# Spot (Spot Freight)

> Technology-Forward Freight Broker · Indianapolis, IN · Founded 2009

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

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## Key facts

- Founded 2009 · headquartered in Indianapolis, IN
- Privately held
- Gross revenue: $0.25B per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, LTL, Flatbed

## About

Spot Freight is an Indianapolis-based full-service freight broker founded in 2009 that has grown to approximately $250 million in gross brokerage revenue as of 2024. Operating under the simplified brand name 'Spot,' the company brokers dry van FTL, LTL, and flatbed freight with particular strength in Midwest and Southeast lanes. Spot is notable for its technology investment relative to its size — the company offers instant quoting and a robust shipper platform that competes with significantly larger digital-first brokers.

The company's Indianapolis headquarters provides natural freight density at one of the most strategically located freight hubs in North America, with strong carrier relationships across Midwest-to-Southeast, Midwest-to-Northeast, and Midwest-to-Texas corridors. LTL is a meaningful part of Spot's business alongside FTL, giving mid-market shippers a single broker relationship for both truckload and less-than-truckload freight. Managed transportation services are available for shippers looking to outsource freight program management.

For shippers evaluating Spot Freight, the strongest fit is Midwest-centric freight programs that include both FTL and LTL, where the technology-forward platform offers a self-service experience and the Indianapolis location delivers real carrier density. Shippers with heavy reefer, intermodal, or cross-border needs should look at specialists in those modes. Spot's combination of technology investment and relationship-based service quality makes it a strong alternative to both digital-only platforms and pure relationship brokers for mid-market shippers.

## Load types

| Mode | Status |
|---|---|
| Dry Van TL | ● Primary |
| Refrigerated | Limited |
| LTL | ● Primary |
| Intermodal | Limited |
| 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 Spot Freight, 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 in Midwest and Southeast

**Strongest lanes:**

- Midwest to Southeast
- Indianapolis to Southeast
- Midwest to Northeast
- Midwest to Texas

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Technology-forward platform with instant quoting — rare differentiator for a broker at this revenue tier
- Strong Midwest carrier density from an Indianapolis hub — one of the most connected freight locations in the US
- FTL and LTL capability from a single broker — reduces vendor management complexity for mid-market shippers
- Flatbed and heavy haul rounding out the FTL portfolio beyond dry van
- Managed transportation available for shippers wanting program-level freight outsourcing

**Common complaints:**

- Reefer capability is limited — not a strong fit for temperature-controlled freight programs
- No intermodal, cross-border Mexico/Canada, air, or ocean services
- Smaller carrier network than Tier 1 brokers on thin or irregular lanes outside the Midwest
- Less recognized brand nationally than same-revenue brokers with stronger marketing
- Managed transportation scale is smaller than enterprise-focused 3PLs

## FAQ

### Is Spot Freight licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

Spot Freight, 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 'Spot Freight' before tendering a load. All licensed freight brokers carry a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond or trust fund.

### What types of freight does Spot Freight handle?

Spot Freight primarily brokers dry van FTL, LTL, and flatbed freight. Reefer and intermodal are limited. The company does not offer air, ocean, cross-border, or parcel freight. Spot is strongest on Midwest and Southeast FTL and LTL lanes.

### How do Spot Freight's rates compare to other brokers?

Spot Freight is generally competitive on Midwest FTL and LTL lanes. The platform's instant quoting makes it easy to get a fast baseline, but benchmark it against the broader market on ShipperGuide — comparing 50+ brokers in under a minute gives you confidence you're getting a market rate.

## Best for

Mid-market shippers with Midwest-centric FTL and LTL freight who want a technology-forward broker with instant quoting and dedicated account support.

## Compare alternatives

- [Loadsmart / ShipperGuide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/loadsmart-shipperguide/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Inte…
- [Strive Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/strive-logistics/) — Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states, with strongest…
- [Arrive Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/arrive-logistics/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico
- [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…
- [AFN (Advantage Freight Network)](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/afn-advantage-freight/) — Dry Van, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states, with strongest…

## 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