# Kenco Group (brokerage)

> 3PL & Freight Broker · Chattanooga, TN · Founded 1950

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

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## Key facts

- Founded 1950 · headquartered in Chattanooga, TN
- Privately held
- Gross revenue: $0.14B (est.) per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van

## About

Kenco Group is a privately held third-party logistics (3PL) provider headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, founded in 1950. Its transportation brokerage division — estimated at approximately $140 million in gross brokerage revenue — operates as part of Kenco's broader supply chain services platform, which includes warehousing, distribution, and logistics management across roughly 5,000 employees and a national facility network. For shippers who already use or are evaluating Kenco for warehousing and distribution, the brokerage division offers an integrated freight option that eliminates the need for a separate brokerage relationship.

Dry van FTL is Kenco's primary brokerage mode, with flatbed and LTL as active secondary offerings. The company's Southeast roots give it strong carrier relationships in Tennessee, Georgia, and the broader Mid-South corridor. Kenco's 3PL infrastructure — meaning its warehouse and distribution center network — provides natural freight density in lanes connecting manufacturing plants to Kenco-managed distribution centers, which strengthens carrier availability for freight moving through those corridors. Managed transportation is an active service offering for shippers who want integrated freight oversight.

For shippers evaluating Kenco brokerage, the strongest use case is for companies that already have or are considering a Kenco 3PL relationship — freight brokerage is most valuable as an integrated layer within the Kenco supply chain platform, not as a standalone transactional broker. Standalone brokerage shippers who need deep carrier network breadth, tech-forward quoting tools, or specialty modes like reefer or intermodal will find better-matched alternatives among dedicated freight brokers.

## Load types

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

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2024

## FMCSA & Licensing

FMCSA MC# and DOT# not confirmed for Kenco Group's brokerage division. Kenco operates multiple logistics entities — 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
- Mid-Atlantic
- Tennessee Corridor

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Integrated 3PL platform — freight brokerage, warehousing, and distribution under one provider simplifies vendor management for eligible shippers
- Seven decades of operational history — institutional carrier relationships and supply chain expertise that newer brokers cannot replicate
- Strong Southeast US lane depth from Chattanooga headquarters and regional warehouse network
- Managed transportation offering for shippers who want outsourced freight oversight integrated with distribution operations
- Warehousing capability creates natural freight density in lanes connecting Kenco-managed facilities, improving carrier availability

**Common complaints:**

- Brokerage is a secondary service within a 3PL — standalone brokerage shippers may receive less prioritized service than integrated 3PL customers
- FMCSA verification requires identifying the correct brokering entity within the Kenco corporate structure
- Limited technology investment in self-serve brokerage tools relative to dedicated freight brokers
- No cross-border capability — not suitable for shippers with Mexico or Canada freight
- Less competitive on thin or irregular lanes outside Southeast and Midwest core geography

## FAQ

### Is Kenco Group licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

Kenco Group's transportation brokerage division operates as a licensed freight broker. FMCSA MC# and DOT# are not confirmed in this profile for the specific brokering entity — verify authority at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching 'Kenco' before tendering a load. Kenco operates multiple logistics entities, so confirming the correct brokering subsidiary is important. All licensed freight brokers are required to carry a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond or trust fund.

### What types of freight does Kenco Group's brokerage division move?

Kenco's brokerage division primarily handles dry van FTL freight. Flatbed and LTL are active secondary modes. Refrigerated and intermodal are available on a limited basis. Kenco does not actively broker air/expedited, bulk/tank, or parcel freight through its brokerage division. The broadest freight management capability is available to shippers engaged in Kenco's full 3PL platform.

### How do Kenco Group's brokerage rates compare to other freight brokers?

Kenco's brokerage rates are most competitive in Southeast and Midwest lanes where its warehouse and distribution network generates natural freight density. For shippers using Kenco's 3PL platform, bundled brokerage pricing may offer cost efficiencies not available in transactional broker relationships. Standalone brokerage shippers should use ShipperGuide to benchmark Kenco's rates against dedicated brokers with deeper carrier networks.

## Best for

Manufacturing and retail shippers already using or evaluating Kenco for warehousing and distribution — the brokerage division adds the most value as part of an integrated 3PL relationship, particularly 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…
- [Redwood Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/redwood-logistics/) — 50,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states
- [BlueGrace Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/bluegrace-logistics/) — 10,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states
- [Arrive Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/arrive-logistics/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · 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