Less-than-load shipping brokers play an essential role in the economy. They help businesses manage inventories and keep transport costs down by consolidating small loads into full truckloads for transport cost optimization. LTL freight shipping allows businesses to reduce inventories through optimal order quantities and still enjoy the reduced costs of full truck transport.
Quicklook: Best LTL Shipping Brokers
- Best For Medium to Large Businesses: CH Robinson Worldwide
- Best For Online Stores: UPS Supply Chain Solutions
- Best For Temperature Controlled LTL Freight: DHL Supply Chain
- Best For Service Delivery Excellence: Total Quality Logistics
- Best For Environmentally Friendly Service: Echo Global Services
5 Best LTL Shipping Brokers
There are more than 17,000 less than truckload companies in the USA. We’ve reviewed five of the best.
CH Robinson Worldwide
By far the largest LTL shipping broker in North America, CH Robinson Worldwide offers a range of services, including freight brokering, transport management, and warehousing across the globe. The company has a sophisticated logistics platform for tracking cargo moved by a network of 85,000 LTL freight carriers.
Best For: Medium to large businesses
Services:
- Global Transport Management Systems
- Supply Chain Management Advisory Services
- Global Warehousing
- LTL Freight Brokering
- Multimodal Transport Options
Special Features:
- Sophisticated Cargo Tracking
- Multimodal Transport Solutions
- 17,000 Supply Chain Experts
- Extensive Logistics Warehouse Services
Benefits:
- Access To 85,000 Contract Carriers
- Save Costs On Multimodal Services
- Sophisticated Logistics Tracking Across The Globe
- The Industry Leader In LTL Freight Brokerage and TMS
Disadvantages:
- Can Be Price Inflexible
- Smaller Clients Are Sometimes Overlooked
UPS Supply Chain Solutions
With humble beginnings in 1907, UPS has grown into the most prominent package delivery service in the world. As it has grown, it has broadened its offering to include a host of logistics services. Coyote Logistics of UPS Supply Chain Solutions is one of North America’s biggest shipping brokers. UPS has more than 400 offices in 40 countries worldwide.
Best For: Online stores
Services:
- Multimodal Transport Options
- eCommerce Fulfillment
- Express Shipping
- International Supplier Management Services
- Foreign Trade Zone Advice
Special Features:
- A Full Range of Logistics Services
- Multimodal Transport Solutions
- eCommerce Fulfillment
- Foreign Trade Zone Advice
- Temperature Controlled Trucks
Benefits:
- Save Costs On Multimodal Services
- International Supplier Management Services
- Specialize In Small and Medium Businesses
- Assistance With Customs Clearance
- Safely Transport Refrigerated Goods
- Proactive Shipment Notifications
Disadvantages:
- Inflexible Shipping Processes
- Cutoff Times For Booking Shipments
- No Sunday Deliveries
DHL Supply Chain
A German company started in 1969, DHL offers global freight brokerage services. It is the world’s largest logistics company, with a presence in 220 countries. The company is used extensively in the industry for innovative delivery solutions, including sequenced delivery to the motor industry. It has a huge network of temperature-controlled trucks and warehouses.
Best For: Temperature-controlled LTL freight
Services:
- Global Multimodal Transport Solutions
- Controlled Temperature Warehousing and Transport
- Express Services
- Customized Supply Chain Packages
- eCommerce Deliveries
Special Features:
- Global Footprint
- Cross-Border Transport Management
- Real-Time Freight Tracking
- Freight Transport Data and Analytics
Benefits:
- Keep Track of Your Freight In Real-Time
- Refrigerating Freight and Warehouse Options
- Industry Experts on Sequencing and Line-Side Replenishment
- Offers Refunds on Service Failures
Disadvantages:
- DHL doesn’t have as large a presence in the US as some of the other LTL brokers
- Software is less flexible and user friendly
Total Quality Logistics
Total Quality Logistics (TQL) is the largest privately owned freight brokerage company in the country. It has been in business for more than 25 years, and it leverages its huge network of carriers to provide excellent service. This commitment to service has seen the company almost double in size in two years. TQL holds several awards for customer service excellence.
Best For: Businesses who won’t compromise on service delivery
Services:
- FTL and LTL Freight Transport
- Intermodal Transport
- Warehousing
- Mexico Cross-Border Transport
- Drayage
- Load Tracking
Special Features:
- Automated Tracking and Invoicing
- Refrigerated Truck Service
- Spot Freight Rates
Benefits:
- Access To More Than 130,000 Carriers
- Easy To Use Tracking Software
- Gain Cost Benefits Using Multimodal Transport
- Excellent Customer Service
Disadvantages:
- Does not have the same international exposure as the other LTL brokers
Echo Global Services
A relatively new company, Echo Global Services has been in business since 2005. The company is a specialist transport broker, connecting carriers with businesses needing cargo transport. The Echo Global team prides itself on customer service excellence and has won many awards for customer service and environmental performance.
Best For: Eco-friendly transport
Services:
- FTL and LTL Transport
- Intermodal Transport
- Refrigerated Shipping
- Expedited Shipments
- Crating and Uncrating
- Heavy Haul and Over Dimensional
Special Features:
- Proprietary Technology For Advanced Load Matching
- Specialized Deliveries Including A White Glove Service
- Crating and Uncrating Services
Benefits:
- Save Costs Using Multimodal Transport
- Easily Track Your Cargo In Real-Time
- Save The Hassle With Crating Services
- Specialized Delivery Services
Disadvantages:
- Less global exposure
What Is Less Than Truckload (LTL) Shipping?
Also known as Less Than Load, LTL shipping is a freight service designed for smaller loads that won’t fill a truck. LTL freight carriers provide economies of scale for businesses that must move smaller consignments. The consolidation of several LTL shipments to fill trucks for transport helps businesses to minimize freight costs.
How Does LTL Shipping Work?
Many businesses have small shipments that they need to transport. The loads aren’t big enough to fill a truck, so the cargo is wrapped and palleted for consolidated transport. LTL freight brokers arrange to have the shipment uplifted and consolidated with other cargo to fill a truck. This allows for the efficient movement of cargo at the least cost.
Instead of paying for a half-empty, shippers gain economies of scale. The size of the package determines the cost of the transport. Many LTL brokers also offer other services such as residential upliftment and delivery and packaging.
Why Choose LTL Shipping?
LTL shipping is reliable and cost-effective. Instead of having to dispatch a full truckload, you pay only for the volumetric weight of transported cargo. It is also an environmentally friendly option since there are fewer trucks on the road.
Transport Your Goods Efficiently Using LTL Brokers
The best LTL freight carriers offer a reliable and cost-effective service that will save you money and can help you to control inventory stock holdings. The freight brokerage industry is well-developed. Most shipping brokers offer multimodal transport options so you can choose the quickest and most cost-effective route for your transport needs.
FAQ
FedEx is the largest LTL freight company.
There are more than 17,000 freight brokers in the USA.
The dimensions and weight of your shipment are used to calculate LTL freight.
Sign up for a FreightWaves e-newsletter to stay informed of all news and trends impacting supply chain careers and operations.
