Large freight brokerage companies in the U.S.: 15 names

Whether you're a carrier looking for steady freight or a shipper looking for capacity, it helps to know the names you'll see most often in U.S. freight brokerage. This is a list of large U.S. freight brokerages, in alphabetical order. It is not a ranking, and inclusion is not an endorsement. Company structures change through mergers and acquisitions, so check each company's own website for current details.

Large U.S. freight brokerages, in alphabetical order

1. Allen Lund Company: A third-party logistics and freight brokerage company.
2. ArcBest: A logistics company whose services include freight brokerage alongside its other transportation services.
3. Arrive Logistics: A freight brokerage offering truckload and other services.
4. Ascent Global Logistics: A logistics company offering freight brokerage and other third-party logistics services.
5. C.H. Robinson: A global third-party logistics company with a large North American truckload brokerage business.
6. Coyote Logistics: A freight brokerage owned by RXO, which bought Coyote from UPS (RXO announcement).
7. Echo Global Logistics: A third-party logistics company offering truckload, less-than-truckload and other services.
8. J.B. Hunt Integrated Capacity Solutions: The freight brokerage division of J.B. Hunt.
9. Landstar System: A transportation company that works through a network of independent agents and capacity providers.
10. MODE Transportation: A third-party logistics company offering truckload, less-than-truckload and other services.
11. Nolan Transportation Group (NTG): A third-party logistics company offering freight brokerage services.
12. RXO: A freight brokerage and transportation company; it owns Coyote Logistics.
13. Schneider: A transportation company with a large asset fleet that also offers brokerage and logistics services.
14. Total Quality Logistics (TQL): A freight brokerage offering truckload and other services.
15. WWEX Group: A family of brands that includes Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz and Unishippers.

Choosing the right freight brokerage

A large name is a starting point, not a decision. Whether you're a carrier or a shipper, consider:

• Your needs: your freight volume, equipment types and the lanes you need covered.
• The brokerage's strengths: experience with your type of freight and your lanes.
• Financial standing and payment history: check the broker's authority with FMCSA, ask about payment terms, and talk to others who have worked with them.
• Clear paperwork: a rate confirmation that spells out the rate, accessorials, detention and payment terms before the load moves.

Every broker, large or small, must keep $75,000 in financial security on file with FMCSA (49 CFR 387.307), but that amount is shared among all claimants if a broker fails to pay. Do your own checking before you haul.

If a broker hasn't paid you for a load, Freight Broker Complaint is a free, private service that investigates carrier complaints and contacts the broker on the carrier's behalf. For warning signs to watch for, see our guide to freight fraud.