How To Find A Freight Carrier
Navigating the freight world doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're shipping across the state or across the country, our guide helps you find reliable freight carriers, compare quotes, and book with confidence, backed by over 25 years of industry expertise.
Your guide to choosing the right carrier for your business
Finding the right freight carrier isn’t just about moving goods from point A to point B. It’s about finding a partner you can trust, one that aligns with your shipping needs, budget, schedule, and level of service. And with hundreds of options out there, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
This guide walks you through the essential steps, insider tips, and critical criteria to help you find a freight carrier you can rely on, whether you’re shipping small LTL loads or large enterprise-scale freight.
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Why Finding the Right Carrier Matters
Not all freight carriers are created equal.
Choosing the wrong one could result in missed delivery windows, hidden charges, poor customer service, or even worse, damaged or lost freight. On the other hand, selecting the right freight carrier can reduce your shipping costs, enhance delivery reliability, and streamline your supply chain.
Here’s why it’s worth taking the time to vet your options:
- Reduce risk of damage, delays, or claims
- Improve customer satisfaction with on-time deliveries
- Gain real-time visibility into your shipments
- Get predictable pricing with fewer surprises
- Build a long-term partnership that supports your growth
What Is a Freight Carrier?
A freight carrier is a company that transports goods on behalf of shippers. This can be via truck, rail, air, or ocean. Some carriers specialize in LTL (less-than-truckload) freight, while others focus on FTL (full truckload) freight, intermodal shipping, or expedited shipping.
There are thousands of carriers across North America alone, ranging from small regional outfits to massive national networks. That’s where knowing how to evaluate them becomes crucial.
Where to Look for Freight Carriers
When people search “how to find a freight carrier,” they’re usually trying to make sense of a fragmented industry. Here are the main options:
1. Freight Marketplaces & Brokers
Working with a freight broker (like FreightCenter) gives you access to a large carrier network without doing all the outreach and comparisons yourself. Think of it as a one-stop shop for getting competitive rates and vetted options.
2. Carrier Websites
You can visit a carrier’s website directly and request a quote. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to repeat this process for each one and manage each relationship separately.
3. Freight Directories
Directories like the FMCSA or Carrier411 provide compliance data. While useful, they’re not designed to provide quotes or facilitate easy comparison of service levels.
4. Word of Mouth
If you’re in manufacturing, distribution, or retail, don’t overlook your peers. Ask who they use and why.
Smart Shipping Starts Here. Whether you're shipping once a month or every day, finding the right freight carrier shouldn't feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. FreightCenter brings the whole haystack to you sorted, rated, and ready to roll. With our carrier-matching tools and expert support, getting the right freight solution is just a few clicks away.
Shipping a few pallets? Less-than-truckload (LTL) is your go-to. We match your shipment with top-tier LTL carriers that share trailer space, helping you cut costs without cutting corners. Compare rates, book online, and let us handle the logistics.
Got a big load or a tight deadline? Full Truckload (FTL) shipping is the dedicated solution you need. FreightCenter connects you with reliable FTL carriers, coast-to-coast, fast quotes, clear timelines, and no guesswork.
Need it there yesterday? Our expedited services help you move urgent freight fast, with priority carrier selection and fewer stops along the way. From sprinter vans to team drivers, we'll get it done.
Some shipments require a little extra care. Whether you're moving medical equipment, oversized machinery, or high-value goods, FreightCenter matches you with specialized carriers trained to handle them properly.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
How FreightCenter Helps You Choose Wisely
With over 25 years in the freight industry, FreightCenter connects businesses like yours with 50+ top-rated freight carriers, offering side-by-side comparisons for LTL, truckload, intermodal, and more.
Instead of cold-calling carriers and chasing quotes, you get a centralized platform (and people!) that simplifies the process from start to finish.
We help you:
- Get instant rate quotes from multiple carriers
- Match your shipment with the best-fit carrier
- Access real-time tracking and support
- Avoid costly delays, reclassifications, and compliance mistakes
- Get help from actual humans who know freight
Whether you’re shipping across town or across the country, we’ll help you find the best freight carrier for the job quickly, easily, and with confidence.
FAQ For How to Find A Freight Carrier
Q. How do I find a reliable freight carrier?
Begin by identifying your shipping needs, including weight, size, destination, and frequency. Then, use a freight broker or 3PL, such as FreightCenter, to compare vetted carriers, pricing, and transit times in one place.
Q. What Should I look for in a freight carrier?
Look for experience in your industry, carrier authority (MC number and insurance), service options (LTL, FTL, and intermodal), safety records, transit times, and customer reviews.
Q. Can a third-party logistics provider help me find a freight carrier?
Yes, 3PLs like FreightCenter specialize in matching your shipping needs with the right carriers. They handle quoting, booking, tracking, paperwork, and compliance for you.
Q. Is it cheaper to use a freight broker to find a carrier?
Often, yes. Freight brokers have access to discounted carrier rates through volume shipping, which enables them to optimize your routes and services, ultimately saving you money.
Q. What documents do I need to book a freight carrier?
You’ll typically need a bill of lading (BOL), a commercial invoice (for international shipments), a packing list, and any special handling instructions. Your 3PL can assist you in generating and organizing these documents.
Q. How do I compare freight carriers?
You can compare them by cost, transit time, service type (LTL vs. FTL), accessorials offered, customer service reputation, and reliability metrics such as on-time delivery rate.
Q. Can I track my freight once I book a carrier?
Yes. Reputable carriers and brokers offer real-time freight tracking. FreightCenter provides centralized tracking for all your shipments, regardless of the carrier used.
Q. What’s the difference between a carrier and a broker?
A carrier owns and operates the trucks. A broker or 3PL acts as a middleman, finding the best carrier for your freight based on your specific criteria, thereby giving you access to a wider range of choices.
Q. How long does it take to find a freight carrier?
If you’re using a freight marketplace or 3PL like FreightCenter, you can get instant carrier matches and quotes within minutes. Manually finding and vetting carriers can take hours or days.
Q. What are common mistakes when choosing a freight carrier?
Choosing solely based on price, not verifying insurance or authority, ignoring hidden fees, and overlooking transit time or customer support can all lead to costly delays or damage.
Q. How do I find a carrier for specialized freight?
Utilize a logistics provider with experience in handling your specific type of freight, such as hazardous materials, oversized loads, temperature-sensitive goods, or expedited freight. FreightCenter can filter carriers by specialization.
Q. Can I find a freight carrier near me?
Yes, you can search regionally or nationally. FreightCenter’s platform offers local and nationwide carrier options, allowing you to find someone nearby or at your shipping origin.
Q. Do all freight carriers handle both LTL and FTL?
No. Some carriers specialize only in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) or Full Truckload (FTL). FreightCenter’s platform shows which carriers match your exact volume and service type.
Q. Is there a tool to calculate freight costs before choosing a carrier?
Yes, use a freight quote tool like FreightCenter’s to instantly calculate shipping costs, compare services, and review carrier details all before you book.
Q. What if I need help choosing a freight carrier?
You don’t have to go it alone. FreightCenter’s logistics experts are available by phone or chat to guide you through the process and help you find the ideal solution.
Smart Tips for Finding a Freight Carrier
Verify Carrier Insurance and Liability Coverage
Don't just assume every carrier offers adequate protection for your freight. Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and verify the coverage types and limits, especially for high-value, fragile, or regulated goods. Some freight brokers, like FreightCenter, will vet this for you, but if you're booking independently, this step is critical. It can save you from costly disputes or uncovered losses.
Ask About Contingency Plans
A seasoned freight carrier should be able to clearly explain what happens if something goes wrong, including delays, breakdowns, and missed pickups. Ask what contingency plans they have in place and how they communicate disruptions. This tells you a lot about their reliability and the level of support you can expect if your shipment encounters an issue.
Check for Lane Specialization
Many carriers specialize in specific lanes (routes) or regions. A carrier that regularly runs from Dallas to Chicago will likely be more efficient, timely, and competitively priced than one running that route occasionally. Ask your broker or carrier if they specialize in the origin/destination lanes you need. You'll often get better service and lower costs.
