What to look for in an FTL freight broker
Full truckload (FTL) brokerage involves moving a shipment that fills — or exclusively occupies — a 53-foot dry van, reefer, or flatbed trailer. Shipments typically run 10,000–45,000 lbs. Because the truck moves point-to-point without stops, FTL is faster and lower-risk for damage than LTL consolidation. A broker's value in FTL comes down to carrier network depth, lane density, and reliability — not just rate.
- Carrier network size — larger networks mean more coverage on less common lanes and better capacity in tight markets
- Lane density — some brokers are stronger in specific regions (Southeast, Midwest, Transcon) — match to your lanes
- FMCSA authority & bond — always verify broker authority is Active at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov before tendering
- Pricing model — spot vs. contract rates, and whether the broker offers instant online quoting
- Track record with your load type — dry van generalists vs. specialists in reefer, flatbed, or oversized
Top FTL Freight Brokers
Ranked by TT gross revenue · ● = FTL Primary serviceRelated Service Types
What is the difference between FTL brokerage and LTL brokerage?
FTL (Full Truckload) moves your freight exclusively — no other shippers share the truck. LTL (Less Than Truckload) consolidates multiple shippers onto one trailer. FTL is faster, lower-damage-risk, and better for time-sensitive or high-value loads. LTL is more cost-efficient for shipments under ~10,000 lbs. Most top brokers handle both; some specialize. Browse LTL brokers →
Are FTL freight brokers required to be FMCSA licensed?
Yes. All FTL freight brokers must hold an active Broker Authority from the FMCSA, maintain a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond, and file a BOC-3 process agent designation. Verify any broker's authority before tendering at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov. Every profile in this directory shows the broker's MC#, USDOT#, and live FMCSA status.
How do I get the best FTL freight rate?
The fastest way to benchmark FTL rates is to get instant quotes from multiple brokers at once. ShipperGuide shows live FTL rates from 50+ brokers in under a minute — free, no account needed — so you know what fair market looks like before calling. Get instant FTL rates →