Redhawk Logistics Review 2023: Features & Pricing Compared
This article is part of a larger series on Retail Management.
Redhawk Logistics (formerly Redhawk Global) is a small-business-friendly 3PL company that provides freight shipping, warehousing, and distribution services across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The company mainly provides freight brokerage through its network of 70+ vetted carriers, and each client receives transportation management software with personalized support. Redhawk is best for small to enterprise-level businesses seeking customized logistics solutions.
Pros
- Access to discounted quotes from 70+ carriers
- Helpful and responsive account managers
- Asset-based warehousing and distribution services
- Highly rated in Redhawk Logistics reviews from users
Cons
- No parcel order fulfillment
- Support platform designed for enterprise-level clientele
- Limited network of carriers
- Higher rates than some competitors
Supported Shippers |
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Services |
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Standout Features |
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Discounts | Users get access to significant savings from carriers thanks to volume discounts and negotiated partnerships |
Online Resources | Shipping calculators, glossaries, FAQ posts, written guides, and regulation directories |
Average Rating in Redhawk Logistics Reviews | 4.2 out of 5 |
Customer Service | Via phone, email, or Facebook messenger from Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern time |
When to Use Redhawk Logistics
Redhawk Logistics specializes in freight brokerage while also offering value-added 3PL services like bulk storage and distribution. This makes it a good fit for manufacturers, wholesalers, and importers.
While it doesn’t cater as well to young, growing businesses and has a smaller carrier network compared to top competitor NTG, Redhawk sets itself apart with unique full-service options that extend beyond basic freight shipping.
Read our 3PL buyer’s guide to learn more.
In particular, we recommend Redhawk Logistics for:
- Freighting small shipments: Redhawk provides LTL shipping via an extensive carrier network. Features like same-day pickups, cost analysis, and claims reduction make it cost-effective for businesses with smaller loads.
- North American sellers: Redhawk offers diverse freight options across the US, Mexico, and Canada for manufacturers, importers, and B2B sellers. Plus US warehousing and distribution services to complete the supply chain.
- Heavy hauls or valuable project cargo: Ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective transit of prefab buildings, heavy equipment, industrial components, and other structures. Redhawk has expertise in oversize regulations of all 50 states.
- Fragile or high-value goods: Common freight carriers can move items within these categories, but will only offer 10 cents per pound in insuring your freight. Redhawk partners with certain van lines for enhanced care and provides extra insurance options.
- Businesses seeking a hands-off approach: Clients can choose to manage shipments themselves through online tools provided by Redhawk, or opt to outsource the labor of scheduling, booking, and tracking freight to a service employee.
When to Use Redhawk Logistics Alternatives
- Freight shippers just starting out: Redhawk Logistics caters to a broad customer base, including enterprise-level clients, with dedicated account reps. In contrast, NTG is geared towards supporting small businesses. (Check out our full NTG review).
- Personal items: Redhawk cannot ship personal household goods. Van line moving companies, such as Allied, are a good choice for this purpose.
- Well-established businesses: If your business has its own shipping department, Redhawk’s services may be excessive. At this stage, building direct relationships with carriers is often more beneficial.
- Ecommerce order fulfillment: Although Redhawk’s service range can help with bulk distribution, its platform doesn’t work for merchants needing individual or parcel order fulfillment. We recommend ShipBob, the No. 1 pick in our third-party fulfillment buyer’s guide. Learn more about this provider in our full ShipBob review.
How Redhawk Logistics Compares to 3PL Alternatives
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
Redhawk Logistics | NTG (formerly FreightPros) | uShip | |
Lowest Quoted Price in Our Test | $505 | $344 | $428 |
Number of Carriers | 70+ national and regional carriers | 80,000 national and regional carriers | 788,000 major, independent and specialty providers |
Freight Types | LTL, FTL, rail, and various specialty freight | LTL, FTL, rail, and various specialty freight | LTL, FTL, specialty freight, and small transport |
Customer Support | Phone, email, Facebook messenger | Phone, email, and online form | Phone and online form |
Support Hours | Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Eastern time | Mon–Thurs 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Central time | Mon–Thurs 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Fri 7 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Central time |
Looking for something different? Check out our rankings of the best freight brokers for small businesses and our guide to the leading order fulfillment companies.
Redhawk Logistics Pricing
Redhawk provides pricing on a quote basis. Each quote is based on the origin, destination, weight, and freight class of the shipment, and users can select from a large variety of bids.
Quote options from various carriers after submitting shipment details on Redhawk’s site
There’s no fee or upcharge to use Redhawk’s brokerage service, and it’s free to create an account. Redhawk Logistics pricing is typically much cheaper than the rates you would negotiate on your own thanks to its volume discounts and long-standing partnerships.
As with other freight brokers, it’s free and simple to receive a quote for your shipping needs. We recommend shopping around to compare rates from a few brokerage options before booking.
Freight prices are commodity-based and fluctuate daily, factoring in variables like the carrier’s open truck capacity, fuel prices, shipping lanes, and weather.
To learn more about how freight 3PL and broker fees work, visit our freight brokers buyer’s guide.
Other amenities—like freight storage and distribution services—are quoted on an individual basis. Contact Redhawk to receive a quote.
Redhawk Logistics Features
Redhawk focuses on smart technology and efficient services to provide a wide range of 3PL solutions. Here’s a deeper look at its key features:
All clients get access to Redhawk’s proprietary transportation management system (TMS) and routing software, called Redhawk TMS. The company also provides vSpeed, a custom inbound routing, optimization, and analytics software. These products replaced eFreightLine, the company’s previous control portal.
Through these applications, clients can unify all of their shipments onto a single dashboard—regardless of carrier or shipping method. API integrations are also available to build custom connections with other tools, applications, and carrier systems.
Automations can be programmed to simplify the freight process, from payments to complex route decision-making. The software also stores pertinent shipment history to create customizable reports and analyze freight spend.
Redhawk secures its title as a full-service 3PL company by offering freight storage and distribution services from its four warehouse assets.
The facilities are located in Columbus, Ohio, for optimized logistics. This area is within 500 miles of nearly half of the US population, plus multiple major Canadian border crossings and Ontario population centers.
Redhawk’s warehouses are located in Columbus, Ohio, for strategic distribution and rail terminal access. (Source: Redhawk Logistics)
According to Redhawk, 62% of all US retail and manufacturing business occurs within 600 miles of Columbus—making it an ideal location for wholesalers and manufacturers. Furthermore, the warehouses are all within a two-hour drive of 13 intermodal rail terminals.
The geographic advantage of these facilities means faster time-to-market and fewer miles traveled, working to reduce your transportation outlay.
All carriers contracted by Redhawk maintain cargo insurance with coverage ranging from $50,000 to $5 million, which is automatically built into your freight rate. The value of your load is factored into which carrier is recommended for use.
Redhawk has created a variety of resources to make the complex process of freight shipping easier, and they aren’t restricted to the company’s clientele.
On the Redhawk website, you can find helpful calculator tools to determine your shipment’s freight classification, bridge limitations, container size requirements, and dimensional weight.
Redhawk’s freight class calculator is one of many easy-to-use tools available on the company’s site. (Source: Redhawk Logistics)
For state regulations on oversize/overweight transportation, Redhawk has compiled a directory of resources for each state, with helpful links to bordering states’ guidelines as well.
There’s also a glossary of freight terms provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and in-depth FAQ sections to clarify the ins and outs of different freight methods.
Redhawk Logistics Ease of Use
- Support: Redhawk’s service team can handle shipment queries, offer advice, or manage accounts. Clients can either manage bookings themselves or delegate to Redhawk staff, with a dedicated account rep for communication.
- Support is available via phone, email, and online chat. The company’s Facebook account is rated as “highly responsive to messages.” I reached out to ask a question and received a straightforward answer within a few hours.
- Accuracy: While carriers are ultimately responsible for timeliness and accuracy, Redhawk offers multiple ways to minimize risk.
- They offer a “load-to-ride” service which allows cargo to be picked up and delivered by the same truck, avoiding the cargo’s transfer through local origin and destination terminals. This reduces handling and the chance of damage.
- Additionally, you can often request guaranteed transit times when getting a quote, although it’s not available for every shipment. Redhawk emphasizes that they vet all their carrier partners for reliability.
- Transparency & Tracking: Clients can easily track their shipments with Redhawk Logistics’ web-based application.
What Users Say in Redhawk Logistics Reviews
Redhawk has great customer reviews, which is rare in logistics. While the majority of online reviews are from employees rating their experience working there, most user feedback is highly positive. This stands in contrast to competitors like NTG, which frequently receives 1-star ratings.
Many positive reviews commend Redhawk for its flexibility, especially among small businesses with variable demands. The staff’s work ethic and efficiency are consistently praised by clients and truck drivers alike.
Redhawk’s negative reviews mainly focus on delayed payments, poor communication from both accounting and sales teams, and unsatisfactory layover compensation.
- Google Business Listing: 4.2 / 5 stars from 50+ reviews
- BBB: 0 complaints filed
| Users Like | Users Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Efficient loading and unloading | Communication delays |
| Flexibility | Billing issues |
| Fast and consistent shipping | Classification errors |
| Friendly and helpful support staff | Poor layover compensation |
Bottom Line
Redhawk Logistics offers a well-developed infrastructure for diverse 3PL services and advanced tools. And, since it ships high volumes every day, the company has an extensive carrier network offering deeply discounted rates.
However, this enterprise-level platform isn’t ideal for new shippers navigating the complex process of freight shipping. If you’re a small business just beginning to ship freight, we recommend NTG for its service-forward account management approach.
For other 3PL services, like inventory management and order fulfillment, WarehousingAndFulfillment.com can compare your specific needs to 500+ pre-screened companies to find the best fit for your business. Plus, the service is completely free to use.
