# Loadsmart / ShipperGuide

> Technology-First Freight Broker · Chicago, IL · Founded 2014

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

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## Key facts

- Founded 2014 · headquartered in Chicago, IL
- Privately held
- Gross revenue: $0.28B per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal, Flatbed

## About

Loadsmart is a Chicago-based technology-first freight broker and logistics platform founded in 2014. The company operates ShipperGuide, a shipper-facing TMS and instant rate platform that provides real-time quoting across FTL, LTL, reefer, flatbed, and intermodal freight with no volume minimums. Loadsmart generated approximately $280 million in gross brokerage revenue in 2024 and has positioned itself as the digital alternative to traditional relationship-based brokers — offering instant pricing, TMS connectivity, and a self-service model that appeals to both high-volume shippers and mid-market companies.

The ShipperGuide platform is Loadsmart's core differentiator: it gives shippers a single interface to manage spot quoting, RFP benchmarking, and load tracking across all major modes. Deep TMS integrations with SAP, Oracle, MercuryGate, and others allow shippers to book freight directly from their existing logistics workflows without switching tools. Intermodal is a notable strength — Loadsmart has invested in rail and intermodal capacity that competes effectively on long-haul lanes where carriers want FTL rates but intermodal can deliver significant cost savings.

For shippers evaluating Loadsmart and ShipperGuide, the strongest fit is a mid-market or enterprise shipper who wants instant pricing across multiple modes, no minimum volume commitments, and a technology-first experience that connects to their existing TMS. Cross-border Mexico capability rounds out the domestic freight portfolio. The platform's ability to benchmark spot rates against contract rates in real time makes it particularly valuable for shippers running regular RFPs or managing rate variance.

## Load types

| Mode | Status |
|---|---|
| Dry Van TL | ● Primary |
| Refrigerated | ● Primary |
| LTL | ● Primary |
| Intermodal | ● Primary |
| Flatbed | ● Primary |
| 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 Loadsmart, Inc. Verify current broker authority status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching the legal entity name before tendering a load.

## Coverage

All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Intermodal nationwide

**Strongest lanes:**

- Chicago to Southeast
- Midwest to West Coast
- Texas Corridor
- US-Mexico

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- ShipperGuide platform delivers instant quoting across FTL, LTL, reefer, flatbed, and intermodal with no minimums
- Deep TMS integrations (SAP, Oracle, MercuryGate, McLeod) enable freight booking without leaving existing workflows
- Strong intermodal capability — competitive alternative to FTL on long-haul lanes
- Rate benchmarking tools allow shippers to compare spot vs. contract rates in real time
- No volume minimums — accessible to mid-market shippers and enterprises alike

**Common complaints:**

- Smaller carrier network than Tier 1 brokers (C.H. Robinson, TQL) on thin or unusual lanes
- No air freight, ocean, or cross-border Canada coverage
- Less human account management depth than high-service full-service brokers for complex freight programs
- Intermodal service quality depends on rail network conditions outside Loadsmart's control
- Brand recognition lower than legacy brokers — may require more vetting for first-time freight buyers

## FAQ

### Is Loadsmart licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

Loadsmart, Inc. operates as a licensed freight broker. FMCSA MC# and DOT# are not confirmed in this profile — verify current broker authority status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching 'Loadsmart' before tendering a load. All licensed freight brokers carry a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond or trust fund.

### What types of freight does Loadsmart / ShipperGuide handle?

Loadsmart brokers dry van FTL, LTL, refrigerated/reefer, flatbed, and intermodal freight across the 48 contiguous states and Mexico. Instant quoting is available across all five modes via the ShipperGuide platform. Air freight, ocean, and parcel are not offered.

### How do Loadsmart's freight rates compare to other brokers?

Loadsmart's instant pricing on ShipperGuide is designed to reflect real market rates across carrier options. Because ShipperGuide aggregates rates from Loadsmart's own carrier network and third parties, you can compare Loadsmart alongside other brokers on the same platform before booking — giving you a transparent market benchmark without additional research.

## Best for

Mid-market and enterprise shippers wanting instant multi-modal quoting (FTL, LTL, reefer, flatbed, intermodal) with TMS integration and no volume minimums.

## 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…
- [Transfix](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/transfix/) — Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states
- [Flock Freight](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/flock-freight/) — Dry Van, LTL · All 48 contiguous states (shared trucklo…
- [Redwood Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/redwood-logistics/) — 50,000+ 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