Key facts
- Founded 2003 · headquartered in Downers Grove, IL
- Privately held
- FMCSA broker authority: ACTIVE (MC-446639)
- Gross revenue: $0.22B per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, LTL, Intermodal
About AFN (Advantage Freight Network)
AFN (Advantage Freight Network), legally AFN LLC, is a privately held freight broker founded in 2003 and headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, generating approximately $220 million in 2024 gross brokerage revenue across FTL, LTL, and intermodal freight. The multi-modal portfolio is a somewhat unusual combination for a broker at this size that makes AFN a one-stop option for shippers managing diverse freight portfolios. Headquartered in the Chicago suburbs, AFN has strong carrier relationships across Midwest corridors and long-haul lanes served by intermodal rail.
AFN's intermodal capability is a notable differentiator in its tier: few independently operated brokers of similar size can competitively quote both LTL and intermodal freight alongside FTL dry van. For shippers with long-haul dry van freight (e.g., Chicago to West Coast or Southeast to Midwest), AFN's intermodal desk can offer rail-competitive pricing that may meaningfully reduce transportation costs. LTL coverage through AFN gives mid-market shippers with both TL and LTL needs a single broker relationship to manage.
For shippers evaluating AFN, the strongest fit is Midwest-based manufacturers or distributors who need FTL, LTL, and intermodal from a single broker partner without the complexity of managing separate carrier relationships for each mode. Reefer, flatbed, and cross-border needs are better served by specialists in those modes. AFN's 20-plus years of operation provides a stability indicator that newer brokers cannot match — particularly relevant for shippers seeking a long-term managed transportation partner in the Midwest.
Listing assembled from public records (FMCSA Li-Public, Transport Topics, company website). Are you AFN (Advantage Freight Network)? Claim this profile →
Load Types Transport Topics Top 100
FMCSA & Licensing FMCSA Li-Public
Coverage
All 48 contiguous states, with strongest density in Midwest
Strongest Lanes
Pros & Cons
- Rare tri-modal capability (FTL + LTL + intermodal) at this revenue scale — single broker for diverse freight portfolios
- Intermodal competency enables cost-effective long-haul alternatives to FTL on Chicago to West Coast and Southeast lanes
- Over 20 years of operating history provides financial stability and carrier trust
- Strong Midwest carrier density from a Chicago-suburb location
- Managed transportation available for shippers wanting program-level freight outsourcing
- No reefer, flatbed, cross-border, air, or ocean services
- No instant quoting — pricing requires rep engagement
- Smaller carrier network than Tier 1 brokers on national lanes outside the Midwest
- Technology platform is functional but not a digital-first differentiator
- LTL coverage is through carrier partnerships, not a proprietary network — quality depends on lane
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FAQ
Is AFN (Advantage Freight Network) licensed and bonded as a freight broker?
AFN LLC holds active broker authority MC-446639, USDOT 2230091, with a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond on file. FMCSA registers an office at 2700 Commerce St, Dallas TX; verify at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov.
What types of freight does AFN handle?
AFN brokers dry van FTL, LTL, and intermodal freight. Reefer and flatbed are limited. Air, ocean, cross-border, and parcel are not available. AFN is particularly strong for Midwest-origin freight where FTL, LTL, and intermodal can all be quoted by a single broker.
How do AFN's freight rates compare to other brokers?
AFN is competitive on Midwest FTL and intermodal lanes; on long-haul freight, intermodal may offer meaningful savings over FTL. Benchmark on ShipperGuide to see if intermodal or FTL delivers better value for your lane.