The Complete Guide to Freight Broker Services

What is a Freight Broker?

Freight brokers are intermediaries that connect shippers needing transportation with carriers that have available capacity. Licensed by the FMCSA, brokers do not own trucks but leverage carrier networks and market expertise to arrange freight movements. They handle carrier selection, negotiation, tracking, and issue resolution on behalf of shippers.

Freight brokerage has evolved from phone-based matchmaking to technology-enabled services with digital booking, real-time visibility, and automated operations.

Types of Freight Broker Services

Freight brokers operate different models based on mode specialization and technology approach:

Freight Brokers (Full Truckload / LTL)

Traditional freight brokerage services for over-the-road trucking capacity. Key services include full truckload capacity sourcing across dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed, LTL consolidation and carrier selection, spot market capacity for immediate shipping needs, overflow and surge capacity beyond contract carriers, carrier vetting, qualification, and compliance management, rate negotiation and procurement, and shipment tracking and issue resolution. Best for shippers needing reliable access to trucking capacity without managing carrier relationships directly, from occasional shippers to high-volume operations.

Specialized / Niche Freight Brokers

Brokers focused on specific freight types, equipment, or industry verticals. Key services include flatbed and heavy haul for oversized and overweight shipments, refrigerated and temperature-controlled freight expertise, hazmat and regulated materials transportation, automotive and finished vehicle logistics, high-value and white glove freight handling, expedited and time-critical shipments, and trade show and event logistics. Best for shippers with specialized freight requirements needing brokers with deep expertise in specific equipment types, commodities, or regulatory requirements.

Digital / Tech-Enabled Brokers

Technology-first brokers offering automated booking, pricing, and visibility. Key services include instant online quoting without phone calls, self-service booking platforms with real-time capacity, transparent all-in pricing with no hidden fees, automated carrier matching and dispatch, real-time GPS tracking and visibility, API integration with shipper TMS and ERP systems, and digital documentation and POD capture. Best for shippers seeking a modern, self-service freight experience with competitive rates, transparency, and technology integration to their existing systems.

Intermodal & Drayage Brokers

Brokers specializing in intermodal rail and port drayage services. Key services include intermodal container booking on rail networks, port and rail ramp drayage coordination, chassis management and equipment positioning, cross-country intermodal lane optimization, container tracking from origin to destination, demurrage and detention management, and transload coordination between modes. Best for shippers moving freight long distances seeking cost-effective intermodal solutions, or importers and exporters needing drayage services at ports and rail terminals.

Benefits of Using Brokers

Capacity Access

Brokers provide access to thousands of carriers without individual relationships. Critical during tight capacity markets.

Expertise

Market knowledge, lane expertise, and problem-solving capabilities developed across many shippers.

Flexibility

Variable capacity without carrier commitments. Scale up or down with business needs.

Time Savings

Outsource carrier sourcing, tracking, and issue resolution to focus on core business.

Selecting a Freight Broker

1. Licensing & Insurance

• Verify FMCSA broker authority
• Confirm surety bond and insurance
• Check for contingent cargo coverage

2. Carrier Network

• Network size and geographic coverage
• Carrier vetting and compliance process
• Equipment specialization

3. Technology

• Visibility and tracking capabilities
• Digital booking and quoting
• Integration with your systems

4. Service Model

• Dedicated rep vs. team coverage
• After-hours support
• Problem resolution approach

Broker Pricing

All-In Rate

Single price including broker margin. Most common approach. Margin not disclosed.

Cost-Plus

Carrier cost plus disclosed markup. More transparent but less common.

Getting Started

Explore brokerage options in our Freight Broker comparison tool to find capacity partners for your shipping needs.