The Complete Guide to Carrier Services

What are Carrier Services?

Carrier services encompass the companies that physically move freight using trucks, trailers, and drivers. Motor carriers range from large national truckload and LTL networks to specialized haulers and local delivery companies. Understanding carrier service types helps shippers select appropriate transportation for their freight requirements.

The carrier landscape includes asset-based carriers owning equipment, as well as carriers relying on owner-operators and leased capacity.

Types of Carrier Services

Carrier services address different freight, capacity, and support needs:

Full Truckload (FTL) Carriers

Asset-based trucking companies providing dedicated trailer capacity for full loads. Key services include dry van transportation for enclosed general freight, refrigerated (reefer) service for temperature-controlled shipments, flatbed transportation for oversized and open-deck freight, dedicated fleet programs with assigned trucks and drivers, regional and long-haul coverage options, and specialized equipment including step deck, lowboy, and double-drop trailers. Best for shippers with consistent high-volume lanes, large shipments filling trailers, and freight requiring dedicated capacity or specialized equipment.

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Carriers

Carriers operating terminal networks to consolidate smaller shipments into efficient routes. Key services include regional LTL with faster transit in multi-state areas, national LTL providing coast-to-coast coverage via hub networks, expedited and guaranteed LTL for time-sensitive freight, specialty LTL handling hazmat, high-value, and white glove shipments, liftgate, inside delivery, and residential services, and volume LTL for shipments between truckload and traditional LTL weights. Best for shippers with smaller shipments not filling trailers, diverse shipping destinations, and freight that can tolerate terminal handling and consolidation.

Intermodal & Diversified Carriers

Carriers combining rail and truck transportation or offering multiple service modes. Key services include domestic intermodal using containers moving via rail and drayage, international intermodal for port-to-destination container movements, transload services converting between modes and equipment types, multi-modal network optimization, cross-border services for Mexico and Canada, and door-to-door intermodal with single-provider accountability. Best for shippers with longer-haul lanes where rail economics apply, sustainability-focused transportation programs, and freight with flexibility on transit time.

Asset-Light / Agent-Based Carriers

Carriers operating primarily through owner-operators, independent contractors, and agent networks. Key services include owner-operator capacity networks with flexible scaling, agent-based terminal operations for regional coverage, capacity surge handling during peak periods, specialized and niche equipment access through IC networks, variable cost structures aligned with volume fluctuations, and nationwide coverage without owned terminal infrastructure. Best for shippers and brokers seeking flexible capacity, access to specialized equipment without carrier minimums, and carriers with variable volume patterns.

Dispatching Services

Third-party dispatch and back-office support for owner-operators and small carriers. Key services include load booking and freight negotiation on behalf of carriers, dispatch and trip planning support, paperwork and documentation management, factoring and payment processing coordination, compliance monitoring and permit assistance, and 24/7 driver support and communication. Best for owner-operators and small fleet operators who want to focus on driving while outsourcing load finding, negotiation, and administrative tasks.

Carrier Back-Office & Administrative Services

Outsourced administrative and operational support for trucking companies. Key services include accounts receivable and billing management, accounts payable and vendor payment processing, payroll and driver settlement administration, IFTA and fuel tax reporting, permit and registration management, and general ledger and financial reporting. Best for small to mid-sized carriers seeking to reduce administrative overhead, improve billing efficiency, and focus management attention on operations rather than back-office tasks.

Driver Recruiting & Driver Staffing Services

Specialized recruiting and staffing services focused on CDL drivers and transportation personnel. Key services include CDL driver recruiting and placement, driver staffing and temporary driver solutions, driver qualification file management, background checks and MVR screening, driver retention consulting and programs, and recruiting marketing and job advertising. Best for carriers facing driver shortages, fleets needing temporary driver capacity, and companies seeking to improve driver recruiting effectiveness and reduce turnover.

Carrier Selection Criteria

1. Service Requirements

• Equipment: Match trailer type to freight needs
• Geography: Coverage where you ship
• Transit: Service levels and delivery windows
• Specialization: Hazmat, temperature, high-value

2. Safety & Compliance

• CSA Scores: FMCSA safety ratings
• Insurance: Adequate coverage limits
• Authority: Valid operating authority
• Experience: Track record and tenure

3. Capacity & Reliability

• Fleet Size: Capacity for your volume
• Tender Acceptance: Commitment to accepted freight
• On-Time Performance: Service reliability
• Claims: Cargo claims history

Carrier Relationship Management

Core Carriers

Strategic relationships with committed capacity and service levels. Regular performance reviews and improvement initiatives.

Spot Capacity

Transactional relationships for overflow and surge needs. Market-based pricing and variable reliability.

Getting Started

Explore carrier options in our Carrier Services comparison tool to find transportation providers for your freight needs.