# Choptank Transport

> Produce & Temperature-Controlled Specialist · Preston, MD · Founded 1997

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

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## Key facts

- Founded 1997 · headquartered in Preston, MD
- Privately held
- 8,000+ carriers in network
- FMCSA broker authority: **ACTIVE**
- #27 on Transport Topics Top 100 (2024)
- Gross revenue: $0.7B (est.) per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, Reefer

## About

Choptank Transport is a temperature-controlled freight broker that has been moving perishables and produce since 1997. Founded in Preston, Maryland — in the heart of the Delmarva Peninsula's agricultural region — the company built its identity around refrigerated freight from the ground up. Today it ranks among the top 30 freight brokers in North America with approximately $700 million in gross brokerage revenue, according to Transport Topics.

In 2021, Hub Group acquired Choptank Transport, integrating it into one of the largest asset-based logistics companies in the country. Choptank continues to operate under its own brand and leadership, giving shippers access to Hub Group's broader network while retaining the specialized reefer and produce focus that made Choptank's reputation. The acquisition gave Choptank shippers additional scale and capacity depth, particularly on intermodal and managed transportation through the parent organization.

Choptank's core strength remains refrigerated and dry van FTL brokerage, with particularly deep carrier relationships on Florida produce lanes, California produce corridors, and East Coast routes. The company is frequently cited by shippers for service quality and consistent communication — attributes that trace back to its culture as a mid-sized regional specialist. Shippers moving produce, perishables, or any temperature-sensitive food freight along East Coast and Southeast corridors should consider Choptank as a primary or backup provider.

## Load types

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

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2024

## FMCSA & Licensing

FMCSA broker authority for Choptank Transport, LLC is not yet in our records — verify directly at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching the legal entity name before tendering a load.

## Coverage

All 48 contiguous states · Canada

**Strongest lanes:**

- Florida → Northeast
- California → East Coast
- Mid-Atlantic produce lanes
- Southeast → Midwest
- East Coast corridors
- Delaware → New York
- Carolina → New England

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Deep temperature-controlled and produce expertise dating to 1997 — carrier relationships built over decades
- Outstanding shipper service reputation — consistently cited for proactive communication on sensitive loads
- Strong carrier network on Florida, California, and East Coast produce lanes
- Hub Group backing provides additional capacity depth and resources post-2021 acquisition
- Dry van FTL and LTL available alongside reefer — useful for mixed-commodity shippers

**Common complaints:**

- No intermodal, expedited, or cross-border Mexico service — limited for shippers needing multi-mode coverage
- Predominantly East Coast and Southeast focused — may be less competitive on interior Midwest or Mountain West lanes
- MC/DOT verification recommended before tendering — confirm current FMCSA details at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Smaller scale than top-10 brokers — less leverage on non-produce dry van spot markets
- No managed transportation program — not suitable for shippers needing full TMS outsourcing

## FAQ

### Is Choptank Transport licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

Choptank Transport, LLC holds active freight broker authority with the FMCSA and carries the required $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond. As a Hub Group subsidiary since 2021, broker authority may be held under the Choptank entity or through Hub Group affiliates — confirm current MC# and USDOT# at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov before tendering a load.

### What types of freight does Choptank Transport specialize in?

Per Transport Topics' Top 100 report, Choptank primarily brokers refrigerated/reefer and dry van TL freight. LTL and flatbed are also active. Choptank does not offer intermodal, expedited, air, bulk/tank, or parcel services. Temperature-controlled produce and perishables are the company's historic core specialty.

### How competitive are Choptank Transport's reefer rates?

Choptank is widely regarded as competitive on reefer and produce lanes where it has deep carrier relationships — particularly Florida, California, and East Coast corridors. On dry van or lanes outside their core geography, rates may be less competitive. Use ShipperGuide to compare reefer and dry van rates from 50+ brokers instantly — free, no commitment — before committing to any rate.

## Best for

Shippers moving produce, perishables, or temperature-controlled food products on East Coast, Southeast, and Florida produce corridors — Choptank's specialty dating to its Maryland agricultural roots.

## Compare alternatives

- [C.H. Robinson Worldwide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/ch-robinson-worldwide/) — 85,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 50 states · Mexico · Canada · 120+ c…
- [Allen Lund Company](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/allen-lund-company/) — 10,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Cana…
- [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…
- [Scotlynn Group](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/scotlynn-group/) — Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states · Canada (US-Ca…
- [Loadsmart / ShipperGuide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/loadsmart-shipperguide/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Inte…

## 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