Best Freight Brokers for Small Businesses for 2023

To determine cost and pricing, we requested a quote for transport of the same load from each provider we evaluated.

The details of the job are as follows:

• Origin: Houston, TX 77002
• Destination: San Francisco, CA 94108
• Commodity: Textiles (2,160 T-shirts)
• Freight class: 175
• Value of goods: $9,720
• Handling unit: Pallet
• Dimensions: 39” x 49” x 50”
• Weight: 900 lbs.
• Quantity: One
• Accessorials (special handling needs): Must stay dry
• Delivery speed: ≅ Four business days

Redhawk, Coyote, and uShip generated quotes immediately, while the quote from MODE was emailed to me by an agent within a day. Each broker returned four or more quotes from various shipping brokers and service levels.

Related: How to Get a Freight Quote: The Ultimate Guide

My quote request with Redhawk returned a healthy variety of bids, including one as low as $745.82. Redhawk factors the value of your load into its carrier recommendations and builds each quote to include insurance.

Redhawk offers a large number of options for times and prices. (Source: Redhawk)

All in all, Redhawk is an incredibly cost-effective option for brokering freight, especially for small businesses. The cost of warehousing and/or distribution services through the company is determined on a custom basis.

• Scalability: DIY or agented account management. No minimum frequency or volume requirements. Contractual pricing for frequent shippers. 3PL and warehousing services available.
• Heavy-haul: Redhawk can ship large cargo, from steel coils to prefabricated houses. It understands DOT guidelines and the travel challenges a heavy load presents.
• TMS: The company’s advanced, web-based TMS and routing platform allows you to control, route, track, and manage your freight from anywhere, with helpful analytics and reporting features.
• Online resources: Helpful calculator tools, glossaries, FAQ posts, written guides, and regulation directories are available on the company’s website.
• Vetted carriers: All of Redhawk’s partnered movers are vetted, although the company does not publish its screening process.
• User reviews: Like MODE, Redhawk has an excellent score from the BBB. The third-party user reviews are also fantastic.
  • BBB rating: A+, 0 complaints
  • Google Business Listing: 4.2-star rating from 48 reviews

Despite the wide range of items it can ship, its freight pallet has size limits; we had to break our test shipment into two pallets to make it fit their requirements. As a result, uShip’s prices increased significantly—it went from the least expensive quote in our last update to one of the most expensive of all the quotes we received. However, all the delivery times promised four days. Most provided a range from one to 10 days.

uShip’s quotes were more expensive than those most on our list, but it also offers 4-day shipping. (Source: uShip)

• Shipping variety: Transport service categories include less-than-truckload (LTL) freight, truckload (TL or FTL) freight, vehicle and boat, household items, home or office moves, heavy/industrial equipment, and animals. It’s the only one we found that mentioned agricultural commodities and livestock.
• Freight exchange: This shipping broker has standard brokerage and freight exchange options, so you can list your freight and review multiple bids. Unlike others on our list, you are drawing from a pool of movers who may or may not be licensed and trustworthy professionals—although uShip’s direct insurance offering may help mitigate this risk.
• Mobile app: uShip can be used on your web browser and on the go with the iOS or Android uShip app. The app allows you to create listings, review bids, communicate with your driver, get important status alerts, and make payments. It also lets you track your shipments.
  • 3.5 out of 5, 5,000+ reviews on Android
  • 2.2 out of 5, 330 reviews on iOS
• Insurance: While most brokers can set you up with insurance through the hired carrier, uShip offers all-risk cargo insurance with coverage for direct physical loss and/or damage. This direct relationship can speed up payouts on claims, and it’s backed by Lloyd’s of London. Plus, uShip offers a “Ship With Confidence” guarantee that pays out a percentage of lost or damaged goods—up to $500.
• User reviews: The site has its share of complaints, most of which stem from failed service from untrustworthy carriers.
  • Trustpilot: 4.3-star rating from 11,000+ reviews
  • BBB: A+ rating, 7 complaints since our last update

Like Redhawk and uShip, you can put in your information and get an immediate quote back. Alternatively, if you’re unsure of the best way to ship your products, you can reach out to an agent to discuss your needs. We went the DIY route and got some excellent prices: $518.72—$1,607.55. Alas, the drive times were all around 7 days.

While among the cheapest rates we received, we pay for it in drive time. (Source: Coyote Logistics)

• Part of UPS: Although a network of independent truckers and trucking companies bidding for contracts, Coyote Logistics is also part of the UPS system. This gives you greater flexibility for shipping choices, as well as access to other services like:
  • Trailer repositioning
  • Drop and hook
  • Daily and monthly surges
  • Last-minute and rush orders
  • On-site support
• CoyoteGO digital freight platform: Coyote’s TMS platform, like most, lets you get quotes, track information, manage paperwork, and see delivery stats. However, it also lets you communicate with your representative and get insight into what drivers think of your facility. You can also build and edit shipments.
• Outsource supply chain: In addition to freight, Coyote offers full and partial supply chain solutions to manage day-to-day operations for proposal requests, key performance indicator (KPI) tracking, automated quoting, and more.
• User reviews: This freight broker received very few complaints, but when it did, it was because customers didn’t feel the brokers were working in their best interests. They said brokers were not available to them when needed and were more likely to side with the truckers.
  • BBB Rating: A+, 9 complaints since 2022
  • Yelp: 1.5 out of 5

MODE was the only one to make our list that did not provide an immediate quote. Instead, we filled out a contact form with our needs, and an agent reached out in less than a day. In our case, the parcel is a little taller than most trucks can take. Rather than jumping to a larger truck with swing doors (as most we evaluated did), the agent reached out to see if we could compress the package a few inches to get a cheaper rate. (We chose to split, instead.)

MODE gives personalized quotes rather than having you input information into a system. (Source: MODE)

• Agent-generated quotes: While the others on our list offer the convenience of instant quotes, MODE makes up for having a short delay with its expert advice. Agents will work with you to find the best choice for your shipment, even by exploring alternate methods, like intermodal vs FTL.
• Carrier vetting: Unlike uShip and Coyote, MODE posts minimum requirements for its carriers. They must carry at least $100,000 in insurance and be qualified to handle food, for example.
• Parcel shipping: If you occasionally have a small package, MODE can leverage the infrastructures of FedEx and DHL. It offers simple rather than tiered pricing, makes use of its large-scale transportation spend to get discounts, and can handle returns. Coyote is part of UPS.
• B2B: Mode specializes in B2B freight and ecommerce and commercial at all levels, including parcel shipping.
• User Reviews: As usual, the online reviews are low, but the star rating was typical for movers. MODE stood out, however, in how few reviews it got. The bad ones involved shipping and receiving times; two mentioned a specific employee. Meanwhile, the 5-star review said that MODE always gets the job done and the people are considerate.
  • BBB: A+, no complaints
  • Google reviews: 1.8 out of 5 stars, 5 reviews

There are a few distinctions in the world of freight brokering. To know what you’re searching for and dealing with, take a look at these common types of services:

Non-asset-based Freight Broker

The common term “freight broker” usually refers to a non-asset-based freight brokerage firm—which is an individual or company that solely acts as an intermediary between shippers and carriers. These delivery broker companies do not own their own freight equipment.

Brokers make a profit by adding a percentage to carriers’ wholesale rates—which are significantly lower than market costs. Generally, they have competitive prices thanks to strong relationships with partnered carriers. They also offer hands-on customer support, sometimes with a dedicated account representative.

Asset-based Freight Broker

An asset-based broker is similar to a non-asset-based broker, with the exception of owning its own freight-related equipment. These assets can be truck fleets, warehouses, distribution centers, or any combination of the three.

An asset-based broker often works with outside logistics companies to supplement its own resources. They’re known for being more reliable and having the flexibility to present custom solutions.

Freight Exchange

Freight exchanges offer a different, DIY type of service that aims to yield the same result as brokerage firms. They’re platforms that allow shippers to list their freight in need of transport. Then, carriers with extra space on their vehicles can search the database for jobs that fit with their existing loads and routes.

Alternatively, carriers can post their services and schedules, and shippers come to browse available options.

In either case, the hosting site adds a small percentage to the cost on either end of the transaction—or changes a monthly fee for membership.

These sites create a way for customers and transporters to connect outside of the standard channels. This comes along with low prices, but also more rigidity and risk than you’d get using a traditional broker. Deliveries often take longer than estimated, and you’re trusting an unvetted company with your precious goods. For these reasons, it takes a bit of savvy to use freight exchanges.

Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarding company specializes in handling all the details involved in import and export. This can include the preparation of documents, brokering a freight carrier, arranging warehousing, buying insurance, filing claims, managing tracking, and scheduling inland transportation.

Essentially, a freight forwarder is a full-service international shipping agent. They’re best for companies frequently shipping cargo to various countries; these firms are deeply familiar with the customs laws, requirements, and logistics companies of regions around the world, so it’s helpful to lean on their expertise.

Freight Expeditor

Freight expeditors facilitate global freight shipping and domestic and regional rush orders. This can include brokering shipments as well as providing freight forwarding services.

Large international third-party logistics (3PL) companies specialize in these services, and some logistics brokers and independent carriers offer expeditor services, as well.

Start with the Services You Need

Some logistics broker companies (like uShip) can handle everything from heavy equipment to your favorite cow. Others are more specialized. If you have particular needs, especially non-negotiables like refrigeration, make sure the company offers them.

Next, consider coverage, warehousing, tracking, and what level of customer service you expect.

Also consider how much and how often you’ll want to use the service. Some freight brokerage solutions are fine with one-time shipping; others encourage you to make an account, offer a dedicated account representative, and have discounts for use.

Find Brokers Whose Strengths Match Your Needs

If you’re doing more than a one-time shipment, take some time to look not only at the freight broker sites but talk to a representative as well. Put in a test quote and see how quickly they respond. Ask what they specialize in and what their experience is with your kind of commodity.

Consider Reviews

When it comes to trusting your products to a stranger, it pays to do some checking. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start. Don’t just look at the grade; consider the number and types of complaints. We usually look at the past year rather than the total number. Read how the company responds—do they pass the buck? Fight back? Quietly resolve the issue? If you have problems, that’s how they will treat you.

Find Out How They Treat Their Truckers

Don’t just look at how they treat customers. This is a case where unhappy employees can mean trouble for you. Companies that treat their truckers badly, especially by delaying paying them, can end up with employees and contractors that don’t care about quality service or going the extra mile to help a customer. The best freight brokers for owner-operators pay their people on time, don’t mix up invoices, and work as a go-between for truckers and customers to resolve issues.