For Fresh, Affordable Supply Chain Solutions: Coyote Logistics 
• Best For Modern Cargo With Detailed Freights: XPO Logistics 
• Best For Small- To Medium-Sized Businesses: Echo Global Logistics 
• Best For Less-Than-Truckload Shipments: MODE Transportation
• Best For Independent Companies and Leased Operators: Landstar System
• Best For Effective Air Freight Solutions: Worldwide Express
• Best For Standard Trucking Services: J.B. Hunt Integrated-Capacity Solutions
• Best For Technology Tracking and Freight Management: Redwood Logistics

10 Best Freight Brokerage Companies

Working with a freight brokerage can aid you in negotiating the best rates for a contract or load. A freight brokerage company can also help you find fast and reliable transportation solutions. But there are so many freight brokers available, so how are you supposed to pick the one that will meet your needs best? Get started with these top 10 picks.

GP Transco

GP Transco has more than 500 trucks and 700 trailers. You’ll receive advanced technology and incredible workflows from this industry-leading freight transportation company. The company is committed to on-time delivery every time, and GP Transco offers technology that lets you track your shipments at all times. This will let you see where your shipments are and when they will arrive at their final destinations. 

Best For: Hard-To-Book Freight

Types of Freight: 

• Dry van
• Intermodal
• LTL
• Flatbed

Gross Revenue: Not disclosed

Net Revenue: $84 million

Benefits: 

• Smart route optimization
• Monitors driver behavior
• Trained drivers using machine learning
• Optimal training for any scenario
• Multi-stop
• Mode optimization

Disadvantages:

• High trucker turnover 
• Challenging to build relationships

Pricing:

• Request a quote to learn more. 

C.H. Robinson Worldwide 

C.H. Robinson Worldwide is the biggest freight brokerage company in the world. Ranked in the 154th position on the Fortune 500 list of top companies, C.H. Robinson has more than a century’s worth of freight brokerage experience. The company operates within four continents and it has contractual relationships with more than 66,000 transport companies. You’ll find some of the most advanced technology when you choose to work with this broker. You can quote and schedule loads online with incredible speed as well as ease. From there, you can monitor your loads throughout the entire process.

Best For: Large, Frequent Shipments

Types of Freight: 

• Air and expedited loads 
• Rail intermodal
• LTL
• Dry van truckload
• Flatbeds 
• Heavy hauls 
• Refrigerated
• Bulk loads on tanks 
• Air freight
• Ocean transport

Gross Revenue: 

• $22.3 billion 

Net Revenue: 

• $2.9 billion

Benefits: 

• Trusted freight brokerage 
• Founded in 1905 
• Lengthy history of success 
• Strong goodwill 
• Logistics platform for connectivity
• Wide array of services:
  • Supply chain analysis
  • Freight consolidation
  • Warehousing 

Disadvantages:

• High truckload rates
• Often requires adapting technology and processes to meet broker’s requirements
• Enormous business makes relationship-building challenging

Pricing: 

• Request a quote. 

Coyote Logistics

Coyote Logistics is now a UPS company. The broker made a name for itself by having flexible, multimodal and highly scalable equipment solutions that offer fresh freight ideas to their customers. You’ll get to take advantage of the power and convenience of one of the largest parcel transport companies along with the ability to transport enormous bulk freight at competitive rates. The fact that UPS purchased this growing logistics company is no surprise since Coyote Logistics started quickly making its way to the top of the freight brokerage rankings. 

Best For: Fresh, Affordable Supply Chain Solutions

Types of Freight: 

• Rail intermodal
• LTL
• Dry van truckloads 
• Refrigerated
• Flatbeds
• Heavy hauls
• Air
• Ocean

Gross Revenue: 

• $14.6 billion

Net Revenue: 

• $7 billion

Benefits:

• Reliable insurance
• Timely delivery
• Strong technology
• Helpful representatives

Disadvantages:

• No additional specialized freight services 
• Improvement needed in terms of communication with truck drivers 

Pricing: 

• Request a quote based on freight type and distance. 

XPO Logistics 

XPO Logistics is a global logistics provider of supply chain solutions that operates from its headquarters in Greenwich, Connecticut. However, you’ll find the company has locations all over the world, with 749 hubs in total. With a team of 43,000 employees, you should have no trouble communicating with the company. Founded in 2011, XPO Logistics is a relatively new brokerage company, but it has quickly made a name for itself thanks to its advanced technology, quality goods movement and supply chain efficiency. 

Best For: Modern Cargo With Detailed Freights

Types of Freight: 

• Air and expedited shipments 
• Rail intermodal
• LTL
• Dry van truckloads 
• Refrigerated
• Flatbeds 
• Heavy hauls 

Gross Revenue: 

• $8.9 billion

Net Revenue: 

• $2.3 billion

Benefits: 

• Provides special freight services for sensitive cargo 
• Good technological integration along with services 

Disadvantages:

• Fairly new company
• Just started in 2011
• Undergoing changes  

Pricing: 

• Request a quote for pricing details. 

Echo Global Logistics 

Echo Global Logistics provides both supply chain management and transportation services. Operating out of Chicago, Illinois, Echo Global Logistics was founded in 2005 with the intention of simplifying transportation management. The company is committed to exceptional service and aims to find solutions for your business no matter which challenges you are facing. With a goal of exceeding budgetary expectations, the company frequently seeks more efficient ways of doing business.

Best For: Small- To Medium-Sized Businesses

Types of Freight: 

• Air and expedited shipments 
• Rail intermodal
• LTL
• Dry van truckloads 
• Refrigerated freight 
• Flatbeds 
• Heavy hauls 
• Bulk loads on tanks 

Gross Revenue: 

• $3.7 billion

Net Revenue: 

• $540 million

Benefits: 

• Proprietary technology platform
• Available on both a single- and long-term basis
• Technology-enabled transportation available

Disadvantages:

• No specialized freight services 
• May take longer for load transportation than initially quoted  
• Minimally responsive billing department 

Pricing: 

• Request a quote for the price. 

MODE Transportation

MODE Transportation is a single-source, neutral mode light-asset-based provider of freight brokerage. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. MODE Transportation was founded in 1989, and MODE is clearly a company on the move. It recently acquired Avenger Logistics to expand its freight brokerage business. This comes after MODE purchased SunteckTTS Inc. in 2019.

Best For: Less-Than-Truckload Shipments

Types of Freight:

• Air and expedited shipments  
• Rail intermodal
• LTL
• Dry van truckloads
• Parcels

Gross Revenue:

• $3.4 billion

Net Revenue: 

• $450 million

Benefits: 

• FMCSA-licensed 
• Additional parcels 
• Less-than-truckload services 

Disadvantages:

• Lacks refrigerated freight service

Pricing: 

• Request a quote for detailed pricing information. 

Landstar System

Landstar System provides transportation services using its vast network of carriers and owner-operators. With Landstar, independent freight agents, third-party capacity providers, and leased owner-operators will deliver your freight. Dating back to 1988, the company has had many decades to perfect its operations. For instance, Landstar System made the Fortune 500 list for the first time in 2021, and the company is currently ranked in position 491.

Best For: Independent Companies and Leased Operators

Types of Freight:

• Air and expedited shipments 
• Rail intermodal 
• LTL 
• Dry van truckloads 
• Flatbeds 
• Heavy hauls 
• Bulk loads on tanks
• Ocean 

Gross Revenue: 

• $3.8 billion

Net Revenue:

• $635 million

Benefits: 

• Safety-first approach to freight
• Handles small freight economically

Disadvantages:

• Outdated warehouses

Pricing:

• Request a quote. 

Worldwide Express

Founded in 1995, Worldwide Express is a leading provider of FTL, LTL and parcel shipping. This freight brokerage company operates out of Dallas, Texas. In 2021, the company merged with GlobalTranz to form one of the strongest and largest freight brokerage companies out there.  

Best For: Effective Air Freight Solutions

Types of Freight: 

• Air and expedited shipments   
• LTL
• Dry van truckload
• Refrigerated freight
• Flatbeds 
• Heavy hauls 
• Parcels 

Gross Revenue: 

• $4.6 billion 

Net Revenue: 

• $837 million

Benefits: 

• Top-class air carrier service
• Multiple shipping options available
• Transportation management system for ease of scheduling loads 

Disadvantages:

• Actual bills often higher than quotes
• Service issues

Pricing: 

• Request a quote today. 

J.B. Hunt Integrated Capacity Solutions

J.B. Hunt ICS provides alternative transportation solutions that are designed to increase the efficiency of multi-modal supply chain participants. Founded in 1961, J.B. Hunt Integrated Capacity Solutions operates out of Lowell, Arkansas. The company uses a network of third-party carriers to deliver materials for shippers. There are 24 J.B. Hunt branches throughout the country to serve its customers, and it is an extension of the Fortune 500 parent company J.B. Hunt.

Best For: Standard Trucking Services

Types of Freight: 

• Air and expedited shipments
• Rail intermodal 
• LTL
• Dry van truckloads
• Refrigerated
• Flatbeds 
• Heavy hauls 
• Bulk loads on tanks 

Gross Revenue: 

• $14.6 billion

Net Revenue:

• $2.4 billion

Benefits: 

• Uses trucking network 
• Attractive less-than-truckload offers
• Easy to book loads you need 

Disadvantages:

• Lacks parcel services 
• Possibility of application process freezing sometimes
• Difficult to get in touch after-hours or on weekends 

Pricing: 

• Request a quote. 

Redwood Logistics

Founded in 2001, Redwood Logistics is a modern provider of solutions for moving and managing freight. The Redwood Logistics headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois. With a mission of bringing innovation to the freight industry, the company aims to make logistics simpler for shippers and carriers alike. 

Best For: Technology Tracking and Freight Management 

Types of Freight: 

• LTL
• Dry van truckloads 
• Refrigerated
• Flatbeds 
• Heavy hauls 
• Intermodal

Gross Revenue: 

• $1.1 billion

Net Revenue: 

• $173 million

Benefits: 

• Technologically-sound freight brokerage
• Flexible services 

Disadvantages:

• No specialized freight services 

Pricing: 

• Request a quote. 

How Does a Freight Brokerage Work?

Freight brokerage firms serve as intermediaries between shippers and carriers. Their job is to ensure that freight moves as promised from one location to another while also making sure it arrives at its destination within the expected timeframe that was promised. As intermediaries, freight brokers also facilitate the communication between shippers and carriers. 

These companies also assist in the following activities:

• Rate negotiations 
• Route planning
• Freight tracking

During the transportation process, brokers do not take possession of the goods that are in transit. Instead, they facilitate the process. These experts specialize in the art of ensuring fast delivery times, improving the supply chain efficiency and preventing freight damage.

The shipper pays for these services, and the broker takes a commission off that fee. So, while the carrier will receive the funds only after the broker takes its commission, both carriers and shippers alike still often find it beneficial to work with a broker.

Things To Consider When Choosing a Freight Broker

Choosing a freight broker requires you to weigh the pros and the cons of your competitors. You will want to choose a versatile, affordable and easy-to-work-with broker that has the experience and expertise necessary to get the job done. Before selecting which freight broker is right for you, read about these top factors that you should keep in mind when considering freight brokers. 

Proper Licensing For Operations

Don’t simply judge a freight broker based on rates alone. First, ensure that the broker has the licensing required to operate their business. 

This way, you’ll know your freight is in good hands. You will also be able to trust that the broker knows how to safely transport that type of freight. Review the broker’s licensing and operating authority for greater insight. 

An easy way to do this is to visit the FMCSA website. This is where you can review the broker’s credentials. If you can’t find the broker on the website, it might be a sign that you should look elsewhere.

Insurance Coverage

Operating a freight brokerage company requires adequate insurance. That’s because these brokers are assuming some responsibility for the value of the goods. 

Similar to the way just any type of insurance is not good enough, you should seek freight brokerages with insurance that offers favorable policies. Ask questions if you are not completely clear about what something means in regard to their coverage and insurance promises. 

Request a certificate of insurance for validation of the policy, and make sure the policy limits will cover your goods as well as your liability. While you’ll likely also have insurance on those goods, as will the carrier that the broker contracts with, you still want to make sure everything is in order to avoid issues. 

Certifications and Compliance

As you seek out a freight brokerage partner, look for one that helps you understand the various memberships and accreditations that these professionals prepare for brokering various types of freight. For starters, select a company that is highly recognized in its field. 

Companies with certifications and awards generally have stronger legal compliance and qualifications, making them more capable of handling your freight. Start by looking for the EPA SmartWay Carrier, TIA and IANA logos on the brokers’ websites.

Solid Company History

Check the broker’s reputation and history before selecting them as your partner. The longer that a company has been in history, the easier this process will be. 

Companies that have been in business longer are likely leaders in their industry. As such, they may innovate new ways to help shippers transport goods from one location to another regularly. 

While up-and-coming freight brokers are great and the industry certainly needs them, you might want to choose one that has a proven track record instead. That way, you can read reviews from existing and past clients, which can tell you the specifics about what it’s like to work with them.

Look into the operational model that the freight brokerage follows. This can help you better understand if their processes are a good match for your needs. 

Financial Health

While freight brokers are in high demand, some of them are not in the best financial position. You’ll want to make sure you’re partnering with a brokerage company that has a bright future ahead of them. 

That way, you won’t find yourself in this same position where you’re having to look for a new broker again soon. Ask for financial information about the brokerage before signing on to ensure they’ll be around for years to come. This can also assist you in making sure their financial woes won’t cause your business any problems.

Service Quality

Supply chain and logistics are challenging businesses to manage. Even the smallest of errors can impact your delivery timelines, compromise the safety of your drivers or lead to freight damage. Ensure that the freight broker you’re evaluating meets industry requirements as well. 

This includes having the required technology and internal processes in place to offer you the best service. You can also ask for references and feedback from recent customers when reviewing this facet of your broker. 

TMS Technology

TMS technology is an integral part of providing the highest level of transport-related services. Plus, the better the technology your freight broker has, the more insights you’ll get when it comes to the transportation of your goods. 

This can help you prepare your dock workers and your staff members appropriately to ensure the best possible outcomes. Choose a brokerage with a robust TMS system that offers its clients access to applicable data and information. 

Reliable, Efficient Freight Assistance

Working with a freight broker ensures you will receive the most reliable, cost-effective and efficient freight transportation possible. While you could go directly to carriers and seek out a contract, freight brokerage companies streamline the process and make less work for shippers as well as carriers. Review the list above to find one that can best meet your needs.

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