# Forward Air (brokerage)

> Expedited LTL & Truckload Broker · Greeneville, TN · Founded 1981

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

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## Key facts

- Founded 1981 · headquartered in Greeneville, TN
- Publicly traded — NASDAQ: FWRD
- Gross revenue: $0.17B (est.) per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: LTL, Air/Expedited

## About

Forward Air Corporation is a publicly traded transportation company (NASDAQ: FWRD) headquartered in Greeneville, TN, founded in 1981. Its brokerage division — estimated at roughly $170 million in gross brokerage revenue — operates alongside the company's asset-based expedited LTL and truckload operations. This hybrid model is unusual: Forward Air brokers freight using third-party carriers but also owns and operates its own expedited LTL network of linehaul routes connecting major airports and freight hubs, giving the brokerage division access to capacity assets that pure-play brokers cannot offer.

Forward Air's primary mode strengths in brokerage are expedited LTL and dry van truckload. The company's airport-to-airport surface network — the core of its asset business — provides an integrated expedited ground service that competes with air freight on time-sensitivity at lower cost. This makes Forward Air brokerage particularly relevant for shippers who move time-critical LTL freight and need faster-than-standard transit times without paying full air freight rates. Drayage is also an active capability, leveraging the company's terminal and hub infrastructure.

For shippers evaluating Forward Air's brokerage division, the strongest use case is expedited LTL freight requiring faster-than-standard transit — particularly for healthcare, retail, and technology shippers who regularly move time-sensitive shipments. Shippers with standard dry van truckload needs will find better capacity breadth at full-service brokers. Forward Air's value proposition is most distinct when expedited transit times or airport proximity are operational requirements.

## Load types

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

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2024

## FMCSA & Licensing

FMCSA MC# and DOT# not confirmed for Forward Air Corporation's brokerage division. Forward Air operates both asset-based and brokerage operations — verify the specific brokering entity's authority at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov before tendering a load.

## Coverage

All 48 contiguous states

**Strongest lanes:**

- Southeast
- Midwest
- Northeast
- Airport-to-Airport

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Unique expedited LTL capability backed by proprietary airport-to-airport surface network — faster transit than standard LTL at lower cost than air freight
- Publicly traded (NASDAQ: FWRD) — financial transparency and accountability that private brokers cannot provide
- Hybrid asset-brokerage model means the brokerage division can access Forward Air's own capacity on expedited lanes
- Strong Southeast and Midwest lane depth from Greeneville, TN headquarters and terminal network
- Drayage capability integrated with terminal network — useful for shippers moving freight through Forward Air hub locations

**Common complaints:**

- Brokerage division is secondary to the asset business — shipper service may be less prioritized than for asset-side customers
- Limited capability in refrigerated, flatbed, and intermodal — not a full-mode alternative to generalist brokers
- No cross-border Mexico or Canada capability — not suitable for international freight needs
- FMCSA verification requires identifying the correct brokering entity separate from asset-based carrier operations
- Less competitive on standard truckload dry van than brokers with deeper carrier networks in that mode

## FAQ

### Is Forward Air licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

Forward Air Corporation operates both asset-based carrier operations and a brokerage division. The brokerage division functions as a licensed freight broker; FMCSA MC# and DOT# for the specific brokering entity are not confirmed in this profile. Verify authority at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching 'Forward Air' before tendering a brokered load. All licensed freight brokers are required to carry a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond or trust fund.

### What types of freight does Forward Air move through its brokerage division?

Forward Air's brokerage division primarily handles expedited LTL and dry van truckload freight. Expedited/air freight is a primary capability, leveraging the company's proprietary airport-to-airport surface network. Standard LTL is an active mode. Drayage is available through terminal locations. Forward Air brokerage does not actively handle refrigerated, flatbed, intermodal, or parcel freight.

### How do Forward Air's brokerage rates compare to other freight brokers?

Forward Air's brokerage pricing is most competitive on expedited LTL lanes where it can leverage its proprietary network — shippers may find Forward Air delivers faster transit at lower cost than pure air freight alternatives. For standard dry van truckload, conventional brokers with broader carrier networks are typically more price-competitive. Use ShipperGuide to benchmark Forward Air against alternatives before committing, especially for expedited LTL moves.

## Best for

Shippers with time-critical LTL freight who need faster-than-standard transit without full air freight costs — particularly healthcare, retail, and technology companies in Southeast and Midwest lanes.

## Compare alternatives

- [Echo Global Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/echo-global-logistics/) — 50,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico (EchoX…
- [MODE Global](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/mode-global/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Cana…
- [BlueGrace Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/bluegrace-logistics/) — 10,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states
- [Redwood Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/redwood-logistics/) — 50,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states
- [AFS Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/afs-logistics/) — Dry Van, LTL · All 48 contiguous states

## 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