# Cornerstone Systems

> Intermodal & Rail-Focused 3PL · Memphis, TN · Founded 1997

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

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## Key facts

- Founded 1997 · headquartered in Memphis, TN
- Privately held
- FMCSA broker authority: **ACTIVE** (MC-321007)
- #53 on Transport Topics Top 100 (2026)
- Gross revenue: $0.349B per Transport Topics 2026
- Primary freight modes: Intermodal

## About

Cornerstone Systems is a Memphis, Tennessee-based intermodal and rail-focused 3PL founded in 1997 by Rick Rodell, ranked #53 on Transport Topics' 2026 Top 100 Freight Brokerage Firms with $349 million in gross revenue. The company specializes in intermodal, railcar and railcar consolidation, container drayage, truck brokerage, LTL, supply chain solutions, on-site logistics, warehousing, and transloading services.

Cornerstone's competitive advantage is the Memphis location — one of the most concentrated rail markets in the US, with direct access to BNSF, CN, CSX, and Norfolk Southern intermodal facilities. Per Transport Topics 2026, intermodal is the primary mode; dry van TL and LTL are active. The integrated model combines rail brokerage, drayage, and transloading for shippers managing port-to-DC and inland-rail supply chains.

For shippers evaluating Cornerstone Systems, the strongest fit is a mid-to-large manufacturer, retailer, or food and beverage shipper with meaningful intermodal volume — particularly those moving freight through Memphis or other Class I rail hubs. Pure-truckload shippers without rail volume may find better matches with truckload-specialist brokers; Cornerstone's edge is rail and intermodal lane execution.

## Load types

| Mode | Status |
|---|---|
| Dry Van TL | ✓ Active |
| Refrigerated | Limited |
| LTL | ✓ Active |
| Intermodal | ● Primary |
| Flatbed | Limited |
| 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-321007 |
| USDOT Number | USDOT 2223210 |
| Broker Authority | ● ACTIVE |
| Surety Bond | $75,000 BMC-84 · On File |

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

## Coverage

Nationwide US with concentration on Class I rail corridors and Memphis-area intermodal hubs

**Strongest lanes:**

- Memphis → West Coast intermodal
- Memphis → Northeast intermodal
- Chicago ↔ Los Angeles rail
- Class I rail intermodal lanes
- Port-to-DC drayage

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Intermodal and rail brokerage is the core specialty — direct access to BNSF, CN, CSX, NS at the Memphis hub
- Integrated drayage, transloading, warehousing, and LTL alongside rail brokerage
- Active FMCSA broker authority MC-321007 with 25+ years of operating history
- Memphis location provides natural density on cross-country rail corridors (Chicago ↔ LA, Memphis ↔ Northeast)

**Common complaints:**

- Pure-truckload shippers without rail volume may not benefit from the intermodal-first model
- No cross-border Mexico or Canada capability disclosed
- No flatbed, expedited, bulk/tank, or parcel per Transport Topics 2026
- Bond surety and effective date not independently verified at FMCSA L&I — confirm before tendering on bonded shipments

## FAQ

### Is Cornerstone Systems licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

Cornerstone Systems, Inc. holds active FMCSA broker authority MC-321007 / DOT 2223210 with a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond on file, registered at 3250 Players Club Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38125. Verify at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov before tendering a load.

### What types of freight does Cornerstone Systems move?

Per Transport Topics 2026, intermodal is the primary mode; dry van TL and LTL are active; reefer and flatbed are limited. Cornerstone also offers railcar consolidation, container drayage, transloading, and warehousing. No expedited, bulk/tank, or parcel.

### How do Cornerstone Systems' rates compare to other freight brokers?

Cornerstone earned $349M gross per Transport Topics 2026; net revenue not disclosed. The Memphis-anchored intermodal network is typically competitive on Class I rail corridors; benchmark truckload spot quotes against alternatives via ShipperGuide before committing.

## Best for

Mid-to-large manufacturers, retailers, and food and beverage shippers with meaningful intermodal volume — particularly those moving freight through Memphis or other Class I rail hubs.

## Compare alternatives

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- [J.B. Hunt 360](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/jb-hunt-360/) — ~1,000,000 trucks accessible carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico (dedic…

## 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