# Alliance Shippers > Temperature-Controlled & Intermodal Freight Broker · Rutherford, NJ · Founded 1976 **Canonical URL:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/alliance-shippers/ **Markdown source:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/alliance-shippers/index.md **Last updated:** 2026-04-27 --- ## Key facts - Founded 1976 · headquartered in Rutherford, NJ - Privately held - Gross revenue: $0.04B (est.) per Transport Topics 2024 - Primary freight modes: Reefer, Intermodal ## About Alliance Shippers Inc. is a privately held freight broker and logistics provider founded in 1976 and headquartered in Rutherford, NJ. With nearly five decades in operation, the company has built a specialized focus on temperature-controlled (refrigerated) and intermodal freight — two modes that require more rigorous compliance, equipment coordination, and carrier vetting than standard dry van brokerage. At an estimated $40 million in gross brokerage revenue, Alliance occupies a mid-market position among North American brokers. The company's refrigerated network is its core differentiator. Alliance maintains carrier relationships with reefer carriers across the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast, making it a viable option for shippers moving perishable goods, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, or food-grade products that require documented cold-chain compliance. Intermodal is a secondary strength — Alliance arranges rail-truck intermodal moves, primarily through Midwest gateway hubs, offering shippers a cost-efficient alternative to over-the-road on longer lanes. Shippers evaluating Alliance should expect a relationship-oriented service model rather than a self-serve digital experience. The company's longevity in specialized modes means experienced operations staff and well-developed carrier relationships, but the technology platform and instant-quoting capabilities are more limited than those of larger national brokers. Alliance is best suited for shippers with recurring reefer or intermodal freight who value consistent carrier access over a fully automated quoting workflow. ## Load types | Mode | Status | |---|---| | Dry Van TL | ✓ Active | | Refrigerated | ● Primary | | LTL | Not offered | | Intermodal | ● Primary | | Flatbed | Not offered | | 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 Alliance Shippers Inc. Verify current broker authority status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching the legal entity name before tendering a load. ## Coverage 48 contiguous states; Canada cross-border **Strongest lanes:** - Northeast US reefer corridors - Midwest intermodal gateways (Chicago hub) - East Coast temperature-controlled distribution - US–Canada cross-border refrigerated ## Pros & Cons **What shippers like:** - Nearly 50 years in operation — deep institutional knowledge of reefer and intermodal markets - Primary focus on temperature-controlled freight gives shippers access to vetted cold-chain carriers - Intermodal program offers cost savings on longer lanes vs. over-the-road dry van - Experienced operations staff with specialized reefer compliance knowledge - Canada cross-border capability expands reefer coverage for US-Canada food lanes **Common complaints:** - Estimated $40M gross revenue — smaller scale than top-50 brokers, limiting carrier options on thin lanes - Limited self-serve technology — no confirmed instant quoting or mobile app - Dry van and LTL are secondary at best; not the right fit for general freight programs - FMCSA MC# and DOT# not publicly confirmed — shippers should verify authority before tendering ## FAQ ### Is Alliance Shippers licensed and bonded as a freight broker? Alliance Shippers Inc. has operated as a licensed freight broker since 1976. However, FMCSA MC# and DOT# details are not publicly confirmed in this profile. Shippers should verify current broker authority status and bond standing at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching 'Alliance Shippers' before tendering a load. ### What types of freight does Alliance Shippers move? Per Transport Topics Top 100 data, Alliance Shippers' primary freight modes are refrigerated (temperature-controlled) and intermodal. Dry van FTL is also handled on an active basis. The company is not focused on LTL, flatbed, parcel, or expedited freight. Shippers with perishable, food-grade, or pharmaceutical reefer loads are the best fit. ### How do Alliance Shippers' rates compare to other freight brokers? Alliance Shippers does not publicly disclose net margin or rate benchmarks. As a specialized reefer and intermodal broker, its pricing reflects carrier market conditions in those modes — reefer rates typically run 15–25% above dry van on equivalent lanes. For a direct rate comparison against multiple brokers, use ShipperGuide to get free instant quotes across 50+ carriers and brokers. ## Best for Shippers with recurring temperature-controlled (reefer) or intermodal freight in the Northeast and Midwest who value specialized carrier relationships and experienced operations staff over a self-serve digital platform. ## Compare alternatives - [Coyote Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/coyote-logistics/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Air/Expedited · All 48 contiguous states - [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… - [WWEX Group](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/wwex-group/) — 85,000+ FTL; 75+ LTL carriers carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico (Monte… - [MODE Global](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/mode-global/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Cana… ## 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. 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