# Shipwell

> TMS & Freight Brokerage Platform · Austin, TX · Founded 2016

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

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## Key facts

- Founded 2016 · headquartered in Austin, TX
- Privately held
- Gross revenue: $0.085B (est.) per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van

## About

Shipwell is an Austin, Texas-based freight technology company and broker founded in 2016. With an estimated $85 million in gross brokerage revenue, Shipwell has built a business model that combines TMS software with freight brokerage — a strategy that directly targets shippers who are tired of managing their TMS and their broker as separate relationships. The Shipwell Platform gives small and mid-market shippers access to TMS-grade capabilities (carrier selection, tendering, tracking, reporting) without the enterprise price tag, with Shipwell's own brokerage capacity available when contracted carrier networks fall short.

Shipwell's brokerage core strengths are dry van FTL and LTL, with active flatbed coverage. Texas and the Southwest are the home-base geography, with national reach across all 48 states. The platform's API-first architecture is designed for shippers who want to connect freight management into their broader tech stack — ERP, e-commerce platforms, and order management systems are common integration targets. Mobile app availability is a practical differentiator for operations teams that manage freight from the field rather than only from a desk.

For shippers evaluating Shipwell, the primary question is whether the TMS-plus-brokerage model fits their operation. Shipwell is most compelling for SMB and growing mid-market shippers who currently lack a proper TMS, ship primarily dry van and LTL, and want to consolidate carrier management and spot brokerage into a single platform rather than managing them separately. Large shippers with existing enterprise TMS investments will see less incremental value from the platform layer. Refrigerated, intermodal, and cross-border capabilities are not primary strengths.

## Load types

| Mode | Status |
|---|---|
| Dry Van TL | ● Primary |
| Refrigerated | Limited |
| LTL | ✓ Active |
| Intermodal | Not offered |
| 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 Shipwell, 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

**Strongest lanes:**

- Texas → Southeast
- Texas → Midwest
- National dry van FTL
- Southwest → East Coast
- Texas Triangle

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Integrated TMS + brokerage platform — shippers manage contracted carriers and spot brokerage in one system rather than two separate relationships
- Instant quoting for spot loads — competitive rates surfaced immediately without a call to a rep
- Mobile app available — practical for operations teams managing freight from warehouses or remote locations
- API-first architecture enables deep integration with ERP, e-commerce, and order management systems
- Active LTL and flatbed alongside dry van FTL — covers the three modes most relevant to SMB and mid-market shippers

**Common complaints:**

- Founded 2016 — less market cycle experience than established brokers; performance in severe capacity crunches is less proven
- No refrigerated, intermodal, or cross-border capability — shippers with reefer or Mexico/Canada needs must use separate providers
- TMS value diminishes for shippers who already have an enterprise TMS investment — double platform cost with no clear winner
- At ~$85M estimated gross revenue, Shipwell's carrier network is smaller than national brokers — may struggle on thin or non-standard lanes in tight markets
- No air/expedited capability for time-critical shipments outside standard FTL/LTL

## FAQ

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

Shipwell, 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 'Shipwell Inc' before tendering a load. All licensed freight brokers are required to carry a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond or trust fund.

### What types of freight does Shipwell move?

Per Transport Topics' Top 100 Freight Brokerage Firms report, Shipwell primarily brokers dry van FTL, with active LTL and flatbed capability. Refrigerated is limited. Shipwell does not actively cover intermodal, air/expedited, bulk/tank, or parcel freight. The brokerage operates as part of an integrated TMS + brokerage platform, making it most useful for shippers managing multiple carriers and modes in one system.

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

Shipwell provides instant quoting for spot loads through the platform — rates are visible before booking without a rep conversation. For dry van FTL and LTL, Shipwell's rates are competitive for standard lanes. The platform value compounds when you factor in TMS cost savings from consolidated carrier and broker management. Benchmark Shipwell spot quotes against ShipperGuide's 50+ broker network to ensure you're seeing the full market.

## Best for

SMB and growing mid-market shippers moving dry van FTL, LTL, or flatbed who currently lack a proper TMS and want to consolidate carrier management and spot brokerage into a single API-connected platform — particularly shippers integrating freight into e-commerce or ERP workflows.

## Compare alternatives

- [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…
- [Emerge (Freight Procurement)](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/emerge-freight/) — Dry Van, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states
- [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…
- [Flexport](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/flexport/) — Dry Van, LTL, Intermodal, Air/Expedited · All 48 contiguous states · International…

## 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