# Tallgrass Freight Co.

> Agent-Network Freight Broker · Shawnee, KS · Founded 2012

**Canonical URL:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/tallgrass-freight-co/
**Markdown source:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/tallgrass-freight-co/index.md
**Last updated:** 2026-05-08

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## Key facts

- Founded 2012 · headquartered in Shawnee, KS
- Privately held
- FMCSA broker authority: **ACTIVE** (MC-803256)
- #89 on Transport Topics Top 100 (2026)
- Gross revenue: $0.17B per Transport Topics 2026
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, LTL

## About

Tallgrass Freight Co. is a Shawnee, Kansas-based agent-network freight broker founded in 2012 by Damon Anderson and headquartered in the Kansas City suburb of Shawnee. The company ranked #89 on the 2026 Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerage Firms list with $170 million in gross revenue and $11 million in net revenue (6.5% net margin). Tallgrass is privately held and operates with an explicit philosophy of helping freight agents follow an entrepreneurial path under an established broker authority and infrastructure.

Per Transport Topics 2026, Tallgrass moves dry van truckload and LTL as primary modes, with active reefer, intermodal, flatbed/heavy haul, and air/expedited capability. The company's offerings span less-than-truckload, full truckload, flatbed, intermodal, rail, expedited, white-glove, and temperature-controlled shipping. The Kansas City metro location provides natural Midwest density, and the agent network extends national reach through independently owned freight agent businesses.

For shippers evaluating Tallgrass Freight, the strongest fit is mid-market shipper programs that benefit from agent-level relationships backed by broker-authority infrastructure — particularly Midwest, Kansas City corridor, and transcontinental dry van and LTL freight. Shippers wanting a single national-account team or digital-first broker may find direct-employee broker models a closer match. Tallgrass' value is the independent-agent service model with a TT-Top-100 broker behind it.

## Load types

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

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2026

## FMCSA & Licensing

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| MC Number | MC-803256 |
| USDOT Number | USDOT 2354083 |
| Broker Authority | ● ACTIVE |
| Surety Bond | $75,000 BMC-84 · Required |

Verify status: https://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov

## Coverage

All 48 contiguous states via independent freight agent network

**Strongest lanes:**

- Kansas City Corridor
- Midwest → East Coast
- Midwest → Southeast
- Midwest → West Coast

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Strong Midwest / Kansas City corridor density from Shawnee KS HQ
- Multi-modal mode mix including LTL, intermodal, flatbed, expedited, and white-glove
- Agent-network business model — relationship-based service at the agent level
- Established broker authority infrastructure backing independent agents
- Top-100 broker per Transport Topics 2026 — credible scale for mid-market shippers

**Common complaints:**

- 6.5% net margin per Transport Topics 2026 — at the lower end of the top 100
- Service consistency varies by individual freight agent — quality is decentralized
- No cross-border Mexico/Canada, ocean, customs brokerage, drayage, or parcel services
- Less brand visibility with shippers than larger W-2-employee brokers
- Bond surety carrier and effective date pending FMCSA L&I verification — see verificationNote

## FAQ

### Is Tallgrass Freight Co. licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

Tallgrass Freight Company holds active FMCSA broker authority MC-803256 / USDOT 2354083, registered at 6800 Hilltop Road Suite 202, Shawnee, KS 66226. Verify current bond status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov before tendering a load.

### What types of freight does Tallgrass Freight move?

Per Transport Topics 2026, Tallgrass moves dry van truckload and LTL as primary modes, with active reefer, intermodal, flatbed, and air/expedited. Offerings also include rail, white-glove, and temperature-controlled shipping through the agent network.

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

Tallgrass reports 6.5% net margin per Transport Topics 2026 — at the lower end of the top 100, consistent with an agent-network model. Pricing is set agent-by-agent. Strongest pricing typically on Midwest and Kansas City lanes. Benchmark on ShipperGuide before committing.

## Best for

Mid-market shippers with dry van, LTL, intermodal, or flatbed freight in the Midwest and Kansas City corridor who value relationship-based service from an independent agent backed by an established TT-Top-100 broker authority.

## Compare alternatives

- [Loadsmart / ShipperGuide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/loadsmart-shipperguide/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Inte…
- [Freight Tec Management Group](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/freight-tec-management-group/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states via independent…
- [Ryan Transportation Service](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/ryan-transportation-service/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico
- [Logistic Dynamics (LDi)](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/logistic-dynamics/) — Dry Van, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Cross-border…
- [Sunset Transportation](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/sunset-transportation/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL · All 48 contiguous states

## 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
