Key facts
- Founded 1991 · headquartered in Cranberry Township, PA
- Privately held
- FMCSA broker authority: ACTIVE (MC-247621)
- #28 on the Transport Topics Top 100 (2026)
- Gross revenue: $915M per Transport Topics 2026
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, Flatbed
About PLS Logistics Services
PLS Logistics Services is a flatbed and heavy haul freight broker founded in 1991 and headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. PLS built its reputation by developing deep expertise in open-deck freight — flatbed, step deck, lowboy, and specialized equipment — serving the construction, manufacturing, steel, and industrial sectors that are concentrated in the PA–Ohio–Southeast manufacturing corridor. Today the company is consistently ranked among the top flatbed brokers in the Transport Topics Top 100.
PLS differentiates through expertise in complex loads: oversized and overweight freight requiring state permits, pilot car escorts, route surveys, and specialized equipment. This operational depth makes PLS a strong partner for shippers moving construction materials, industrial machinery, steel coil, wind energy components, and other freight that generalist brokers often handle poorly. Dry van and LTL brokerage round out the offering for shippers with mixed load profiles. Cross-border coverage extends to both Mexico and Canada.
The company operates PLS PRO, a shipper-facing technology platform for load tendering, tracking, and reporting, with EDI and API integration for enterprise accounts. While PLS competes against both large national brokers and regional flatbed specialists, its carrier network depth in open-deck equipment — particularly owner-operators running flatbed in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic — gives it a structural advantage on the freight types it specializes in.
Listing assembled from public records (FMCSA Li-Public, Transport Topics, company website). Are you PLS Logistics Services? Claim this profile →
Load Types Transport Topics Top 100
FMCSA & Licensing FMCSA Li-Public
Coverage
All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Canada
Strongest Lanes
Pros & Cons
- One of the top flatbed and heavy haul brokers in North America — deep expertise in open-deck freight requirements
- Strong capability in permits, pilot car escorts, and oversized/overweight load compliance
- Extensive flatbed carrier network in Southeast and Mid-Atlantic markets where industrial freight concentrates
- Cross-border coverage to both Mexico and Canada for shippers with international flatbed needs
- PLS PRO platform provides dedicated shipper portal with tracking and EDI/API integration
- No refrigerated/reefer service — not suitable for temperature-controlled freight
- Limited intermodal or air freight capability — primarily a surface transport specialist
- Carrier network depth outside core flatbed lanes (Southeast, Mid-Atlantic) can be thinner
- Smaller scale than Tier 1 brokers — enterprise shippers needing national multi-mode coverage under one provider may need a supplemental broker relationship
Compare Alternatives
Select 2 brokers, then click Compare Side-by-Side to view load types, FMCSA data, coverage, and ratings head-to-head.
FAQ
Is PLS Logistics Services licensed and bonded as a freight broker?
PLS Logistics Services holds active FMCSA broker authority under Pittsburgh Logistics Systems, Inc. (MC-247621 / DOT 598698) with a $75,000 BMC-85 trust fund (not the more common BMC-84 surety) on file with Pacific Financial Association.
What types of freight does PLS Logistics move?
Per Transport Topics' Top 100, PLS Logistics primarily brokers flatbed/heavy haul and dry van TL, with LTL as an active service line. Oversized and overweight loads requiring permits and pilot escorts are its defining specialty. No refrigerated, intermodal, or air.
How do PLS Logistics rates compare to other flatbed brokers?
PLS's Southeast and Mid-Atlantic flatbed network can deliver competitive capacity on oversized or specialized loads that generalists struggle to cover. For standard dry van, larger brokers may price better. Benchmark quotes via ShipperGuide before committing.