Freight Broker
Businesses use a freight broker (transportation broker) to save money when shipping freight or parcels. FreightCenter has brokered freight since 1998.
What Is a Freight Broker?
Put simply; freight brokers are the middleman between shippers and carriers. Their main objective is to match carriers and shippers in logistical alignment. Shipping brokers will assign shippers to carriers that meet their transportation needs while also ensuring shippers meet the carrier requirements, rules, and regulations. Shippers need not concern themselves with searching for the most efficient and cost-effective options. Save yourself time and headaches by leaving the logistics to the professionals.
Working with a freight broker will provide you access to discounted rates, proper documentation and paperwork, shipment tracking, pick-up and delivery arrangements, and other logistics services. While freight brokers do not own specialized equipment, trucks, or transportation equipment, they have industry contacts, carrier relationships, advanced technology, and logistics expertise. For these reasons, you can count on freight brokers to coordinate efficient, timely, and cost-effective shipments on your behalf.
A freight broker is a bonded and DOT– (Department of Transportation) licensed agency that secures freight shipping services from freight carriers on behalf of businesses and individuals. Typical clients include manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and distributors intending to transport raw materials, finished products, and perishable cargo. As you can see, freight brokers are essential to the supply chain industry. They are directly responsible for making the supply chain more streamlined, efficient, cost-effective, and reliable for shippers and carriers.
Typical freight brokerage tasks include:
- Developing a network of top carriers that provide discounted rates for the freight broker’s customers
- Finding the carrier for each shipment that offers the best combination of freight rates and services
- Booking the shipment on behalf of the customer (the shipper)
- Paying the carrier for the booking
- Receiving the shipper’s payment directly
- Addressing all of the shipper’s questions and concerns
- Preparing all the paperwork—Terms & Conditions, Bill of Lading (BOL), and shipping labels—and emailing it to the shipper
- Providing a way for the shipper to track their shipment
- Addressing the shipper’s issues if there are any problems with the shipment
Working With Jennifer Rendine has been super easy. I know that every detail will be taken care of with each and every shipment. I would recommend Freightcenter.com to anyone. 5 Stars!
It was very easy to do and priced right . The people I talked to were very friendly and helpful !
It was a great experience. Everything went very smoothly. My customer service rep was exceptional!
I have used Freight Center for 3 different pickups and so far everything has worked beautifully. I would highly recommend their services and the pricing is very competitive. Thank you Freight Center for the good job.
So happy using FreightCenter. Great service and the lowest price. My go to shipper from now on!
Easy to work with. Scheduled on line and then a CS rep called us to make sure all the details were in order to ship our product correctly to the customer.
Awards and Endorsements
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter For Less-Than-Truckload Services (LTL)?
We are an award-winning logistics company and an American veteran-owned business. We bring a lot to the table when it comes to less-than-truckload services. Our history, competitive pricing, and level of service are unmatched in the industry. Over the years and many miles, we have formed a dedicated and respected network of partners in the industry to help customers meet deadlines.
Our mission is to meet and exceed customer expectations in all that we do. We take care of less-than-truckload freight shipping from pickup to delivery. Excellent customer service is our hallmark, and it goes a long way in building a relationship of trust. When customers select FreightCenter to handle their less-than-truckload freight shipment, they trust us to do the job.
Choosing FreightCenter
When you choose to work with us, you are choosing to make your shipping process seamless. Here are just some of the benefits working with our Third Party Logistics company will have on your shipping experience:
- When you partner with FreightCenter, a premier 3PL (Third Party Logistics) company with over twenty-four years of experience within the logistics industry, you are choosing success. Over the decades, our team has dealt with nearly every shipment imaginable. There is no shipment process we cannot help you with!
- FreightCenter employs a knowledgeable staff always willing to learn and grow with industry changes and advancements. We are ready to answer any questions you have throughout the entire process!
- We act as the middleman between you and your carrier; you do not have to worry about playing phone tag with your trucker. Your agent will directly communicate with you and your carrier, delivering any necessary information or updates between you.
- We secure the best transit carrier and route for you at the best price. There is no need to spend hours figuring out the logistics or searching for a worthwhile deal.
- We make it easy to ensure your shipments by guiding you toward the best providers. Whether you need full or partial coverage, we have you covered!
- We arrange the pick-ups and drop-offs while also making sure to track each shipment in transit. This ensures that you know where your packages are every step of the way!
Now what are you waiting for? Call FreightCenter to set up your account and discuss your shipment. We are ready to answer your questions and provide solutions! Our team looks forward to partnering with you.
Can a Freight Broker Also Be a 3PL?
The answer is yes! Freight brokers can also act as 3PLs; some overlap despite distinct differences in services offered. To be clear, Freight brokers focus on transportation between shippers and carriers while handling services like load booking, tracking, and documentation. Moreover, 3PLs provide a more comprehensive range of services than the standard freight broker.
Beyond transportation logistics, 3PLs also offer warehousing, inventory control, order fulfillment, and distribution. In some instances, logistics brokers may offer 3PL services and their own to provide more comprehensive logistics services. FreightCenter is both a freight broker and a 3PL. A 3PL can take on the role of a shipping department for the customer. In addition to providing the services of a freight broker, the 3PL will work with a business to establish a logistics strategy and tactics that will save the business time and money.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload.
The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.
Use flatbed trucks for oversized or unusually shaped shipments.
Combine multiple modes of transportation, such as trucking and rail, for efficient and cost-effective shipping.
Transport shipments via rail for long-distance shipments.
Shipments in containers on cargo ships for international transport.
Opt for air transportation when time-sensitive delivery of shipments is required.
Arrange for trucking services to transport packages across international borders.
Engage specialized heavy haul trucking services for oversized or cumbersome packages.
A third-party logistics provider is a business that provides other companies and businesses with more efficient and cost-effective supply chain and logistics processes.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Take advantage of FreightCenter’s Freight Broker Services
FreightCenter’s freight brokerage services cover all modes of freight shipping, including ground trucking, air, rail, and ocean vessel. Our network of carriers extends from the US to Canada to international shipping. The vast majority of freight shipping in the US today is via ground trucking. FreightCenter can be your freight broker for all three primary methods of ground trucking.
Our elite in-house team of shipping experts can help you select the best method for your shipping. There is no charge for the team’s services, which are provided via email and phone at 800.716.7608.
Full Truckload
We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads, competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your entire truckload shipping needs.
Expedited Services
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your cargo requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload.
Specialized Freight Shipping
The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we’ve got you covered.
Compare Freight Quotes From Top Carriers Instantly for Free
FreightCenter is where top carriers compete for your business. With the creation of a free online account, you can access instant freight rates. The results will compare available carrier pricing and estimated transit time.
You can select from any carrier result on the list to use. After your shipment is picked up, you can track it online. Booking your shipment along with payment is also available online.
Work With the Freight Broker That Gives You Peace of Mind
FreightCenter is a licensed and bonded freight broker, operating since 1998.
Committed to excellent customer service, FreightCenter arranges freight for commercial and residential shippers. We save shippers up to 95% off standard carrier freight rates through our volume-discounted pricing from reliable carriers.
Get started with FreightCenter by comparing freight quotes from top carriers. Need help? Call our shipping experts at 800.716.7608.
Freight Broker FAQ
Q. What is a freight broker?
A. A freight broker is a middleman between shippers and carriers who facilitates the transportation of freight or parcels. They match shippers with carriers, ensuring logistical alignment and compliance with transportation requirements.
Q. What does a freight broker do?
A. Freight brokers connect shippers with carriers, handle logistics, and coordinate efficient, timely, and cost-effective shipments. They develop a network of carriers, find the best combination of rates and services for each shipment, handle bookings and payments, address customer questions and concerns, prepare paperwork, and provide shipment tracking.
Q. How does a freight broker save businesses money?
A. Freight brokers have established relationships with a network of dependable carriers, which allows them to secure substantially discounted freight rates. By sharing these discounts with customers, freight brokers enable businesses to meet their shipping needs while saving up to 95% compared to booking directly with carriers.
Q. What are the benefits of working with a freight broker?
A. Working with a freight broker provides access to discounted rates, proper documentation and paperwork, shipment tracking, pick-up and delivery arrangements, and other logistics services. Freight brokers have industry contacts, carrier relationships, advanced technology, and logistics expertise, ensuring efficient and cost-effective shipments on behalf of businesses.
Q. Can a freight broker also be a 3PL (Third Party Logistics)?
A. Yes, a freight broker can also act as a 3PL. While freight brokers focus on transportation between shippers and carriers, handling services like load booking, tracking, and documentation, 3PLs offer a more comprehensive range of services, including warehousing, inventory control, order fulfillment, and distribution. Some freight brokers, like FreightCenter, offer both freight brokerage and 3PL services.
Q. What additional services do 3PLs offer compared to freight brokers?
A. In addition to transportation logistics, 3PLs provide services such as warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and distribution. They work with businesses to establish comprehensive logistics strategies, saving time and money throughout the supply chain process.
Q. How do freight brokers secure discounted rates from carriers?
A. Freight brokers maintain relationships with a network of carriers and leverage their shipment volume to negotiate discounted rates. Due to their extensive carrier network, freight brokers like FreightCenter can select the carrier with the most competitive rates and pass on the savings to their customers.
Q. How can using a freight broker save up to 95% on freight shipping costs?
A. By accessing discounted rates from carriers, freight brokers can offer substantial savings to their customers. These savings, often up to 95% compared to direct carrier bookings, make using a freight broker a highly cost-effective option, particularly for occasional shippers who have fewer than 40 shipments per month.
