Choosing a freight brokerage can be stressful for an owner-operator. If you pick the wrong one, they can drive your business into the ground. But selecting the right one can give your company the boost it needs to expand its fleet and continue to grow. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of reliable and trustworthy freight brokers in the industry.
Quicklook: Best Freight Brokers for Owner Operators
- Best For Safety: GP Transco – Find Loads
- Best For Food & Beverage Logistics: Coyote Logistics – Find Loads
- Best For Corporate Culture: GlobalTranz – Find Loads
- Best For Work/Life Balance: Worldwide Express – Find Loads
- Best For Technology: Echo Global Logistics – Find Loads
- Best For Customer Service: Trinity Logistics – Find Loads
6 Best Freight Brokers for Owner Operators Options
Freight brokers continue to be a trusted source for owner-operators looking for loads. Here are the six best brokerages to partner with for steady income.
GP Transco
Safety is the forefront of GP Transco’s operation. They are constantly elevating the industry’s standard by using innovative technology. Their Fleet Safety AI keeps drivers and freight protected as they travel to their destination. With an in-house brokerage, you can trust GP Transco to deliver a high standard of service.
Best For: Safety
Location:
- Headquarters – 3200 Channahon Rd., Joliet, IL 60436
- Operates in all 50 states
Services:
- Dry Van
- Intermodal
- LTL
- Flatbed
- Temperature Controlled
Revenue: $84 million
Works With:
- LG
- Macy’s
- Morton Salt
- Hewlett Packard
- Target
- Whirlpool
- Petco
- Snap-on
- Sears
Benefits:
- Automatic Load Status Updates
- Historical Load Data
- Driver Activity Reports
- Fleet Safety AI
- Maintenance Management
Disadvantages:
- Some locations are understaffed
Coyote Logistics
As one of the largest carriers in North America, Coyote Logistics has over 10,000 shipments available for transport daily. With that consistent load volume, you can find a load that suits your lifestyle needs. Specialists are always ready to help and are just a phone call or message away.
Best For: Food & Beverage Logistics
Location:
- Headquarters – 2545 W. Diversey Ave., 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60647
- Operates in all 50 states
Services:
- Refrigerated fleets
- Full Truckload
- Less-Than-Truckload
- Intermodal
- Air & Ocean
Revenue: $979 million
Works With:
- Heineken USA
- Northstar Recycling
- Expedited Trans
- D&S Trucking of Michigan Inc.
Benefits:
- CoyoteGO mobile app
- Digital Tracking
- Dedicated Food & Beverage Specialists
Disadvantages:
- Many driver reviews report long hours and poor work/life balance
GlobalTranz
GlobalTranz is driven by its need to be the best in the industry, which is why they’re constantly raising the bar. Their values are unwavering, and giving back to the communities that support them is a priority. When it comes to corporate responsibility, GlobalTranz has a dedicated employee volunteer group that works to protect the environment and human rights initiatives.
Best For: Corporate Culture
Location:
- Headquarters – 7350 N. Dobson Road, Suite 130, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
- Operates in all 50 states
Services:
- Logistics solutions
- Final mile delivery
- LTL
- Mexico cross-border
- White Glove Delivery
- Paper and packaging
Revenue: $4 billion
Works With:
- TW Metals
- Roadrunner Transportation Services
Benefits:
- Quick Pay Financing
- Industry-Leading Technology
- Multimodal opportunities
Disadvantages:
- Employees report delays on invoiced payments
Worldwide Express
This innovative company has been recognized all over the country as one of the best places to work. They pride themselves on creating an environment where employees feel supported and thrive in their roles. Worldwide Express has over 30 years of experience as an industry leader.
Best For: Work/Life Balance
Location:
- Headquarters – 2323 Victory Ave., Suite 1600, Dallas, TX 75219
- Operates in all 50 states
Services:
- LTL
- FTL
- Expedite
- White-Glove
- Hazardous materials
- Refrigerated
- International
Revenue: $1 billion
Works With:
- 2 Day Transportation
- DOHRN
- Old Dominion Freight Line
- WARD
- A. Duie Pyle
Benefits:
- Affordable health insurance
- 401K
- Discounted fitness rates
- Employee referral program
Disadvantages: [lay out the disadvantages of this option]
- Online reviews report a high turnover rate
Echo Global Logistics
Echo makes it a point to hire the best people in the business, so their team is full of expert professionals. They also offer technology solutions that make it easy for partners to communicate and easily perform tasks.
Best For: Technology
Location:
- 600 West Chicago Ave., Suite 725, Chicago, IL 60654
- Operates in all 50 states
Services:
- Truckload
- LTL
- Intermodal
- Air & Ocean
- Small Parcel
- Heavy Haul
Revenue: $1 billion
Works With:
- Dave & Buster’s
- Dude Products
- Newell Brands
- MHolland
- Molson Coors
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Pet insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Parental leave
Disadvantages:
- Online reviews state the training process could be better
Trinity Logistics
Transport Topics recognized Trinity Logistics as one of the top 20 freight brokerages in the U.S. One reason is that they put their customers first. That includes vendors and carriers they partner with to assist clients with their shipping needs. You’ll have access to quality loads and quick pay when you join the team.
Best For: Customer Service
Location:
- 50 Fallon Avenue, PO Box 1620, Seaford, Delaware 19973
- Operates in all 50 states
Services:
- LTL
- Truckload
- Warehousing
- Intermodal
- Managed Services
- Dayage
- Expedited
- International
Revenue: $550 million
Works With:
- Forrest Transportation
- K2 Dynamics
- JT Transportation
Benefits:
- Uncapped incentives
- Leadership training
- Wellness programs
- Tuition reimbursement
Disadvantages:
- Online reviews complain of multiple calls from dispatch, although they’re being tracked
How Can Owner Operators Utilize a Freight Broker?
Owner-operators can save time and money by allowing freight brokers to perform the leg work when it comes to finding loads. They handle the transaction details and negotiate load rates, times, and locations.
Evaluating a Freight Broker for Owner Operators
You should be aware of a few things as you shop around and compare freight brokers. Keep reading to discover what questions you should ask potential brokers as you shop around.
Size of Shipments
Sometimes you have a small load, but not all freight brokers handle tiny shipments. Check with the broker to discover whether they have any restrictions on shipment size. Some make exceptions if you’re a well-established carrier they know will continue to conduct business with them.
Limitations
As an owner-operator, your vehicle may prevent freight brokers from working with you. For instance, if a broker deals with many food and beverage shippers and you don’t have a refrigerated trailer, that may deter the broker from working with you. Or, you may not have the proper equipment to load oversized loads. Any limitations you have will affect the types of loads you receive.
While it may not be feasible to buy a new truck, especially if you’re just starting out, it may be cheaper to make upgrades to your current vehicle. It only benefits you in the long run if you’re able to transport a variety of loads.
Payments
Freight brokers receive a commission for each load they book. Make sure you know exactly what the split is to ensure you’re paid the correct amount. The broker should have a complete plan in place in response to how, who, and when you’ll be paid. If they cannot give a clear and concise answer, keep searching. Keep in mind that each brokerage is different, so be diligent about obtaining this information.
Creditworthiness
No one wants to work for free, but you run that risk if you don’t run a credit check on the freight brokerage. This will increase the chances that you’ll be paid on time, or at all. The credit report will tell you the average time the broker takes to pay clients and whether they’ve ever defaulted.
Freight Brokers Keep the Loads Coming
Owner-operators need a stream of steady loads to keep them in business. Most of their day is spent on the road, making it difficult to search load boards for their next job. A freight broker can turn your business around by collaborating with you to find loads and negotiate rates on your behalf. Just be sure to research the brokerage to know you’re dealing with a reputable company.
FAQ
On average, they take a commission between 15%-20%.
Yes, they often become licensed to have the authority to do so.
According to Indeed, the average salary is $65,511.
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