# Covenant Logistics (Brokerage)

> Carrier-Broker Hybrid · Chattanooga, TN · Founded 1986

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

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## Key facts

- Founded 1986 · headquartered in Chattanooga, TN
- Publicly traded — NASDAQ: CVLG
- 30,000+ carriers in network
- FMCSA broker authority: **ACTIVE** (MC-197949)
- #30 on Transport Topics Top 100 (2024)
- Gross revenue: $0.55B (est.) per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, Reefer

## About

Covenant Logistics Group is a publicly traded truckload carrier and freight broker headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, founded in 1986. The company (NASDAQ: CVLG) operates Covenant Transport Solutions, its brokerage division, alongside its core asset-based truckload fleet. Covenant's brokerage operation ranks approximately 30th in Transport Topics' Top 100 Freight Brokerage Firms, with an estimated $550 million in gross brokerage revenue in 2024.

Covenant's brokerage is a carrier-broker hybrid: Covenant Transport Solutions draws on Covenant's own asset fleet for capacity supplementation, giving shippers access to additional coverage when third-party carrier availability tightens. The company is particularly known for temperature-controlled and refrigerated freight, with dedicated teams and deep carrier relationships for food and beverage shippers. Dry van, flatbed, intermodal, and cross-border Mexico and Canada service are also available through the brokerage.

Covenant's position in Chattanooga — a major Southeast distribution gateway on the I-75 corridor — gives it natural advantages for shippers moving freight between the Southeast, Midwest, and Texas. Dedicated contract transportation and managed transportation programs round out the service mix, making Covenant a viable option for shippers seeking a single provider for both asset-based and brokered capacity. Publicly traded status provides financial transparency and long-term stability that enterprise shippers often require.

## Load types

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

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2024

## FMCSA & Licensing

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| MC Number | MC-197949 |
| USDOT Number | USDOT 598139 |
| Broker Authority | ● ACTIVE |
| Surety Bond | $75,000 BMC-84 · On File |

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

## Coverage

All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Canada

**Strongest lanes:**

- Chattanooga → Atlanta
- Southeast → Midwest
- Tennessee → Texas
- Southeast → Northeast
- Texas → Mexico
- Midwest → Southeast
- I-75 corridor (Southeast)

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Carrier-backed brokerage — Covenant Transport asset fleet supplements third-party capacity in tight markets
- Strong temperature-controlled and reefer expertise — dedicated food and beverage shipper teams
- Publicly traded (NASDAQ: CVLG) — financial transparency and long-term stability
- Dedicated contract and managed transportation programs for full-outsourcing shippers
- Cross-border Mexico and Canada coverage with dedicated teams

**Common complaints:**

- Brokerage authority may differ from carrier MC# — verify Covenant Transport Solutions broker authority at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Primarily Southeast and Midwest focused — less carrier density in Pacific Northwest and Mountain West
- Rates may reflect carrier-side margin expectations — less aggressive on spot pricing than pure digital brokers
- Technology platform is functional but not self-serve — limited instant quoting or digital-first tools
- Smaller brokerage scale than top-10 brokers — less leverage on non-core lanes or unusual freight types

## FAQ

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

Covenant Transport Inc. holds active carrier authority (USDOT 598139 / MC-197949). Its brokerage operations are conducted through Covenant Transport Solutions, which may hold broker authority under a separate entity — verify current broker MC# and authority status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov before tendering. The required $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond should be on file for any active broker authority.

### What types of freight does Covenant Logistics brokerage move?

Per Transport Topics' Top 100 report, Covenant's brokerage primarily handles dry van TL and refrigerated/reefer freight. LTL, flatbed, and intermodal are also active modes. Air/expedited is limited. Cross-border Mexico and Canada are available. Bulk/tank and parcel are not offered. Temperature-controlled and food and beverage freight are a core specialty.

### How competitive are Covenant Logistics brokerage rates?

Covenant's brokerage is competitive on Southeast, Midwest, and Texas reefer and dry van lanes where its carrier relationships are strongest. As a carrier-broker hybrid, rates may be less aggressive than pure digital brokers on spot loads. Use ShipperGuide to compare reefer and dry van rates from 50+ brokers instantly — free, no commitment — before committing to any single provider.

## Best for

Shippers moving temperature-controlled, dry van, or reefer freight in Southeast and Midwest markets who value a carrier-backed broker with dedicated reefer and food & beverage expertise from Chattanooga's gateway position.

## Compare alternatives

- [Schneider National (Brokerage)](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/schneider-brokerage/) — 10,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico (dedic…
- [Werner Enterprises (Brokerage)](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/werner-brokerage/) — 50,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Cana…
- [Total Quality Logistics (TQL)](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/total-quality-logistics/) — 110,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Canada · Mexi…
- [Choptank Transport](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/choptank-transport/) — 8,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states · Canada
- [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