# Fifth Wheel Freight

> 3PL & Freight Broker · Kentwood, MI · Founded 2012

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

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## Key facts

- Founded 2012 · headquartered in Kentwood, MI
- Privately held
- FMCSA broker authority: **ACTIVE** (MC-806984)
- #92 on Transport Topics Top 100 (2026)
- Gross revenue: $168M per Transport Topics 2026
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van

## About

Fifth Wheel Freight (legal entity B & L Systems LLC, DBA Fifth Wheel Freight) is a freight broker and 3PL founded in 2012 by Brian Bennett in Lansing, Michigan, and headquartered in Kentwood, Michigan (Grand Rapids metro) since relocating in 2016. Fifth Wheel Freight ranked #92 on the Transport Topics 2026 Top 100 with $168 million in gross revenue and $24 million in net revenue (14.3% net margin).

Per Transport Topics 2026, Fifth Wheel Freight moves dry van truckload as a primary mode, with active reefer, LTL, flatbed/heavy haul, intermodal, air/expedited, and bulk/tank — one of the broader mode mixes among brokers in its revenue tier. The company operates as a pure non-asset broker, with FMCSA authority for broker property only and no carrier authority.

For shippers evaluating Fifth Wheel Freight, the strongest fit is Michigan and Great Lakes regional freight programs across multiple modes — particularly manufacturing, automotive, and consumer-goods shippers based in or moving through the Grand Rapids and Detroit corridors. Shippers needing primarily West Coast or Southeast lane density may find better fits with brokers anchored in those regions.

## Load types

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

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2026

## FMCSA & Licensing

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| MC Number | MC-806984 |
| USDOT Number | USDOT 2362964 |
| Broker Authority | ● ACTIVE |
| Surety Bond | $75,000 BMC-84 · On File |

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

## Coverage

All 48 contiguous states · Canada · Mexico

**Strongest lanes:**

- Great Lakes → Midwest
- Michigan → Texas
- Midwest cross-border Canada

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Broad mode mix including dry van, reefer, flatbed, intermodal, expedited, and bulk/tank — wide single-broker access at sub-$200M scale
- Top-100 Transport Topics ranking with $168M gross revenue and 14.3% net margin
- Michigan and Great Lakes regional carrier density from Grand Rapids HQ
- Pure non-asset broker model — no fleet conflicts for shipper-priority capacity

**Common complaints:**

- Smaller scale than national brokers — narrower carrier network outside Michigan and Great Lakes
- Founded 2012 — shorter operating history than peers in the Top 100
- No instant quoting or API integration
- Reviews not aggregated to a verifiable score

## FAQ

### Is Fifth Wheel Freight licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

B & L Systems LLC (DBA Fifth Wheel Freight) holds active FMCSA broker authority MC-806984 / USDOT 2362964 with a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond on file. Authorized For Broker Property; no carrier authority. Verify at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov.

### What types of freight does Fifth Wheel Freight handle?

Per Transport Topics 2026, Fifth Wheel Freight moves dry van TL as primary, with active reefer, LTL, flatbed/heavy haul, intermodal, air/expedited, and bulk/tank — broad mode mix at sub-$200M scale.

### How do Fifth Wheel Freight's rates compare to other freight brokers?

Fifth Wheel Freight reported $168M gross / $24M net revenue (14.3% net margin) for Transport Topics 2026 — in line with mid-market brokerage. Most competitive on Michigan and Great Lakes regional lanes. Benchmark on ShipperGuide.

## Best for

Michigan and Great Lakes regional shippers — particularly manufacturing, automotive, and consumer-goods programs that need broad multi-mode coverage from a single mid-sized broker.

## Compare alternatives

- [Loadsmart / ShipperGuide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/loadsmart-shipperguide/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Inte…
- [Spot Freight](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/spot-freight/) — Dry Van, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states, strongest in M…
- [Logistic Dynamics (LDi)](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/logistic-dynamics/) — Dry Van, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Cross-border…
- [Armstrong Transport Group](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/armstrong-transport-group/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico
- [Ryan Transportation Service](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/ryan-transportation-service/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico

## 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