# Axle Logistics

> Full-Service Freight Broker · Knoxville, TN · Founded 2012

**Canonical URL:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/axle-logistics/
**Markdown source:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/axle-logistics/index.md
**Last updated:** 2026-05-08

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## Key facts

- Founded 2012 · headquartered in Knoxville, TN
- Privately held
- FMCSA broker authority: **ACTIVE** (MC-765587)
- #21 on Transport Topics Top 100 (2026)
- Gross revenue: $1.195B per Transport Topics 2026
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van

## About

Axle Logistics is a Knoxville, Tennessee-based freight broker founded in 2012 that ranked #21 on the 2026 Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerage Firms list with $1.195 billion in gross revenue and $159 million in net revenue. The company has grown rapidly from a regional Southeast specialist into a national broker, repeatedly appearing on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States.

Per Transport Topics, Axle Logistics moves dry van truckload as a primary mode, with active capability across refrigerated, LTL, intermodal, and flatbed/heavy haul. The company's Knoxville headquarters provides natural lane density across the Southeast and the Tennessee Valley corridor, and it has built a multi-modal offering that allows it to compete on national accounts as well as regional Southeast freight programs.

For shippers evaluating Axle Logistics, the strongest fit is freight programs with significant Southeast or Midwest exposure where Axle's lane density and carrier relationships deliver competitive rates and service. Multi-modal shippers needing a single relationship across dry van, reefer, intermodal, and flatbed are a good match. Shippers focused primarily on cross-border Mexico/Canada or coastal-only freight may find specialized brokers a closer fit.

## Load types

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

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2026

## FMCSA & Licensing

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| MC Number | MC-765587 |
| USDOT Number | USDOT 2253967 |
| Broker Authority | ● ACTIVE |
| Surety Bond | $75,000 BMC-84 · Required |

Verify status: https://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov

## Coverage

All 48 contiguous states with strong Southeast and Midwest density

**Strongest lanes:**

- Knoxville → Atlanta
- Southeast → Midwest
- Tennessee Valley Corridor
- Southeast → Northeast

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Strong Southeast and Tennessee Valley carrier density — Knoxville HQ provides natural lane advantage
- Multi-modal offering across dry van, reefer, intermodal, and flatbed through a single relationship
- Top-25 broker by Transport Topics 2026 with $1.2B in gross revenue and 13.3% net margin — established scale
- Repeated Inc. 5000 honoree — sustained growth track record
- Privately held, founder-rooted culture with focused service model

**Common complaints:**

- No cross-border Mexico or Canada capability — domestic US only
- No dedicated air/expedited service for time-critical freight
- Regional density advantage thinner outside Southeast and Midwest core lanes
- Technology platform less advanced than digital-first brokers — limited public detail on API/EDI maturity
- Younger broker (founded 2012) than most Transport Topics top-25 peers

## FAQ

### Is Axle Logistics licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

Axle Logistics LLC holds active FMCSA broker authority MC-765587 / USDOT 2253967, registered at 835 N Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37917, with the FMCSA-required $75,000 broker surety bond. Verify current bond status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov before tendering a load.

### What types of freight does Axle Logistics move?

Per Transport Topics 2026, Axle Logistics moves dry van truckload as a primary mode, with active LTL, refrigerated, intermodal, and flatbed/heavy haul. No air/expedited or cross-border. Strongest fit is multi-modal shippers with Southeast or Midwest exposure.

### How do Axle Logistics' rates compare to other freight brokers?

Southeast and Tennessee Valley carrier density prices competitively on dry van, reefer, and intermodal through the region. 13.3% net margin per Transport Topics 2026 is moderate among top-25 brokers. Benchmark via ShipperGuide.

## Best for

Mid-to-large shippers with dry van, reefer, intermodal, or flatbed freight in the Southeast and Tennessee Valley who want a top-25 broker with multi-modal capability through a single relationship.

## Compare alternatives

- [Loadsmart / ShipperGuide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/loadsmart-shipperguide/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Inte…
- [Arrive Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/arrive-logistics/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico
- [Armstrong Transport Group](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/armstrong-transport-group/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico
- [Trident Transport](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/trident-transport/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states with strong Sou…
- [Ascent Global Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/ascent-global-logistics/) — 10,000+ carriers · 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. Brokers can claim/update via directory@shipperguide.com