# AFN (Advantage Freight Network)

> FTL, LTL & Intermodal Broker · Downers Grove, IL · Founded 2003

**Canonical URL:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/afn-advantage-freight/
**Markdown source:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/afn-advantage-freight/index.md
**Last updated:** 2026-04-27

---

## Key facts

- Founded 2003 · headquartered in Downers Grove, IL
- Privately held
- Gross revenue: $0.22B per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, LTL, Intermodal

## About

AFN (Advantage Freight Network) is a Downers Grove, Illinois-based freight broker founded in 2003. The company generated approximately $220 million in gross brokerage revenue in 2024 and has built a multi-modal portfolio that includes FTL dry van, LTL, and intermodal freight — 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.

## Load types

| Mode | Status |
|---|---|
| Dry Van TL | ● Primary |
| Refrigerated | Limited |
| LTL | ● Primary |
| Intermodal | ● Primary |
| Flatbed | Limited |
| Air / Expedited | Not offered |
| Bulk / Tank | Not offered |
| Parcel | Not offered |

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2024

## FMCSA & Licensing

FMCSA MC# and DOT# not confirmed for AFN, LLC. Verify current broker authority status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching the legal entity name before tendering a load.

## Coverage

All 48 contiguous states, with strongest density in Midwest

**Strongest lanes:**

- Chicago to Southeast
- Midwest to West Coast
- Midwest to Northeast
- Chicago to Texas

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- 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

**Common complaints:**

- 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

## FAQ

### Is AFN (Advantage Freight Network) licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

AFN, LLC operates as a licensed freight broker. FMCSA MC# and DOT# are not confirmed in this profile — verify current broker authority status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching 'AFN' or 'Advantage Freight Network' before tendering a load. All licensed freight brokers carry a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond or trust fund.

### 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. For long-haul freight, AFN's intermodal option may offer meaningful savings over FTL. Benchmark AFN's rates on ShipperGuide alongside other brokers to see if intermodal or FTL delivers better value for your specific lane and transit requirements.

## Best for

Midwest manufacturers and distributors who need FTL, LTL, and intermodal from a single broker without managing separate carrier relationships for each mode.

## Compare alternatives

- [Loadsmart / ShipperGuide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/loadsmart-shipperguide/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Inte…
- [Spot (Spot Freight)](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/spot-freight/) — Dry Van, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states, strongest in M…
- [Strive Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/strive-logistics/) — Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states, with strongest…
- [Echo Global Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/echo-global-logistics/) — 50,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico (EchoX…
- [Hub Group](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/hub-group/) — 4,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Canada (50+ y…

## Sources

- Revenue and ranking: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages (annual list)
- FMCSA licensing: li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov — broker authority status verified at publication where possible
- Reviews: G2, Trustpilot, Google Business — shipper reviews only
- Listing assembled from public records. Brokers can claim/update via directory@shipperguide.com