Carrier Services
Discover and compare the best Carrier Services solutions for your supply chain business
Company information may be sourced from publicly available materials and vendor-provided data. SupplyWolf does not independently verify all information and makes no representations regarding accuracy.
What are Carrier Services?
Carrier services include asset-based truckload, LTL, intermodal, drayage, and specialized transportation companies that physically move freight. They're distinct from brokers (who arrange transportation without owning trucks) and 3PLs (who often combine warehousing and transportation). Picking the right mix of carriers - by mode, lane, size, and equipment - is the operational heart of any freight program.
Key features
Mode coverage
Truckload, LTL, intermodal, drayage, expedited, flatbed, reefer, and specialized.
Equipment options
Dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, step-deck, RGN, tanker, and intermodal containers.
Lane density
Carrier networks built for specific origins, destinations, or geographic regions.
Service offerings
Standard line-haul plus dedicated, expedited, white-glove, and specialty services.
Technology and integration
EDI, API, ELD-based tracking, and integration into shipper and broker TMS.
Who uses it
Manufacturers and Shippers
Shippers use carriers directly for primary lanes and contract freight where direct relationships pay off.
Broker
Brokers source capacity from carriers across thousands of lanes and equipment types.
3PL
3PLs build carrier networks for managed transportation programs and customer-specific lanes.
Retailer / eCommerce
Retailers contract directly with carriers for inbound, store replenishment, and final-mile programs.