# Buchanan Logistics

> Asset-Backed Freight Broker · Fort Wayne, IN · Founded 1996

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

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## Key facts

- Founded 1996 · headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN
- Privately held
- FMCSA broker authority: **ACTIVE** (MC-431807)
- #59 on Transport Topics Top 100 (2026)
- Gross revenue: $0.323B per Transport Topics 2026
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van

## About

Buchanan Logistics is a Fort Wayne, Indiana-based freight broker founded in 1996 by Geary Buchanan, ranked #59 on Transport Topics' 2026 Top 100 Freight Brokerage Firms with $323 million in gross revenue and an estimated $50 million in net revenue. The company is the brokerage division of the broader Buchanan organization, which is anchored by asset-based sister entity Buchanan Hauling & Rigging.

Buchanan's competitive advantage is the asset-backed model — the sister carrier provides physical fleet capacity that complements the brokerage on capacity-tight days when pure brokers struggle. Per Transport Topics 2026, dry van TL is primary; reefer, intermodal, and flatbed/heavy haul are active. The Fort Wayne location supports Midwest manufacturing, automotive, retail, and food and beverage corridors. Offices extend to Arizona and Texas for regional execution.

For shippers, Buchanan is best suited to mid-market manufacturing, automotive, and retail freight programs in the Midwest where asset-backed capacity is valued — particularly shippers who have been burned by pure-broker capacity failures and want a fallback. Coastal-only or international shippers may find better fits with brokers who have those footprints; Buchanan's edge is Midwest dry van and flatbed lanes anchored by sister-carrier capacity.

## Load types

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

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2026

## FMCSA & Licensing

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| MC Number | MC-431807 |
| USDOT Number | USDOT 2229240 |
| Broker Authority | ● ACTIVE |
| Surety Bond | $75,000 BMC-84 · On File |

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

## Coverage

Nationwide US with offices in Indiana, Arizona, and Texas

**Strongest lanes:**

- Indiana → Northeast
- Midwest → Southeast
- Fort Wayne → Texas
- Indiana → Mid-Atlantic
- Midwest → Southwest

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Asset-backed brokerage — sister entity Buchanan Hauling & Rigging provides fleet capacity alongside the brokerage
- Active FMCSA broker authority MC-431807 with $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond on file
- Fort Wayne Midwest position supports manufacturing, automotive, retail, and food and beverage corridors
- Multimodal scope including dry van, refrigerated, intermodal, and flatbed/heavy haul
- 30 years of operating history under the Buchanan organization

**Common complaints:**

- No cross-border Mexico or Canada capability disclosed
- No expedited, bulk/tank, or parcel per Transport Topics 2026
- Carrier network thinner outside Midwest core markets vs Tier 1 brokers
- Bond surety and effective date not independently verified at FMCSA L&I — confirm before tendering on bonded shipments
- Technology platform is functional but not a digital-first differentiator

## FAQ

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

Buchanan Logistics, Inc. holds active FMCSA broker authority MC-431807 / DOT 2229240 with a $75,000 BMC-84 bond on file (Fort Wayne, IN). Sister entity Buchanan Hauling & Rigging holds carrier authority. Verify at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov.

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

Per Transport Topics 2026, dry van TL is primary; refrigerated, rail/intermodal, and flatbed/heavy haul are active; LTL is limited. Asset-backed brokerage with Midwest manufacturing, automotive, and retail focus. No expedited, bulk/tank, or parcel.

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

Buchanan earned $323M gross / ~$50M net per Transport Topics 2026, an estimated 15.5% net margin. The asset-backed model is typically competitive on Midwest van and flatbed lanes; benchmark spot quotes against alternatives via ShipperGuide before committing.

## Best for

Mid-market Midwest shippers in manufacturing, automotive, retail, or food and beverage who want an asset-backed broker with sister-carrier fleet capacity for capacity-tight days.

## Compare alternatives

- [Loadsmart / ShipperGuide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/loadsmart-shipperguide/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Inte…
- [Armstrong Transport Group](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/armstrong-transport-group/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico
- [Trinity Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/trinity-logistics/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states + Canada · Mexi…
- [Ryan Transportation Service](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/ryan-transportation-service/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico
- [Spot Freight](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/spot-freight/) — Dry Van, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states, strongest in M…

## 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