May 16, 2025 | BY Dan Boaz

How to Find A Freight Broker Near Me

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Contents

Freight brokerage—also called logistics brokerage or transportation brokerage—is the business of connecting companies that need to ship goods with the carriers that can transport them. A freight broker acts as an intermediary between shippers (the cargo owners) and freight service providers (usually trucking companies).

In the highly fragmented U.S. trucking market, where most fleets are small and spread across all fifty states, freight brokers play an indispensable role. They help shippers find reliable transport at competitive rates and help carriers keep their trucks loaded. In short, brokers are critical facilitators in the domestic supply chain, ensuring that freight moves efficiently across the country.

WHAT IS A FREIGHT BROKER?

A freight broker is a licensed, third-party intermediary that arranges transportation for shippers by matching their loads with qualified motor carriers. Rather than operating its own trucks, the broker leverages a vast carrier network—often thousands of vetted trucking companies spanning van, flatbed, reefer, and specialized equipment—to secure capacity wherever and whenever a shipper needs it.

Acting as the single point of contact, the broker solicits competitive quotes, negotiates rates, books the load, and then manages the shipment end-to-end: scheduling pickup and delivery appointments, providing real-time tracking updates, and troubleshooting delays or accessorial issues as they arise. Because an experienced broker moves freight across many lanes every day, it possesses granular market intelligence that an individual shipper typically lacks, enabling the broker to find capacity quickly and at market-competitive prices.

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Single point of contact

Work with the same expeditor during your shipment’s entire process–no annoying call centers!

Shipment-to-vehicle matching system

We carefully match the size and weight of your shipment to the right vehicle.

Vetted & exclusive carriers

We work with vetted, experienced carriers, so you get one vehicle for the entire delivery process exclusive.

Real-time monitoring & alerts

Our GPS tracking technology lets us know exactly where your shipment is at all times.

Types of Vehicles

SPRINTER VAN

ExpeditedFreight.com's expedited Sprinter vans have the capacity to meet your local, regional, or long-distance ground shipping needs. Measuring 8-12’ x 52” x 70", our carefully-selected vans have the capacity to carry loads up to 3,000 lbs.

BOX TRUCK

We pride ourselves in working with trusted partners that offer carefully-vetted box trucks, from temperature-controlled vehicles to varying sizes that accommodate smaller loads. Our box trucks, or small straight trucks, measure 12-16’ x 94” x 70” and have the capacity to carry up to 5,000 pounds.

STRAIGHT TRUCK

Measuring 22-26’ x 96” x 96”, our straight trucks can carry loads up to 9,000 pounds. Our large straight truck services offer focused logistics, professional drivers, and deeply-experienced expeditors to get your delivery where it needs to go.

HOT SHOT TRUCK

We'll happily arrange for your freight to be transported via hot shot trucking services. We've proudly partnered with hot shot trucking providers across North America to give you access to carefully-vetted ground delivery vehicles for your time-critical freight.

53' DRY VAN

Our fleet of 53-Ft dry vans can carry loads up to 42,000 pounds. Measuring 53’ x 99” x 102”, these carefully-vetted vehicles will ensure your time-sensitive freight arrives at its destination safely.

FULL FLATBED

ExpeditedFreight.com's full flat bed vehicles can accommodate wide or mega-size loads, such as specialized equipment machinery of all weights and sizes. Measuring 48-53’ x 102” x 102”, our fleet of full flat bed vehicles can carry freight of up to 48,000 pounds.

SPRINTER VAN

BOX TRUCK

STRAIGHT TRUCK

HOT SHOT TRUCK

53' DRY VAN

FULL FLATBED

TALK TO AN EXPEDITOR NOW

Get a Free Freight Quote Now

START YOUR EXPEDITED QUOTE CALL (800) 704-7145

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The History of the Expedited Freight Industry

Expedited freight evolved to meet urgent shipping needs that standard service could not satisfy. Its roots trace back to the 1970s oil crisis, when energy companies needed parts delivered to remote fields immediately to prevent costly production shutdowns. Independent drivers with pickup trucks and gooseneck trailers stepped in to haul critical equipment at a moment’s notice, sometimes driving through the night to keep wells pumping.

Throughout the 1980s, manufacturers in industries such as automotive, construction, and aerospace adopted just-in-time inventory practices. Because these lean inventories left little room for supply disruptions, demand rose for carriers that could deliver parts and materials on extremely tight deadlines. Technology advances—first pagers and CB radios, then cell phones and GPS—further accelerated the viability of hot shot operations by enabling real-time communication and tracking.

Over time, these ad-hoc drivers evolved into specialized expedited carriers operating cargo vans, straight trucks, and team-driver tractor-trailers. Freight brokers recognized the opportunity and began building expedited divisions or entire brokerages dedicated to urgent freight. Today, expedited brokerage is a well-established niche serving industries that cannot tolerate downtime, from healthcare to disaster relief.

Connecting Shippers and Carriers

Freight brokers serve as matchmakers, finding the right carrier for each shipment. They maintain databases of vetted trucking companies and identify those with the equipment, capacity, and service area that best fit a shipper’s needs. By bridging supply and demand, brokers ensure trucks get filled and freight gets moving without costly delays.

Collecting Quotes and Negotiating Rates

Brokers solicit freight quotes from multiple carriers and provide rate options to shippers. Because brokers handle large volumes of freight, they wield buying power that individual shippers may lack. They track spot-market trends and contract-rate histories, enabling them to negotiate competitive pricing on both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.

Coordinating Pickups and Deliveries

Once a shipment is booked, the broker schedules pickup and delivery appointments, relays instructions to the carrier, and monitors the freight in transit. If any issues arise—traffic delays, weather disruptions, or equipment breakdowns—the broker communicates with both shipper and carrier to resolve problems quickly.

Broker vs. Dispatcher

A freight broker represents the shipper’s interests and is paid by the shipper to secure capacity. A dispatcher, by contrast, represents a carrier’s interests, finding loads for that carrier and being compensated by the carrier. While both roles connect freight and trucks, brokers must hold FMCSA broker authority, whereas dispatchers operate under—and are limited to—the carrier’s authority.

Why Use a Freight Broker?

Freight brokers are integral to the smooth functioning of U.S. supply chains. By combining industry expertise, carrier relationships, and regulatory knowledge, they simplify the complex task of transporting goods across a vast and dynamic marketplace. Whether you need to cut transportation costs, secure reliable capacity, or arrange an urgent hot shot delivery, partnering with the right freight brokerage can be a strategic advantage. Evaluate the different brokerage models, vet potential partners carefully, and leverage their capabilities to keep your freight—and your business—moving forward.

Traditional brokerages employ in-house staff who manage every aspect of a shipment. They typically do not own trucks, making them non-asset-based.

Agent-model firms provide a corporate umbrella—technology, back-office support, insurance—under which independent agents operate. Each agent runs a local book of business while leveraging the parent brokerage’s carrier network and compliance infrastructure.

Asset-based brokerages own some of their own trucks, trailers, or warehouses while also brokering overflow freight to outside carriers.

Time and Cost Savings

Managing expedited freight services in-house can consume considerable time and administrative resources. Brokers handle carrier sourcing, rate negotiations, scheduling, and problem resolution, freeing logistics teams to focus on core business functions. Because brokers leverage aggregated freight volume, they often secure lower rates than a single shipper could negotiate independently. Their experience also helps avoid costly accessorial charges and detention fees.

Industry Expertise

Brokers track seasonal capacity swings, regulatory changes, and lane-rate trends that affect shipping costs and service levels. They advise on the best mode (LTL, FTL, intermodal, air) and timing for each shipment, and they coach shippers on packaging, documentation, and compliance requirements. For complex moves—oversize loads, hazardous materials, or temperature-controlled freight—the broker’s specialized knowledge can be invaluable.

Access to a Diverse Carrier Network

A typical shipper might know a handful of trusted carriers; a large brokerage may work with thousands. This carrier diversity ensures capacity even during peak seasons or market disruptions. Brokers vet carriers for safety, insurance, and service performance, giving shippers access to qualified trucks that might otherwise be out of reach.

Customized Logistics Solutions

Because brokers serve many industries and modes, they can craft flexible solutions—dedicated trucks, air charter service, multi-modal combinations, cross-docking, warehousing, or expedited team service—to solve unique supply-chain challenges. Rather than forcing freight into a one-size-fits-all model, a broker tailors capacity and routing to each customer’s requirements.

Expedited Freight Solutions

How to Find a Freight Broker Near Me

Finding a freight broker who understands your lanes, budget, and service requirements can dramatically improve your logistics performance—but only if you select the right partner. Begin by casting a wide net online, then leverage industry contacts for personal recommendations. Finally, verify reputations and credentials to ensure the broker you choose is both reliable and fully compliant with federal regulations.

Search Online

Start with a targeted web search using phrases such as “freight broker near me,” “truckload brokerage in [city/state],” or “LTL broker for [commodity].” Search engines will surface company websites, Google Business profiles, and directory listings that reveal brokers operating in your region. Pay close attention to service descriptions: many firms highlight the geographic areas, equipment types (van, flatbed, reefer), and specialized services (expedited, oversize, hazmat) they support. This helps you quickly determine whether a broker’s core strengths align with your freight mix and lanes.

Beyond generic search results, tap logistics-specific directories and marketplace platforms. Sites maintained by trade associations, 3PL marketplaces, and transportation management-software vendors often allow shippers to filter brokers by location, commodity, or mode. Because these listings are curated for industry professionals, they can save time by excluding unlicensed or inactive companies. Bookmark the brokers that match your criteria, then move on to deeper vetting in the next steps.

Ask for Recommendations

After compiling an online short list, turn to your professional network for firsthand feedback. Reach out to peers at shippers in similar industries, preferred carriers, or suppliers who routinely coordinate freight. They can share which brokers consistently hit appointment windows, provide honest rate forecasts, and resolve inevitable issues without drama. Because logistics is a relationship-driven business, a personal endorsement often signals that the broker values transparency and long-term partnerships over one-off transactions.

Trade associations, local chambers of commerce, and industry conferences also offer rich referral channels. Attending a regional Transportation Club luncheon or a supply-chain roundtable gives you the chance to ask members which brokers they rely on for specific lanes or equipment. Word-of-mouth referrals often highlight smaller agent-model brokerages that deliver white-glove service but may not rank high in generic web searches. Add any well-regarded names from these conversations to your candidate list.

Read Reviews and Ratings

With a pool of prospective brokers in hand, scrutinize their public reputations. Google Reviews and Yelp-style ratings provide unfiltered customer commentary—sometimes glowing, sometimes brutally honest. Look for patterns rather than isolated incidents: repeated complaints about missed appointments or surprise accessorial charges are red flags, whereas multiple mentions of proactive communication are encouraging. For a broader performance snapshot, check Better Business Bureau scores and see whether any complaints remain unresolved.

Case studies and testimonials on a broker’s own website can be helpful, provided you read between the lines. Strong case studies will cite specific KPIs—on-time delivery percentages, cost savings achieved, or claims ratios—that demonstrate measurable value. If the broker serves your industry, look for examples involving similar cargo or lanes. Pair these self-published success stories with independent reviews to create a balanced, credible picture of each broker’s service quality.

Check Licensing and Insurance

Even a broker with stellar reviews must prove it is legally authorized to arrange transportation. Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s public “Licensing & Insurance” database to verify the company’s MC number and confirm that its broker authority is active (status: “Authorized”). The same query shows whether the broker’s $75,000 surety bond is on file and current—critical financial protection in the event of payment disputes or carrier nonperformance. If anything appears inactive or lapsed, strike that broker from consideration.

Request proof of contingent cargo and general liability insurance as well. While a broker does not physically handle freight, contingent coverage shields you if a carrier’s primary insurance fails to honor a claim. Reputable brokers readily provide certificates showing coverage limits and policy dates. They should also outline their carrier-vetting process—how they monitor carriers’ DOT authority, safety scores, and cargo coverage—demonstrating a proactive approach to risk management. By confirming these credentials before tendering your first load, you safeguard your freight, your budget, and your reputation.

TALK TO AN EXPEDITOR NOW

Get an Expedited Freight Quote for Your Time-Critical Shipping Needs

START YOUR EXPEDITED QUOTE CALL (800) 704-7145

What is expedited freight shipping?

Expedited freight shipping is a method of transporting goods that prioritizes speed, ensuring deliveries arrive faster than normal transit times. It typically involves minimizing stops and often dedicating a vehicle solely to your shipment, sometimes with two drivers working in shifts so the truck goes directly from pickup to delivery without delay. In short, it’s a fast-tracked shipping service for time-critical freight.

How is expedited freight different from standard shipping?

The main differences are transit time and handling. Standard freight shipping usually involves more stops or transfers (for example, LTL shipments may go through hub terminals), whereas expedited freight moves on a direct route with virtually no stops. Expedited shipments often use dedicated equipment (or direct flights) and get priority to arrive faster than the normal schedule. This speed comes at a higher cost, but it means your freight isn’t delayed by other cargo or routine hubs as it would be with standard shipping.

When should I use expedited freight services?

You should use expedited freight when a shipment is extremely time-sensitive or when a delay would be very costly. Common scenarios include emergencies (like a medical facility needing urgent supplies) and just-in-time manufacturing situations where parts are needed quickly to avoid a production line shutdown. Expedited services are also wise for meeting critical customer deadlines or recovering from unexpected delays – essentially any time you must have a delivery by a specific fast deadline. In these cases, the premium for expedited shipping is justified to prevent greater losses.

What modes of transportation are used for expedited freight?

Expedited freight can travel by ground or air, depending on urgency and distance. Ground expedited services use trucks – ranging from cargo vans and sprinter vans up to full tractor-trailers – often with team drivers for nonstop driving. For longer distances or international routes, air freight is common: this includes next-day or two-day air cargo services and sometimes dedicated air charter flights for the most urgent shipments. In all cases, the mode is chosen to get the freight delivered as quickly as possible, whether via rapid over-the-road transport or the fastest available airplane.

What is expedited ground shipping?

Expedited ground shipping refers to rushing freight by truck over the road with priority handling. In practice, this means a dedicated truck (or van) carries your load directly to its destination without the multiple stops a normal shipment might make. Carriers often assign team drivers on long routes – two drivers in the same truck who can drive in shifts – allowing the vehicle to cover much more distance in a day than a single driver could. Unlike standard ground shipping (which may be slower or involve consolidating freight), expedited ground service is all about driving straight through to deliver your shipment as fast as possible.

How fast can expedited ground freight be delivered?

Expedited ground freight can often cut transit times significantly compared to standard trucking. For example, a cross-country shipment that might normally take about five days via regular ground service could be delivered in roughly 2–3 days with expedited trucking. Using team drivers, an expedited truck can almost continuously drive, covering ~1,000+ miles per day (within legal driving hour limits). Shorter regional hauls might even be done same-day or overnight. The exact speed gain depends on distance and route, but expedited ground is generally 1–3 days faster than standard ground shipping for long distances.

What is expedited air freight?

Expedited air freight is the practice of shipping cargo by air on the fastest possible schedule to meet urgent deadlines. In many cases this means booking the next flight out for your freight – essentially putting it on the earliest available airplane departure. Expedited air shipments might fly via dedicated cargo flights or even in the belly of passenger planes, and if standard flights don’t meet the need, a chartered aircraft could be used. This is the quickest way to ship goods over long distances (domestically or internationally), albeit at a higher cost, because your freight gets top priority to arrive as fast as air travel allows.

What is an air charter service for freight?

An air charter service is a premium freight option where an entire aircraft is rented for the exclusive use of your shipment. In other words, instead of fitting your cargo into a scheduled flight, you charter a dedicated plane (cargo jet or smaller aircraft) that flies directly to your chosen destination on your schedule. Air charters bypass the typical airline routes and timetables – there are no layovers or cargo transfers with other shippers’ freight. This service is often used for extremely urgent deliveries, oversized or sensitive cargo, or reaching destinations not well-served by regular flights. It’s essentially a private jet for your freight, ensuring the fastest and most direct delivery possible.

When would I need an air charter instead of standard air cargo?

You’d consider an air charter when standard air freight schedules can’t meet your requirements. Scenarios that call for a charter include time-crucial emergencies (e.g. life-saving medical equipment or a factory line-down part that must arrive ASAP) where no scheduled flight arrives soon enough. It’s also used for special situations like transporting oversized cargo or reaching a remote location that typical airlines don’t service frequently. In short, if your shipment absolutely must depart immediately and travel straight to the destination (or if it has unique needs that regular air cargo can’t handle), an air charter is the solution. It offers fast, flexible, direct service – for example, moving urgent goods across continents or to out-of-the-way sites without the delays of connections. Keep in mind air charters are very expensive, so they’re reserved for when the shipment’s importance outweighs cost considerations.

What is hot shot trucking in expedited shipping?

Hot shot trucking is a form of expedited ground transport focusing on smaller, time-sensitive loads. Hot shot drivers typically use medium-duty trucks or heavy pickup trucks often pulling flatbed trailers (like gooseneck trailers) to haul critical loads quickly, usually over shorter regional distances. This niche service fills the need for urgent delivery of loads that are too small to fill a full semi-trailer but must arrive quickly. For example, construction equipment, machinery parts, or oilfield equipment needed in a hurry might go via hot shot. Hot shot trucking specializes in fast delivery of smaller loads (often under a full truckload, sometimes just a few pallets or a single piece of equipment) and often runs routes under roughly 500–800 miles so they can be delivered within a day or so. It’s called “hot shot” because these jobs are high-priority and often booked last-minute to meet an urgent demand.

Industries We Serve

Modern day hot shot trucking provides the speed and exclusivity you need to meet the most demanding and time-sensitive shipping requirements. We use every resource, avenue, and channel available to ship your freight by ground or air. Designed specifically to address supply and distribution problems that arise without warning, hotshot trucking tactics involve coordinating a network of carriers in a variety of locations. By calling on the vehicles closest to your supply or distribution points, hotshot brokers can fill any sudden gaps in your supply network almost as soon as they happen. This minimizes the disruption to your business and allows you to quickly return to ordinary operations, weathering the storm without skipping a beat.

Automotive

The automotive supply chain already has significant challenges. Don’t let malfunctioning equipment stop the production line. Step on the gas with HotShotTrucking.com’s suite of services that will get you back in the fast lane. With HotShotTrucking.com, companies are devising shipping strategies to swiftly deliver critical parts and equipment — whether it's ground expedite service with sprinter vans, box trucks and 53-foot tractor trailers or air freight and air cargo.

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Aviation & Aerospace

Every moment a commercial airliner sits on the ground, it costs an airline money. Expedited freight services by HotShotTrucking.com can get you back in the air with prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America. We are equipped with the expertise to navigate the complexities of shipping jet engines and other types of loads, and our network of hot shot drivers has extensive experience transporting aviation assets.

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Construction

One shipping delay can snowball and cause delays throughout your entire project. You need an experienced 3PL provider who understands the construction industry and has the logistical reach to deliver your freight on time, anywhere. That 3PL partner is HotShotTrucking.com. Whether in the air or on the ground via truck and trailer, we can connect companies to expedited freight services for the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America.

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Mining & Metals

From cranes to chemicals to excavators to conveyor belts, HotShotTrucking.com has the experience and industry know-how required for shipping sensitive, oversized, and hazardous equipment. Third-party hot shot trucking and logistics providers such as HotShotTrucking.com specialize in devising and implementing innovative shipping solutions, ensuring mines can swiftly return to operation. We’ll pick up your shipment, deliver it to the airport and receive it at the other end – providing hand-carried service as necessary or required.

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Manufacturing

Every moment a manufacturing facility or factory sits idle costs a company money because of the high costs involved. With many manufacturers building to only just-in-time production rates, any disruption threatens parts and vehicle inventories. This is where the speed and expertise of freight services from HotShotTrucking.com can make a difference throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain. We do all the logistical legwork to find the optimal solution for your job, whether it's an exclusive air charter or expedited ground shipping.

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Telecommunications

From servers to cell towers, information, voice, and data must flow to keep businesses, production, and the public online and connected. When equipment goes dark, depend on HotShotTrucking.com to get your systems flashing green again. This is where the speed and experience of trucking and freight services from HotShotTrucking.com can help. Our hot shot truck network excels at the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America.

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Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry faces challenging conditions in offshore and onshore oil rigs, often in remote locations with limited infrastructure. Don’t let oil pumps or pipelines sit idle waiting for equipment. By having the right plans, parts, people, and logistics partner like HotShotTrucking.com, you can effectively mitigate plant or pump downtime, unscheduled disruptions, and equipment failures.

Learn More About Oil & Gas

TOP

How to Find A Freight Broker Near Me

WHAT IS A FREIGHT BROKER?

Our Streamlined Process

Single point of contact

Shipment-to-vehicle matching system

Vetted & exclusive carriers

Real-time monitoring & alerts

Types of Vehicles

SPRINTER VAN

BOX TRUCK

STRAIGHT TRUCK

HOT SHOT TRUCK

53' DRY VAN

FULL FLATBED

Get a Free Freight Quote Now

The History of the Expedited Freight Industry

Freight Broker Services

Connecting Shippers and Carriers

Collecting Quotes and Negotiating Rates

Coordinating Pickups and Deliveries

Broker vs. Dispatcher

Why Use a Freight Broker?

Time and Cost Savings

Industry Expertise

Access to a Diverse Carrier Network

Customized Logistics Solutions

How to Find a Freight Broker Near Me

Search Online

Ask for Recommendations

Read Reviews and Ratings

Check Licensing and Insurance

Get an Expedited Freight Quote for Your Time-Critical Shipping Needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is expedited freight shipping?

How is expedited freight different from standard shipping?

When should I use expedited freight services?

What modes of transportation are used for expedited freight?

What is expedited ground shipping?

How fast can expedited ground freight be delivered?

What is expedited air freight?

What is an air charter service for freight?

When would I need an air charter instead of standard air cargo?

What is hot shot trucking in expedited shipping?

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Industries We Serve

Automotive

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Construction

Mining & Metals

Manufacturing

Telecommunications

Oil & Gas

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